Interlocking Bend Limiter Segments for Flexible Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bend limiters require additional fasteners for assembly, which can complicate installation and increase costs, especially in complex environments like subsea installations where simplicity and reliability are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A segmented bend limiter composed of cooperatively joinable semi-tubular sections that interlock without additional fasteners, using engaging sections and alignment guides to form a secure and flexible assembly, with an end piece securing the terminal segment using fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fasteners are used for assembly, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function directly into the semi-tubular section structure itself through interlocking features (tabs and receivers) and engaging sections. This eliminates the need for separate additional fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated mechanical interlocking mechanism.
2Reliability
If additional fasteners are used for assembly, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fastening mechanism into the semi-tubular section design itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate fastening operations. The interlocking features and engaging sections allow for direct connection without additional fasteners, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable connections through the built-in mechanical interlocking system.
3Ease of operation
If interlocking features are integrated into semi-tubular sections, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment guides as integral features of the semi-tubular sections that pre-align the components before the interlocking engagement occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures that even with tight manufacturing tolerances, the interlocking features (tabs and receivers) can engage properly, thereby maintaining ease of assembly while managing manufacturing precision requirements through built-in alignment assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
Interlocking bend limiter sections are substantially mirror images of each other and are joined to form an interlocking bend limiter segment without use of fasteners by engaging engaging each other's interlocking ends. An interlocking bend limiter comprises a plurality of interlocking bend limiter segment secured at an end by an end piece.