Self-Centering Composite Belleville Spring for Subsea Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Belleville-type springs used in subsea applications face issues such as corrosion, embrittlement due to hydrogen from cathodic protection, and require additional elements for self-centering, increasing equipment size and costs.
Innovation Solution
A spring system comprising a cylindrical and a partially cylindrical Belleville-type spring with double curvature, allowing self-centering without additional elements, manufactured from composite materials to address corrosion and size issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Belleville-type springs are used in subsea applications, then high elastic potential energy storage capacity is achieved, but corrosion and embrittlement occur due to hydrogen from cathodic protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (specifically carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrices) to manufacture the Belleville-type springs, replacing traditional metallic materials. This composite construction provides high strength and elastic potential energy storage capacity while being inherently resistant to corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement from cathodic protection systems in subsea environments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional elements are added for self-centering, then assembly stability is improved, but equipment size and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the spring assembly by configuring springs with different curvature radii (first spring with radius R1, second spring with radius R2 where R1 ≠ R2). This asymmetric configuration creates a self-centering effect during compression, where the springs naturally align themselves without requiring additional centering elements, thereby maintaining assembly stability while reducing equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system performs self-centering through its own structural characteristics during compression. The asymmetric curvature design causes the springs to automatically align and center themselves as they compress, eliminating the need for separate self-centering mechanisms or additional elements, thus reducing equipment size and production costs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Belleville-type springs are used in subsea applications, then high elastic potential energy storage is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials (carbon fiber reinforced polymers) to manufacture the Belleville-type springs. These composite materials provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the springs to store high elastic potential energy while maintaining significantly reduced weight compared to traditional metallic spring materials, thus addressing the weight constraint in subsea applications.
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 self-centering Belleville-type spring system with composite materials reduces equipment size, eliminates corrosion, and simplifies assembly, enhancing reliability and reducing production and transportation costs in subsea applications.
Implementation Method 1
One property of this class of springs is the high capacity to store elastic potential energy with little deflection
Data Source
AI summary
Spring systems for subsea applications and equipment projects for the oil and gas industry are preferably manufactured from composite materials and include at least one pair of springs consisting of a first spring component and a second spring component, mounted so as to offer a first central contact region and double curvature and rebound areas forming a coupling. The pair of springs are thus, self-centering.