Buoyancy Clamp Assembly With Resilient Pipe-Grip Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buoyancy clamp assemblies for subsea pipes face challenges in reducing tension loads and accommodating variations in pipe size and shape due to temperature changes and fluid pressure, often requiring complex torque application and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy clamp assembly featuring profiled arcuate members with discrete resilient members that diverge from a hollow base, providing a concave engagement face and allowing for deformation to securely clamp onto pipes without needing high torque, along with engagement members to prevent twisting and buoyancy arrangements for added support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clamping arrangements are used on subsea pipes, then the clamp can be applied to the pipe, but the clamp cannot adequately accommodate variations in pipe size and shape due to temperature and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient members with concave engagement faces that act as flexible elements, allowing the clamping arrangement to adapt to variations in pipe size and shape while maintaining secure contact. These resilient members can deform to accommodate thermal expansion and pressure-induced shape changes of the pipe, ensuring reliable clamping throughout operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in the physical state and properties of materials, specifically the elastic deformation of resilient members under varying temperature and pressure conditions. The concave engagement faces are designed to maintain optimal contact pressure through parameter changes in the resilient material, accommodating pipe variations without compromising clamping reliability.
2Strength
If high torque is applied to secure the clamp, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the equipment complexity and torque application requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex high-torque mechanical fastening systems with a resilient clamping mechanism. The resilient members with concave engagement faces generate sufficient clamping force through elastic deformation and geometric design, eliminating the need for complex torque application equipment and high-strength fasteners while maintaining adequate clamping strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static high-torque fastening to a dynamic resilient clamping system. The resilient members continuously adapt to pipe variations through elastic deformation, maintaining optimal clamping force without requiring high initial torque application or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the clamp design is simplified, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain consistent pressure on varying pipe surfaces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing concave engagement faces on the resilient members that are specifically shaped to match pipe curvature. This localized geometric feature ensures consistent pressure distribution across the pipe surface while keeping the overall clamp structure simple and modular, avoiding complex pressure adjustment mechanisms.
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 assembly effectively reduces tension loads on subsea pipes by providing a secure, adaptable clamping mechanism that maintains consistent pressure despite pipe variations, reduces equipment complexity, and allows for modular configurations with varying buoyancy materials.
Implementation Method 1
each of the arcuate members including a plurality of discrete resilient members on their inner faces which are deformably engageable against a pipe when the clamping arrangement is clamped onto the pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamping arrangement (10) of a buoyancy clamp assembly. The arrangement (10) includes three identical arcuate members (12) engageable together to define a ring. Each of the arcuate members (12) has three discrete resilient members (14) engageable on for instance a pipe (68). Engagement members (42) are provided extendable between adjacent pair of arcuate members (12) to prevent relative twisting of adjacent arcuate members (12).