Offshore LNG Coupling Device Asymmetric Guide Post Alignment

The patent applies asymmetry by changing the guide post cross-section from circular to non-circular (rectangular, square, or triangular) and making the receptacle cross-section complementary to the guide post shape. This asymmetric design provides lateral guidance and rotational alignment, preventing misalignment and reducing bending moments in hoses during connection operations.

The non-circular guide post and complementary receptacle act as intermediary alignment elements between the pull-in force and the final connection. The shaped guide post enters the complementary receptacle first, establishing proper angular and rotational alignment before the main hose connection is completed, thereby mediating the alignment process and preventing harmful bending moments.

The non-circular guide post performs preliminary alignment action by engaging the complementary receptacle before the main connection is established. The shaped guide post enters the receptacle at an angle and automatically orients itself through the asymmetric geometry, pre-aligning the hose assembly before final connection, thereby eliminating angle deviation problems.

The asymmetric cross-sections of the guide post and receptacle create inherent alignment forces that correct angular deviations during the entry process. The non-circular shape prevents rotation and ensures proper orientation, while the complementary geometry guides the hose into the correct position, resolving alignment precision issues.

Changing from circular to non-circular (rectangular, square, or triangular) guide post cross-sections eliminates the radial symmetry that allows pull-in wires to jam into slits. The asymmetric shape provides flat surfaces and defined edges that prevent wire entanglement and jamming, thereby improving operational reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

The patent converts the potential harm of wire jamming into a benefit by using the non-circular shape to actively prevent jamming. The flat surfaces and angular geometry of the non-circular guide post create clear pathways that guide the pull-in wire smoothly, transforming the design from one vulnerable to jamming into one that inherently prevents it.