Offshore Connector Assembly With Biased Retention and Contact Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore connector assemblies for marine environments lack a reliable and efficient mechanism to ensure mechanical and electrical connections are securely maintained while allowing for safe and easy disconnection, particularly in harsh marine conditions.
Innovation Solution
The offshore connector assembly features a first and second connector with engaging members that form engaging surface pairs, where at least one surface of each pair is movable between a free position and a retained position, biased towards the retained position to ensure mechanical connection. This assembly also includes movable contact covers for electrical connections to prevent biofouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engaging members are designed to be movable between free and retained positions, then the ease of operation (connection and disconnection) is improved, but the reliability of the mechanical connection may worsen if the retaining mechanism fails
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging members are designed to be movable between a free position (where the connector can be disconnected) and a retained position (where the connector is mechanically locked). This dynamic design allows the system to transition between connected and disconnected states while maintaining reliability through the biased retained position that prevents accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging members are biased towards the retained position, meaning they automatically engage and lock the connectors together without requiring additional retaining mechanisms or complex locking procedures. The biasing force ensures the connection is maintained until intentionally released, making the system self-securing
2Strength
If the engaging surfaces are designed to provide strong mechanical retention, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movable engaging surfaces and biasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is divided into distinct functional portions: a first engaging surface for forming the engaging surface pair, and a first retaining portion for mechanical retention. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the design
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging members serve multiple functions: they provide the engaging surfaces for mechanical connection, they act as the retaining mechanism through their movable design, and they incorporate the biasing function to maintain the retained position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector assembly includes movable contact covers for electrical connections, then protection against biofouling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact covers are integrated with the connector assembly such that they move together with the engaging members. The contact covers are biased to cover the electrical contacts when the engaging members are in the free position, and they automatically uncover the contacts when the engaging members move to the retained position. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate actuating mechanisms
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 assembly provides a secure mechanical and electrical connection that is biased towards a retained position, enhancing safety and convenience by ensuring the connection is maintained until intentionally released, while also preventing biofouling of electrical contacts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface of each engaging surface pair is biased towards the second engaging surface position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an offshore connector assembly comprising a first connector (100) and a second connector (200). The first connector (100) comprises a first connector body (101) and a plurality of first engaging members (108), each defining a first engaging surface (300). The second connector (200) comprises a second connector body (202) and a plurality of second engaging members (204), each defining a second engaging surface (300), configured to form a plurality of engaging surface pairs with the plurality of respective first engaging surfaces (302) when the first connector (100) is connected to the second connector (200). At least one of the first engaging surface (300) and the second engaging surface (300) of each engaging surface pair is configured to be movable relative to its respective first or second connector body (101, 202), between a first engaging surface position in which the first connector (100) is free to move away from the second connector (200), and a second engaging surface (300) position in which, by contact of a first retaining portion (306) of the first engaging surface (300) with a second retaining portion (306) of the second engaging surface of each engaging surface pair, the first connector (100) is mechanically retained relative to the second connector (200). The subsea offshore connector assembly is configured such that at least one of the first engaging surface (300) and the second engaging surface (300) of each engaging surface pair is biased towards the second engaging surface position.