Underwater Connector Cap Lifting Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater cable connectors require complex alignment and force application, making them unsuitable for quick connections, especially in environments with limited time and strong sea currents, such as hydrokinetic turbine installations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a movable connector part placed on a support with a cap covering the stationary part, using a lifting tool to grip and deposit the cap onto the movable part, then transport the cap-movable part unit to the stationary part for connection, minimizing intervention time and providing protection during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment mechanisms with 5 or 6 degrees of freedom are used for connector coupling, then connection precision is improved, but device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into two separate parts: a stationary connector part fixed to the seabed and a movable connector part on the cable. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-degree-of-freedom alignment mechanisms by allowing each part to be simpler in design while achieving precise connection through their complementary geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary connector part is pre-installed and fixed to the seabed before cable arrival. This preliminary action allows the movable connector part to simply mate with the pre-positioned stationary part, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment mechanisms during the connection operation itself.
2Reliability
If complex alignment and force application mechanisms are used, then connection reliability is improved, but intervention time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted from the active connection process and built into the permanent seabed infrastructure through the stationary connector part's fixed position and geometry. This removes alignment mechanisms from the time-critical connection operation, allowing rapid mating while maintaining reliability through the pre-established geometric relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the movable part to self-align and self-connect with the stationary part through their complementary geometries without requiring external alignment mechanisms or complex force application systems. The connection process becomes self-serviceing, reducing intervention time while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed for wet-mate operation under water, then adaptability to underwater environments is improved, but connection procedure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire connector assembly complex to handle underwater alignment and positioning, the invention inverts the approach by making the stationary part fixed and simple, and allowing the movable cable-connected part to carry the active connection functions. This simplifies the underwater operation while maintaining wet-mate capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting a movable connector part to a stationary connector part, the movable part being initially placed on a support and the stationary part being covered by a cap. The method includes gripping the cap by element of a lifting tool (10); depositing the cap (6) on the movable part by element of the lifting tool; and transporting the assembly of the cap and movable part onto the stationary part, by element of the lifting tool, in order to connect the stationary part and the movable part (4) to each other.