Pressure-Balanced Undersea Hydraulic Coupling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-balanced hydraulic couplings for undersea applications are complex and difficult to manufacture, requiring larger and more powerful remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) due to high mating forces, and there is a need for a simpler, smaller design that reduces manufacturing complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified pressure-balanced undersea hydraulic coupling featuring a male member with a hollow cylindrical probe section and anti-fouling flow ports, and a female member with a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication, utilizing replaceable seals and a poppet valve actuator to manage fluid pressure without differential force on coupling faces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional hydraulic couplings are used in undersea applications, then hydraulic fluid pressure exerts force on the male probe proportional to its cross-sectional area, but this significantly increases the force necessary to make up the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into male and female members with separate sealing chambers. The male probe is segmented from the male body, and the female receiving chamber is separate from the female body, allowing independent pressure management in each component during coupling operations
Solution Approach 2:
A pilot pressure system acts as an intermediary mechanism to pre-compress the male probe before main hydraulic coupling. This pilot pressure reduces the differential pressure that would otherwise require excessive force during make-up, enabling easier operation while maintaining secure connection
2Force
If pressure-balanced hydraulic couplings are developed to reduce mating forces, then the design becomes more complex with multiple seals and radial passageways, but this increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and pressure balancing function are merged into a single integrated seal assembly rather than using separate radial passageways and multiple seal sets. This consolidation maintains the pressure-balanced force reduction while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of discrete components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between male and female members, manages pressure differential, and enables force reduction during coupling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing manufacturing complexity
3Productivity
If multiple hydraulic couplings are made up together on a manifold plate, then the total mating force required can be significant, but this necessitates larger and more powerful ROVs
Solution Approach 1:
Pilot pressure is applied in advance to pre-compress the male probe before the main hydraulic coupling force is applied. This preliminary action reduces the peak force required during make-up, allowing multiple couplings to be operated simultaneously on a manifold plate without requiring oversized ROVs with excessive power capacity
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 solution reduces the force required for coupling and uncoupling, simplifies manufacturing, and minimizes space requirements, enabling smaller, less complex ROVs and improved operational efficiency in undersea environments.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid under pressure exerts a force on the male probe proportional to its cross-sectional area
Implementation Method 2
A replaceable actuator seal surrounds the actuator to prevent the loss of hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 3
one or more flow ports on its the side. The flow ports may be of the anti-fouling type
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.