Single Line Quick Connector Override for Stuck Collet Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single line quick connectors for subsea and topside applications are prone to user errors and failures, such as getting stuck, due to complex rotation sequences and potential issues with calcareous deposits, leading to operational challenges and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A single line quick connector design featuring a screw element with external threads and a collet sleeve with internal threads, allowing for axial movement upon rotation, which simplifies the connection process and includes a reliable override mechanism using a milling tool to address stuck situations, reducing the risk of user errors and equipment damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex rotation sequences are used for connecting and disconnecting the single line quick connector, then the connection can be established, but user errors increase and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rotation sequence by enabling counter-clockwise rotation for both connection and disconnection operations. This reversal simplifies the operational sequence and reduces user errors while maintaining connection reliability through the override mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: collet fingers for gripping, screw element for rotational actuation, and override mechanism for emergency release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If the single line quick connector gets stuck due to calcareous deposits or operational issues, then the connection remains locked, but equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The override mechanism is pre-configured with a milling tool and pushing tool arrangement that can be activated when the connector gets stuck. This preliminary preparation allows for safe release without equipment damage, maintaining connection stability during normal operation while providing a safety escape route
Solution Approach 2:
The milling tool acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the stuck connector. By milling grooves in the outer housing, it creates a new mechanical interface that allows the pushing tool to release the collet fingers without directly forcing the stuck connection, thereby preventing equipment damage
3Ease of operation
If traditional override methods are used for stuck connectors, then the connector can be released, but equipment damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional force-based mechanical override methods with a controlled material removal approach using the milling tool. Instead of applying uncontrolled mechanical force that could damage equipment, the milling tool creates precise grooves that enable safe release through the pushing tool, substituting a destructive mechanical approach with a controlled process
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 design enhances operational simplicity, reduces the risk of user errors, provides a reliable override function for stuck situations, and minimizes the risk of equipment damage, ensuring efficient and safe fluid connections in subsea and topside environments.
Implementation Method 1
a screw element which is rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, wherein the screw element extends in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprises external threads along a part of its axial length
Implementation Method 2
a collet sleeve which is rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, wherein the collet sleeve further comprises internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element, and wherein the collet sleeve comprises a plurality of collet fingers in a first axial end thereof for connection to the fluid connection interface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 1F~1G
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
It is described a single line quick connector (10), a system comprising the connector (10) and associated method, for connecting a hydraulic, chemical or water fluid line (20) to a fluid connection interface (2) on a component (1), wherein the connector (10) comprises: an outer housing (11) comprising a tool (12) in one axial end thereof for operation by a tool (3), a flow bore (14) for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface (2) on the component (1), a screw element (13) which is rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing (11), wherein the screw element (13) extends in a longitudinal direction of the connector (10) and comprises external threads (15) along a part of its axial length and further comprises a termination (16) which is operable by the tool (3), a collet sleeve (17) which is rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing (11), wherein the collet sleeve (17) further comprises internal threads (18) for cooperation with the external threads (15) on the screw element (13), and wherein the collet sleeve (17) comprises a plurality of collet fingers (19) in an axial end thereof for connection to the fluid connection interface (2) on the component (1), and, a fluid line insert (23) comprising a groove (24) for a coupler (25), wherein the outer housing (11), the screw element (13) and the collet sleeve (17) are arranged such that: a rotation of the screw element (13) in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing (11) relative the collet sleeve (17), and thus the collet fingers (19), in a first axial direction, and a rotation of the screw element (13) in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing (11) relative the collet sleeve (17), and thus the collet fingers (19), in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the outer housing (11) comprises a through-going opening (21) () and the collet sleeve (17) comprises at least one recess (22) between neighboring collet fingers (19), wherein the through-going opening (21) and the at least one recess (22), when connected, are configured to accommodate the fluid line insert (23), and wherein the fluid line insert (23) is connectable to the fluid line (20). The is further described a method of overriding a malfunctioning single line quick connector which is in an engaged position locked to the connection interface on the component in order to release the connector from the engaged relationship with the component.