Riser Connector Double-Click Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting and disconnecting risers in offshore hydrocarbon installations are time-consuming and require significant space, often necessitating hydraulic or electrical actuators for latching, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A riser connector system utilizing a 'double-click' mechanism with a cable coupling and pull-in cable to automatically latch the riser enlargement into a receptacle on a floating structure, eliminating the need for energized locking devices and minimizing required space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a basket with slot and enlargement latching method is used, then the riser can be connected to the vessel, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires considerable extra space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latching function from complex hydraulic or electrical systems and implements it through a simple mechanical cam-follower mechanism. The cam profile on the receptacle wall interacts with the follower on the enlargement to automatically latch it in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual operations or energized actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the movement of the enlargement itself. As the enlargement is pulled into the receptacle, the cam-follower interaction automatically engages the latch without requiring external energy sources or complex control systems, making the system self-service and highly efficient.
2Reliability
If hydraulic or electrical actuators are used for latching, then secure locking can be achieved, but the device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electrical locking systems with a pure mechanical cam-follower mechanism. The cam profile geometry inherently provides the locking action through its shape, eliminating the need for energized actuators while maintaining reliability through passive mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the complexity of hydraulic or electrical systems from the latching mechanism and retains only the essential mechanical function. The cam-follower system achieves secure locking through purely mechanical means, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If considerable extra space is provided around the receptacle, then the enlargement can be maneuvered into position, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maneuvering the enlargement through a slot from the side, the patent inverts the approach by pulling the enlargement directly into the receptacle through a through-hole from above. This vertical insertion method eliminates the need for lateral maneuvering space and slot structures, significantly reducing the required area around the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from lateral (horizontal) insertion through a slot to vertical insertion through a through-hole. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical movement allows the enlargement to be positioned using the vessel's existing vertical motion capabilities, eliminating the need for additional lateral space and complex slot mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A riser connector connects the upper portion of a riser (12) having a latching enlargement (32) to a receptacle (14) on a vessel (16), so the riser upper end (22) can connect to a fluid coupling (42) leading to a conduit (40) on the vessel. A double-click mechanism (88), with parts on the enlargement and on the receptacle, turns a load ring on the enlargement to latch the enlargement in place when it is lifted to an upper position and lowered to a latched position, and releases it by again lifting and lowering. A cable coupling (24) is temporarily mounted on the top of the riser to enable the riser to be lifted by a cable (26), the cable coupling being later removed to connect the riser upper end to the fluid coupling on the vessel.