Keyed Tubular Connection for Fast Replacement Without Custom Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locking tubular members together, such as the 'keying' method, result in bespoke pairs that are difficult and time-consuming to replace, as off-the-shelf components cannot align properly, leading to delays and additional machining requirements.
Innovation Solution
A connection system involving a load shoulder member and nut that can be threaded onto tubular ends, with keyways for a key member, allowing for alignment and secure engagement without the need for bespoke machining, enabling easy replacement of tubular members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the keying method is used to lock tubular members together, then the connection becomes secure and rotation is prevented, but the tubular members become bespoke pairs that are difficult and time-consuming to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal coupling system where the coupling device can connect to multiple different tubular member types through standardized interfaces. The coupling device includes a body with a first interface for connecting to a first tubular member and a second interface for connecting to a second tubular member, allowing any tubular member to be replaced with any other type without custom machining, thus resolving the bespoke pair problem while maintaining secure connections through threaded engagement and keyway alignment
2Reliability
If slots are milled in individual tubular members to allow key insertion, then rotation is prevented, but the slots must align perfectly when threaded together which is very difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component that contains the keyway mechanism. Instead of requiring keyways to be milled directly into the tubular members themselves, the coupling device body provides the keyway that receives the key, which then engages with keyways in the tubular members. This intermediary structure makes alignment easier because the coupling device can be designed with tolerance compensation features and adjustment mechanisms that accommodate variations in tubular member manufacturing
3Reliability
If one keyed tubular member needs to be replaced, then a new member must be provided only if the mating member is sent to the manufacturer for key slot machining, but this causes delay and additional wait time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into three separable components: the first tubular member, the coupling device, and the second tubular member. The coupling device is designed as a standalone replaceable component that contains the keyway mechanism. When replacement is needed, only the specific tubular member or the coupling device itself needs to be replaced, not the entire assembly or custom-matched pairs. Standardized coupling devices can be quickly swapped without sending components to the manufacturer for custom machining, dramatically reducing replacement time while maintaining connection integrity through the standardized interfacing system
Data Source
AI summary
A connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member includes a first tubular end, a second tubular end, a load shoulder member threadable onto the first tubular end, and a nut receivable around the first tubular end and the load shoulder member and threadable onto the second tubular end. The connection also includes a keyway through the load shoulder member and into the first tubular end to receive a key member.