Locking Device for Threaded Pressure Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threaded pressure fittings in high-pressure systems, such as those used in subsea oil and gas development, are prone to unplanned unfastening due to vibration and torque, leading to leaks, which can cause significant environmental damage and safety hazards, and existing solutions like thread locking compounds and welding operations are not reliable or practical.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising first and second clamp members with angularly movable inserts that can be pivotally connected, allowing for clamping to prevent relative rotation of fitting parts, using a screw-threaded bolt and wing nut mechanism to apply a clamping load, and accommodating different fitting types and sizes with removable inserts and projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thread locking compounds are used to prevent unfastening, then reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disassembly and potential contamination of sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A locking device is introduced as an intermediary component between the threaded fitting parts. This device includes a locking member with engagement features that interface with both the male and female threaded portions, preventing relative rotation without directly modifying the thread surfaces or sealing interfaces. The locking member acts as a mediator that secures the connection while preserving the original threading for easy disassembly.
2Reliability
If welding operations are used to secure fittings, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen due to requirement of specialized equipment and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal welding process with a purely mechanical locking mechanism. The locking device uses engagement features such as teeth, grooves, and interference fits to prevent relative rotation of the threaded parts. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for welding equipment, specialized personnel, and complex welding procedures while achieving comparable or superior reliability in preventing unfastening.
3Ease of operation
If standard threaded fittings are used to allow reconfiguration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unplanned unfastening from vibration and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking member with engagement features, a clamping mechanism, and release features. This segmentation allows the device to provide robust anti-loosening protection through multiple independent mechanical interactions while maintaining the ability to be easily released and reinstalled. The modular design enables the locking function to be added to standard threaded fittings without compromising their inherent reconfigurability.
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 locking device effectively prevents unintended loosening of threaded pressure fittings, ensuring reliable sealing and safety in high-vibration environments, such as subsea applications, without requiring specialized tools or skills, and is suitable for reuse with minimal cost and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
clamp means operable to apply a clamping load to the first and second clamp members to clamp the first and second clamp members to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device fix a threaded pressure fitting having clamp members, and a clamping load is applied to the clamp members to clamp the clamp members to one another. Each clamp member has a first insert and a second insert held captive thereto, and each insert has a bearing face adapted to cooperate with and bear against part of the pressure fitting, in use, at least the first insert associated with each of the clamp members is angularly moveable relative thereto to permit the bearing face of each first insert to be orientated differently to the bearing face of the associated second insert.