Lug-Locked Valve Actuator Coupling Without Threads or Bolts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Valves in hydrocarbon drilling and production operations face issues with threaded connections, which are expensive to manufacture, easily damaged, and prone to misalignment, while bolted connections pose safety and theft risks.

Innovation Solution

A valve assembly coupling system using an actuator with an adapter ring and bonnet lugs that allow for quick connection and alignment, preventing axial and rotational movement, thereby eliminating the need for expensive threads and reducing safety concerns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded connections are used to connect the actuator to the bonnet, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the manufacturing cost increases and the connection is easily damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a lug-based mechanical interlocking system. The actuator inlet and bonnet feature complementary lugs that engage through alignment and axial movement, eliminating the need for threads while providing secure connection through geometric interlocking and positioning features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If threaded connections are used to connect the actuator to the bonnet, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the connection is prone to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features including positioning lugs and alignment grooves that guide the actuator inlet and bonnet into proper alignment before final engagement. The spaced relationship between lugs and the axial movement sequence ensure correct positioning is established prior to securing the connection, preventing misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If bolted connections are used to connect the actuator to the bonnet, then the connection can be securely fastened, but safety concerns and theft risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates bolts from the connection system, replacing them with an integrated lug-based mechanical interlocking system. The lugs are formed as integral parts of the actuator inlet and bonnet structures, creating a secure connection without removable fasteners that could be tampered with or stolen, thereby addressing safety and theft concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11015733B2No-bolt latching system

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system includes an actuator housing having a plurality of adapter lugs extending radially inward toward an axis, each adapter lug of the plurality of adapter lugs secured to the housing via a respective connector. The system also includes a bonnet having a plurality of bonnet lugs extending radially outward away from the axis, each bonnet lug of the plurality of bonnet lugs being separated by a respective space, the space being sized to permit axial movement of an adapter lug of the plurality of adapter lugs toward a lower flange arranged axially lower than the plurality of bonnet lugs.