Offshore Connector Self-Alignment Trapezium Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the offshore field, the large dimensions and complex environments of connectors make perfect alignment of plug and base challenging, leading to misalignment issues that can prevent successful connections.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning connector system using trapezium-mounted connecting rods and a mechanical drive device, including linear actuators, to facilitate angular, radial, and positional adjustments, ensuring accurate alignment and connection of plug and base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If support parts are positioned for approximate alignment of plug and base, then connection can be attempted, but misalignment prevents successful connection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic self-alignment mechanism where the plug can move forward and backward relative to the base through a mechanical drive device. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to compensate for initial misalignment errors automatically during the connection process, transforming a static alignment problem into a dynamic self-correcting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-alignment through its own structural design rather than requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning systems. The trapezium-shaped connecting rods and mechanical drive device enable the plug to automatically adjust its position and achieve coaxial alignment with the base through relative movement, making the system self-sufficient in correcting alignment errors.
2Reliability
If angular and radial adjustment is implemented to compensate for misalignment, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into two independent parts: a self-aligning device that handles angular and radial misalignment through its trapezium-shaped connecting rods, and a separate mechanical drive device that handles forward and backward movement. This segmentation allows each subsystem to specialize in specific alignment corrections, improving overall reliability while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The trapezium-shaped connecting rods act as an intermediary mechanism between the plug and base, translating relative angular and radial misalignments into coordinated movements that achieve coaxial alignment. This intermediary structure mediates the alignment process, allowing the plug and base to connect reliably even when initial positioning errors exist, without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
3Strength
If plug and base are made large for offshore applications, then connection strength improves, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary self-alignment actions before final connection is achieved. The self-aligning device with trapezium-shaped connecting rods first corrects angular and radial misalignments, bringing the plug and base into approximate coaxial alignment. Only after this preliminary alignment is complete does the mechanical drive device perform the final connection, ensuring that large connectors can connect reliably despite initial positioning errors in harsh offshore environments.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical (1), optical, or hydraulic connector, respectively provided with an electrical, optical, or hydraulic plug intended to be connected in an electrical, optical, or hydraulic base of the type with self-alignment of the plug (3) relative to the base (5), particularly for offshore connections. The plug (3) and the base (5) are integral with respective support parts (11, 7) designed to position themselves relative to each other for approximate alignment of the plug (3) and the base (5) for connecting them. The connector is characterized in that it comprises a mechanical drive device (19) enabling the plug (3) or the base (5) to move forward and backward for connection in the base (5) or the plug (3), respectively, and a self-alignment device (17) for the plug (3) or the base (5) relative to the base (5). to sheet (3), respectively.