Cable Connection Apparatus with Pivot Latch for Subsea Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection apparatus for flexible elongate members, such as cables, in subsea environments like marine wind turbines and oil rigs, fail to provide sufficient protection and are difficult to connect and disconnect, especially under tidal and wave movement.
Innovation Solution
A connection apparatus featuring a cylindrical hollow body with a diverging mouth, a pivotally mounted latch member, and a mounting member with a resilient member to securely engage and disengage the cable, incorporating a removable pivot pin and a flexible mounting member to ensure protection and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a latch member is pivotally mounted on the hollow body to enable selective engagement and disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is pivotally mounted on the hollow body, allowing it to rotate between an engagement position (where the latch part extends into the body) and a disengagement position (where the latch part is clear of the mounting member). This dynamic configuration enables easy connection and disconnection operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If a resilient member is added to urge the latch part into the mounting member, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient member is provided on the latch member that urges the latch part into the mounting member. This self-actuating mechanism automatically ensures reliable engagement without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the latch part is positioned on one side of the pivot formation with the resilient member on the other side, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch part is positioned on one side of the pivot formation, while the resilient member is positioned on the other side. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the mechanical leverage for manual operation, making it easier to pivot the latch member between engagement and disengagement positions, while the increased geometric complexity is minimal and localized to the latch component itself.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal member is provided to prevent moisture ingress, then the protection of the cable is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is provided within the hollow body that engages with the mounting member to prevent moisture ingress. This sealing arrangement uses a relatively simple flexible sealing element (such as an O-ring or gasket) that provides effective protection against subsea environmental conditions while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
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 apparatus provides secure and protected connection of cables to structures like J tubes, with a seal to prevent moisture ingress and allows for easy disconnection when needed, ensuring durability and usability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member on the other side of the pivot formation urging the latch part into the mounting member
Implementation Method 2
A seal member may be provided on the hollow body against which seal member the mounting member engages when fully in the mounting member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connection apparatus (10) for mounting a cable to a structure such as a wind turbine or oil rig. The apparatus (10) comprising a receiving member (14) comprising a hollow body with a diverging mouth, a latch member (22) movably mounted on the outside of the receiving member (14) with a latch part (24) extending into the receiving member (14). A mounting member (16) is provided which mounts the cable extending therethrough. The mounting member (16) is selectively locatable in the receiving member (14) with the latch part (24) engaging with a retaining formation in the form of a groove (56) to retain the mounting member (16) in the receiving member (14) and hence retain the cable mounted to the structure.