Pull Head Connector Tension Control via Gas Spring Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing elongate flexible members, such as cables, through apertures in subsea structures face challenges in accurately controlling the tension required to separate the pull head from the mounting device, which is dependent on the angle of pull and requires multiple weak link sizes and increased weight and cost with centralizers.
Innovation Solution
A pull head connector with a biasing mechanism, using gas springs to control the disengagement of engagement members from the mounting device, allowing precise tension control and scalability across different sizes without the need for a weak link or centralizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a weak link is used to control disengagement tension, then the mounting device can be secured and released, but the tension control becomes dependent on pull angle and requires multiple sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of tension control from a binary weak-link breakage mechanism to a progressive spring compression mechanism. The spring's force-displacement characteristics provide a controlled, angle-independent tension profile that eliminates the need for angle-sensitive weak links while maintaining reliable disengagement at the desired tension level.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the pull cable and the engagement members. Instead of directly transmitting the pull force to the weak link, the spring mediates the force transmission, converting variable angle pull forces into a consistent axial compression force that provides angle-independent tension control.
2Manufacturing precision
If a centralizer is added to improve weak link breaking consistency, then tension control improves, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the centralizer component from the mounting device. By removing this unnecessary component, the design achieves tension control consistency through the spring mechanism alone, reducing both weight and manufacturing complexity while maintaining or improving functional performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of mounting device are used to accommodate different cables, then versatility is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single mounting device configuration that can accommodate multiple cable sizes. The spring-based tension control system and engagement members are designed with sufficient adjustment range and geometric flexibility to work with different cable diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized mounting device sizes.
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 provides consistent and accurate tension control for disengagement, reducing the dependency on pull angle and eliminating the need for weak links or centralizers, enhancing scalability and reducing costs and weight.
Implementation Method 1
the pull head connector comprises biasing means which bias the attachment member towards the first position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~4b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A pull head connector (100) comprising: an outer housing (102) having a tubular portion (106) and a longitudinal axis; an attachment member (104) comprising a body portion mounted in the outer housing (102) and being displaceable along the longitudinal axis, first attachment means (108) at a front end of the body portion (106) for attachment to one end of a pull cable and second attachment means (118) at a rear end for attachment to one end of an elongate flexible member; the tubular portion (106) of the outer housing (102) comprising a plurality of through apertures (122), in each of which an engagement member (124) is mounted, the apertures (122) and the engagement members (124) being configured to allow the engagement members (124) to project partially beyond the tubular outer surface but to prevent them from passing through the apertures (122); the outer surface of the body portion (106) of the attachment member (104) comprising a plurality of recesses (126), each recess (126) corresponding to a respective one of the apertures (122) in the outer housing (102); and the attachment member (124) being displaceable with respect to the outer housing (102) between a first position in which the engagement members (124) engage the attachment member (104) and are displaced outwardly to project partially beyond the outer tubular surface of the outer housing (102) and the second position in which the apertures (122) are aligned with the recesses (126) in the attachment member (104) to allow the engagement members (124) to be received in the recesses (126) and to move radially inwardly; the connector (100) further comprising biasing means (130) which bias the attachment member (104) towards the first position.