Threaded Connector Anti-Rotation Pin for Zero-Clearance Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-rotation devices for threaded connector assemblies in offshore oil and gas drilling require significant time and force to install, often necessitating hammering and slight rotation of threaded portions to engage the key, leading to potential misalignment and different torque settings than desired.
Innovation Solution
The anti-rotation device includes a pin or elongated feature that is driven through both threaded portions using an installation tool, guided by pilot holes and grooves, eliminating the need for rotational clearance and reducing installation time, with features like grooves and tabs ensuring secure engagement without rotational gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing anti-rotation keys are designed to interface very closely with the connector assembly to fill a recess, then the connection is secured against rotation, but the keys become difficult to position and require hammering with large amounts of force
Solution Approach 1:
Pilot holes are pre-formed in the connector assembly at the correct positions and angles before the anti-rotation keys are installed. This preliminary action guides the keys into proper alignment without requiring forceful hammering, while still achieving secure anti-rotation engagement when the keys are driven through the pilot holes into the recesses.
2Reliability
If existing anti-rotation keys are positioned in recesses and then the pin and box are rotated slightly to energize the key, then the key engages with the connector assembly, but the connection is secured at a different torque than the initial desired make-up torque
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot holes are pre-formed at the exact positions where the anti-rotation keys need to engage, eliminating the need for subsequent rotation to energize the keys. This allows the connector assembly to be secured at the precise desired make-up torque without any additional rotational adjustment, maintaining torque precision while ensuring reliable key engagement.
3Reliability
If the anti-rotation device requires hammering and rotational alignment, then the key can be engaged with the connector assembly, but significant time and energy are consumed in the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
Pilot holes are pre-formed in the connector assembly before key installation, providing a predetermined path that guides the anti-rotation keys into proper engagement positions. This eliminates the need for time-consuming hammering and rotational alignment operations, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable key engagement with the connector assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved anti-rotation device and connector assembly designed to prevent rotation of a first threaded portion of the connector assembly with respect to a second threaded portion of the connector assembly is provided. The anti-rotation device and connector assembly include features that guide and smooth the transition of the anti-rotation device into a position extending through the first and second threaded portions. The anti-rotation device may extend through a tab/groove interface between the first and second threaded portions, or the anti-rotation device may engage opposing interfacing edges of the first and second threaded portions along the length of the anti-rotation device. Once the anti-rotation device is installed through the first and second threaded portions, the anti-rotation device may prevent rotation of the threaded portions relative to each other.