Circumferential Lock Ring Drives Dog for Compact Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for resource extraction systems have a significant longitudinal extent, leading to increased weight and cost due to the need for thick components to resist bending loads, and require actuators that move along a longitudinal axis, further complicating the design.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a dog with teeth and a lock ring where the lock ring is disposed about the dog along a circumferential axis, allowing the dog to be driven to a locked position through rotation of the lock ring, reducing the longitudinal extent and weight of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector assembly uses a traditional actuator design with longitudinal movement, then the locking mechanism can be achieved, but the longitudinal extent and weight of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal actuation to circumferential actuation. The lock ring rotates about the circumferential axis to drive the dog, rather than moving actuators along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change reduces the longitudinal extent and allows more compact component arrangement, thereby reducing overall assembly weight while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the actuator moving linearly along the longitudinal axis to drive the locking mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by using rotational movement of the lock ring about the circumferential axis. This inversion of the actuation direction enables a more compact design with reduced longitudinal dimensions and weight.
2Reliability
If the connector assembly increases longitudinal extent to accommodate actuator motion, then the locking function is achieved, but the assembly height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the actuation mechanism from the longitudinal dimension to the circumferential dimension. The lock ring rotates about the circumferential axis, and this rotational motion drives the dog to the locked position through cam surfaces. This eliminates the need for significant longitudinal travel, thereby reducing assembly height and complexity while achieving the same locking function.
3Strength
If thick components are used to resist bending loads, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and cost of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the actuation from longitudinal to circumferential, the patent reduces the longitudinal extent of the assembly. This reduction in span length decreases the bending moments and shear forces experienced by the components, allowing for thinner, lighter components while maintaining adequate strength to resist bending loads.
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
This design reduces the size, weight, and cost of the connector assembly by allowing longitudinal forces to be directly transmitted through the dog, eliminating the need for thick components and minimizing the assembly's height, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
One of the dog or the lock ring includes a cam surface, the other of the dog or the lock ring includes a driver, and the driver is configured to move along the cam surface in response to rotation of the lock ring and/or the dog along the circumferential axis to drive the dog to the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for multiple components includes a dog having an engagement feature configured to engage a first component while the dog is in a locked position. The connector assembly also includes a lock ring disposed about the dog along a circumferential axis of the connector assembly. One of the dog or the lock ring includes a cam surface, the other of the dog or the lock ring includes a driver, and the driver is configured to move along the cam surface in response to rotation of the lock ring and/or the dog along the circumferential axis to drive the dog to the locked position.