Cable Head Connector Bevel Seal for High-Pressure Double Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure cable head connectors for downhole applications require complex structures with multiple sealing rings, which increase the risk of failure and complicate assembly, especially in offshore environments where user qualification is a concern, and fail to provide reliable double metal seals against both external and internal pressures.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector design utilizing radially deformed bevel springs that compress to create a resilient seal between a cable head housing and a metal or hard-surfaced cable, providing dual metal-to-metal seals through radial deformation and elastic stress without intermediate parts, allowing for easy assembly and reduced risk of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealing rings are used to provide double pressure barriers, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and risk of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single resilient metal bevel seal element. This single component provides both the first pressure barrier against the housing and the second pressure barrier against the cable, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealing rings and reducing structural complexity while maintaining dual sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient metal bevel seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the first seal against the housing, creates the second seal against the cable, and provides radial deformation capability. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts needed while achieving the required double pressure barriers.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing rings are used to ensure double pressure barriers, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sealing rings into a single resilient metal bevel seal, the assembly process is simplified. The single component can be installed in one operation without the need to separately position and secure multiple sealing rings, thereby improving ease of assembly while maintaining dual sealing capability.
3Strength
If force is distributed to avoid deforming pipe material, then cable integrity is preserved, but sealing force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient metal bevel seal applies localized radial deformation force at the sealing interface between the housing and cable. This concentrated local force achieves effective sealing without requiring distributed force that would be insufficient, while the controlled deformation maintains cable integrity through the resilient nature of the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the resilient properties of the metal bevel seal to dynamically adjust the sealing force. The seal deforms radially to create sufficient contact pressure for sealing while springing back to maintain cable integrity, effectively changing the force parameter locally at the sealing interface without compromising overall cable strength.
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 solution achieves reliable double seals against high pressure and high temperature conditions, minimizing the risk of failure and simplifying assembly while maintaining high-pressure integrity, with the added redundancy of two sealing barriers ensuring consistent sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
ring shaped bevel springs that are compressed to a predetermined deflection, generating a sealing stress by the resilient bevel spring seal shape
Implementation Method 2
forcing the sealing ring both outward into the connector housing and inward to the cable surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing cable connector device for high-pressure applications includes a first connector part and a second connector part including an axial channel for allowing a cable to extend, the first connector part having a cylindrical channel with a radially oriented inner surface and the second connector part being adapted to be introduced into said channel and having a corresponding shape in the radial direction, said second connector part having a radially oriented front end surface, the first and second connector parts including locking means being adapted to applying an axial force and lock the parts together after connecting. At least one spring bevel ring is positioned at the inner surface in said cavity having radial dimensions corresponding to radial dimensions of the cavity between the cable and outer walls of the cavity.