Rotary Latch Mechanism for Rotating Control Device Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating control devices lack efficient and convenient mechanisms for releasably latching and securing seal and bearing assemblies, making installation and removal processes cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A rotating control device equipped with a rotary latch that includes multiple engagement members and a rotary cam, allowing for radial displacement of these members to secure and release the seal and bearing assembly, utilizing cam profiles and motors for automated operation with manual override.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary latch with engagement members and rotary cam is implemented, then ease of operation and productivity are improved through automated latching, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs a rotary cam that rotates to dynamically control the position of engagement members, transforming them between extended (engaged) and retracted (disengaged) states. This dynamic mechanism allows automated latching and unlatching operations through rotation, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through a unified control approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary cam serves multiple functions: it simultaneously controls multiple engagement members, provides both latching and unlatching actions, and can be operated either automatically or manually. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, addressing the complexity concern while achieving automated operation.
2Reliability
If engagement members are extended to engage with the seal and bearing assembly, then reliability of latching is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed to be dynamically positionable between extended and retracted states. When extended, they provide reliable engagement with the seal and bearing assembly. When retracted through rotation of the rotary cam, they allow easy disengagement. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between secure latching and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary cam mechanism allows preliminary preparation of the engagement members for disengagement by rotating them into the retracted position before actual removal. This preliminary action makes the release process easier by pre-positioning the engagement members to clear the seal and bearing assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating control device can include an annular seal, and a latch including a rotary cam and an engagement member which releasably secures the seal and/or a bearing relative to the housing, such that rotation of the cam relative to the housing displaces the member. A method of latching an annular seal relative to an outer housing of a rotating control device can include rotating a rotary cam, thereby linearly displacing an engagement member that releasably secures the seal relative to the housing while permitting rotation of the seal relative to the housing. Another rotating control device can include an outer housing, an annular seal, and a latch including a rotary cam and multiple separate engagement members disposed in the housing, and in which rotation of the cam relative to the housing displaces the members in the housing.