Bend Restrictor Segment With Rotatable Outer Fixing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bend restrictor segments require a large number of components and a time-consuming installation process, leading to increased handling time and costs due to the need for individual bolt tightening before adding subsequent segments.
Innovation Solution
A bend restrictor segment design featuring a fixing assembly with a bolt rotatably connected to the outer circumferential edge, allowing for easier assembly with unfettered access to fixing points, reducing the number of parts and enabling simultaneous installation of multiple segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bend restrictor segments with multiple bolts are used, then the connection strength between segments is improved, but the installation time and handling complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bend restrictor is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then connected together. Each segment contains a portion of the fixing assembly, allowing modular installation around the elongate member without requiring complete disassembly or complex sequential fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tightening all bolts before adding the next segment (traditional approach), the invention allows segments to be added first and then all fixings to be accessed and tightened from the outer surface afterward. This inverts the sequence of operations to improve efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure each bend restrictor segment, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the number of components and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing assembly components (bolts, bars, cavities) are integrated directly into the segment body portions during manufacturing. This merging of components reduces the total number of separate parts that need to be handled and assembled, while maintaining the multi-bolt connection strength and reliability.
3Strength
If bolts are positioned in the neck portion for connecting segments, then the structural integrity is improved, but the accessibility for fastening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing assembly is designed so that bolts extend through bars that are positioned in cavities on the outer circumferential surface of the segment. This spatial arrangement allows all fastening operations to be performed from the outer surface dimension, making them easily accessible while maintaining structural integrity through the multi-bolt configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~6c
AI summary
A bend restrictor segment (500) for defining a minimum radius of curvature of a portion of an elongate member. The bend restrictor segment comprises a first body portion (502) and a further body portion (504). The first and further body portions are connectable to form an annular body. The first body portion further comprises a fixing assembly (510) on an outer circumferential edge (508) of the first body portion, for connecting the first and further body portions together, the fixing assembly being integrally connected with the first body portion.