Boltless Valve Bonnet Connector for Faster Wellhead Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve assembly connection methods, particularly in mineral recovery wells, are time-consuming and costly due to the use of bolts and mechanical fasteners, which are regulated by industry standards like API 6A, and prone to defects and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector system using a series of lugs and spaces to couple valve components without bolts, allowing for axial alignment to block movement and reduce assembly time, incorporating environmental seals to prevent fluid leakage, and simplifying machining processes by eliminating bolt holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts and mechanical fasteners are used to join valve components, then connection strength and reliability are improved, but assembly time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bolts and mechanical fasteners from the valve assembly connection system, replacing them with a quick-connect mechanism using lugs and recesses that enable tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into modular components (valve body, bonnet, actuator) with standardized quick-connect interfaces using lugs and recesses, allowing rapid assembly and disassembly without compromising structural integrity
2Strength
If bolts and mechanical fasteners are used to join valve components, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates bolts, nuts, and other mechanical fasteners from the connection system, replacing them with an integrated quick-connect mechanism using lugs and recesses that reduces both component count and assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism merges the functions of alignment, connection, and sealing into a single integrated system where lugs fit into recesses with built-in sealing surfaces, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and gaskets
3Reliability
If bolt holes are machined in valve components, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for machined bolt holes from valve components, replacing them with molded or cast recesses and protruding lugs that provide equivalent connection functionality with simpler manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface transitions from requiring precise machined holes to using geometric features (lugs and recesses) that can be formed through less complex manufacturing methods such as molding or casting, while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly also includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator and a valve body coupled to the bonnet, the bonnet arranged between at least a portion of the actuator and the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a quick connector adapted to couple the bonnet to the valve body. The quick connector includes a plurality of bonnet lugs separated by a plurality of spaces, the plurality of bonnet lugs extending radially outward from an axis. The quick connector also includes a plurality of valve body lugs configured to interact with the plurality of bonnet lugs, the plurality of bonnet lugs being arranged to axially align with the plurality of valve body lugs to block axial movement of the bonnet with respect to the valve body.