Marine Connector Automatic Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require human intervention for engagement and disengagement, which is hazardous and impractical in extreme conditions such as marine environments with extreme weather or underwater applications, where manual operation is difficult or unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring one or more balls extending through apertures in one connector into a groove or series of part spherical recesses in another, with a spring-loaded sleeve and pressure fluid-operable rams for automatic engagement and disengagement, utilizing latches and nitrogen gas or conventional springs for locking and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual engagement and disengagement mechanisms are used, then the connector structure can be simpler, but human operatives must work in hazardous extreme conditions which is unsafe and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The connector automatically engages and disengages without requiring human intervention. The engagement mechanism uses spring-loaded balls that automatically lock into grooves when connectors join, and the disengagement mechanism uses pressure-actuated rams that automatically release the locks when fluid pressure is applied, allowing the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The disengagement mechanism utilizes pressure fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic) to actuate rams that move the locking balls out of engagement position. This allows remote automated control of the disengagement process without requiring physical contact or manual operation in hazardous environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two part collar assembly is used for bend stiffening, then the connector can provide bend stiffening function, but it requires assembly by operatives which increases operational complexity and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The bend stiffening function is merged with the connector body itself. The connector incorporates a rigid structure with a reduced bore section that acts as the bend stiffening element, eliminating the need for separate collar assemblies and integrating multiple functions into a single component
3Reliability
If locking balls extend through apertures into grooves for engagement, then the connector provides reliable mechanical locking, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple apertures and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete functional elements: locking balls in one connector and corresponding grooves in the other connector. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable locking through simple geometric interengagement
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
Enables automatic and reliable engagement and disengagement of connectors without human intervention, ensuring safe and efficient operation in hazardous conditions, particularly suitable for marine applications as a bend stiffener to prevent line kinking.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is preferably spring loaded and the means for moving preferably comprises one or more pressure fluid operable rams. The or each ram may be pneumatic or hydraulic.
Implementation Method 2
The or each ram may be pneumatic or hydraulic.
Implementation Method 3
The or each ram may be pneumatic or hydraulic.
Implementation Method 4
The sleeve may be spring loaded by nitrogen gas springs or by conventional springs.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A connector for use as a bend stiffener in a marine application comprising male and female connectors respectively provided with a downwardly dependent frusto-conical extension and a cylindrical extension. The female connector comprises a hollow cylindrical body (1) defining a through bore (4) and surrounded by a spring loaded sleeve (9) movable axially with respect to the body (1). Spring loaded latches (11) extend through respective apertures (10) to coact with grooves (6) in the body (1). Hydraulic rams (12) are disposed to push the sleeve (9) against the spring loading which brings an internally wider diameter position of the sleeve (9) adjacent locking balls (14) extending through but retained by stepped apertures (5). The latches, rams and locking balls coact to lock the male and female connectors together or to enable their release and thus the locking together or release from that locking together of connected extensions. This in turn facilitates the operation of the connector in hazardous conditions.