Bend Stiffener Assembly with Self-Actuating Ball Securing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for underwater elongate members, such as umbilicals and pipes, face challenges in providing sufficient bend stiffening while requiring expensive and dangerous diver intervention for securement, especially at greater depths.
Innovation Solution
A connector with an elongate bend stiffening portion and a securing portion featuring radially displaceable ball members that engage self-actively with the I-tube, allowing for quick and easy securement without diver intervention, utilizing a mechanism like an actuating sleeve with inclined ramp surfaces to project balls into engagement with the I-tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional frusto-conical bend stiffener is secured to the I-tube using bolts and nuts, then bend stiffening performance is improved, but the securing operation requires diver intervention which is expensive and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with self-securing capabilities through spring-loaded securing members that automatically engage with the I-tube when the connector is inserted, eliminating the need for diver intervention to install bolts and nuts while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system using bolts, nuts, and threads is replaced with a spring-loaded expanding mechanism where securing members are urged outward by spring force to engage with the I-tube wall, simplifying the securing operation
2Strength
If a conventional frusto-conical bend stiffener is used, then bend stiffening capability is enhanced, but the securing process becomes complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the bend stiffening function and the securing function into a single unified component. The frusto-conical bend stiffener is combined with an integrated securing mechanism featuring spring-loaded members that engage with the I-tube, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, and flanges
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides bend stiffening through its frusto-conical shape, secures itself to the I-tube through spring-loaded members, and guides the elongate member through its central passage, reducing the need for multiple separate components
3Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the operation time and cost increase due to diver intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The securing members are pre-loaded with spring force in a compressed state within the connector body. When the connector is inserted into the I-tube, the spring force automatically urges the securing members outward to engage with the I-tube wall, performing the securing action in advance without requiring subsequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs its own securing operation through the spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages with the I-tube upon insertion, eliminating the need for external diver intervention and significantly reducing operation time and cost
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The connector provides enhanced bend stiffening capabilities while enabling rapid and safe securement in underwater environments, reducing the need for diver involvement and improving operational feasibility at greater depths.
Implementation Method 1
The connector comprises spring means for urging the actuating member in one direction. The spring means preferably urge the actuating member in the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) for securing an elongate member such as an umbilical (12) a female receiving member such as an I-tube (14), has an elongate bend stiffening portion (25) and a securing portion (26) connected to the bend stiffening portion and continuous passage (36) extends through the bend stiffening portion and the securing portion. The securing portion has one or more securing members (e.g. steel balls (40)) displaceable radially outwardly into engagement with the inner face of the tube, thereby securing the connector to the I-tube.