Gas Actuated Coupling Assembly Emergency Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for pressurized gas conduits between floating and other structures lack reliable emergency disconnection mechanisms, particularly in high-pressure scenarios, risking uncontrolled release and potential hazards like rupture or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a gas actuator that uses mechanical interaction to ensure the coupling device remains closed until safe to open, leveraging gas pressure to move an engagement member between positions, preventing accidental opening and relying on mechanical rather than hydraulic or electric systems, which are prone to failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling device is used to connect gas conduits between floating and other structures, then gas transfer is enabled, but the system lacks reliable emergency disconnection mechanisms in high-pressure scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The gas actuator is pre-configured to automatically activate when gas pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, closing the coupling device before uncontrolled release can occur. This preliminary action prevents the harmful scenario by anticipating and responding to pressure build-up before it becomes dangerous.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where gas pressure continuously monitors the system state and automatically triggers the actuator when threshold is exceeded. This closed-loop feedback ensures the coupling device responds dynamically to pressure conditions, maintaining safety without requiring external intervention.
2Extent of automation
If hydraulic or electric systems are used to control the coupling device, then operation is automated, but the systems are prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gas actuator utilizes the system's own pressurized gas to automatically operate the coupling device without requiring external hydraulic or electric power sources. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on failure-prone external systems while maintaining full automation of the coupling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hydraulic or electric control systems with a purely mechanical gas-actuated mechanism. The pressurized gas directly drives the actuator through mechanical means, eliminating complex fluid power or electrical control systems that are susceptible to failure, while maintaining automated operation.
3Speed
If the coupling device is opened quickly in emergency, then disconnection speed is improved, but uncontrolled gas release and rupture risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pressure feedback mechanism ensures the coupling device only opens when pressure is safely managed. The system monitors pressure continuously and only permits rapid disconnection when pressure conditions are safe, preventing uncontrolled gas release while maintaining rapid disconnection capability when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressure assessment before allowing rapid disconnection. By pre-checking pressure conditions and only permitting quick opening when safe, the system enables fast disconnection speed without the harmful consequence of uncontrolled gas release.
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 solution provides a reliable and safe mechanism for disconnection by ensuring the coupling device cannot be opened until gas pressure is safely managed, preventing uncontrolled releases and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the gas pressure in the gas connection forces the engagement member (41) to the first position
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A coupling assembly for coupling a first gas conduit (1) and a second gas conduit(2) for conveying a pressurized gas stream between a floating structure and another structure, comprising -a coupling device (3) arranged for coupling the first gas conduit (1) and the second gas conduit(2), wherein gas present in the gas connection has a gas pressure, -a gas actuator (4) comprising an engagement member (41), wherein the engagement member (41) is moveable between a first and second position, wherein the first position is associated with the closed state of the coupling device (3) and the second position is associated with the open state of the coupling device (3). The gas actuator (4) is or can be brought in gas communication with the gas connection and the gas pressure forces the engagement member (41) to the first position.