Hydraulic Locking Tool for Rapid Subsea Plate Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for subsea applications are time-consuming and lack reliability, failing to provide rapid and secure connections and disconnections of underwater parts, which is critical for efficient and cost-effective operations compliant with subsea requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically operated tool with a glide bush, main shaft, pushrod, and plungers, along with locking dogs, that enables rapid connection and disconnection of flying and fixed plates, utilizing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for subsea operations, ensuring secure locking and compliance with subsea standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded rod bar and torque tool locking mechanisms are used for underwater applications, then reliable mechanical locking is achieved, but the installation and operation process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded rod bar and torque tool mechanical locking system with a hydraulic locking mechanism. Hydraulic actuators drive locking dogs that engage with grooves on the quick connector, providing reliable mechanical locking without requiring time-consuming threading operations. The hydraulic system is controlled remotely via ROV, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining secure mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a hydraulic system with actuators, hydraulic fluid, and pressure chambers to enable rapid locking and unlocking operations. Hydraulic pressure drives the locking dogs into engagement with the quick connector grooves, and releases them for quick disconnection. This hydraulic mechanism eliminates the need for manual threading and torque application, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining locking reliability.
2Device complexity
If traditional mechanical locking mechanisms are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but rapid connection and disconnection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connector design includes pre-formed grooves and corresponding locking dog features that are manufactured in advance. The hydraulic actuators and locking mechanisms are pre-assembled on the subsea structure. When connection is needed, the floating structure is simply guided into position and the hydraulic system automatically engages the pre-prepared locking features, enabling rapid connection without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical threading with a hydraulic actuation system that uses fluid pressure to rapidly engage locking dogs with connector grooves. This substitution adds hydraulic components but eliminates the time-consuming manual threading process, achieving rapid connection and disconnection capability while maintaining overall structural organization through systematic hydraulic circuit design.
3Productivity
If rapid locking mechanisms are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is designed as a multi-functional platform that serves multiple purposes: it provides locking actuation, unlocking actuation, and can be integrated with existing ROV control systems. The same hydraulic infrastructure can potentially serve other subsea operations, amortizing the complexity and cost across multiple functions. The standardized hydraulic connectors and actuators can be reused across different quick connector installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system acts as an intermediary between the ROV control system and the mechanical locking components. Rather than requiring complex direct mechanical actuation mechanisms on the ROV, the hydraulic system translates remote control signals into precise mechanical locking actions. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall control architecture while enabling rapid and reliable locking operations.
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 solution enables rapid and reliable connection and disconnection of subsea components, ensuring secure locking and compliance with subsea standards, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Said one or more plungers is(are) adapted to be hydraulically operated by a hydraulic fluid provided from a hydraulic fluid source
Implementation Method 2
A retraction spring is biased between the push rod piston and the inner surface of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
A plunger spring is arranged between the plunger retainer and the plunger collar
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism or tool adapted for connection to a remotely operated vehicle and adapted for at least one of the group consisting of connection and disconnection of two plates. The present invention also concerns a system adapted for at least one of the group consisting of connection and disconnection of two plates, where the system comprises said locking mechanism or tool.