Reversible Rotary Lock for Flexible Line Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for flexible lines in hydrocarbon exploitation installations are complex, require high mechanical reliability, and do not allow for easy disconnection and reconnection of the flexible line without reinstalling a breakable pin, which complicates the process and increases the risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A device using a reversible rotary lock (rotolatch) for axial immobilization of the flexible line in a curvature limiter, allowing a single winch to manage the movement of both the line and the limiter, with a rotatable locking member and engagement member that can be easily disengaged without mechanical breakage, enabling secure and efficient connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a breakable pin is used to secure the stiffener to the flexible line, then the stiffener can be temporarily attached during insertion, but the pin must be reinstalled every time the line is disconnected and reconnected, increasing complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the system to dynamically transition between secured and unsecured states. This eliminates the need for breakable pins that require reinstallation, as the movable locking member can be simply released and relocked without mechanical breakage or reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: the stiffener, the locking member, and the engagement member. This segmentation allows the locking member to be independently moved to locked or unlocked positions without affecting the stiffener or requiring breakdown of the connection, simplifying the operation of connection and disconnection.
2Device complexity
If a single winch is used to tow both the flexible line and stiffener, then the system is simplified, but precise control of cable rise is difficult particularly when the hollow tube is bent
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single winch and the flexible line. It provides a controlled interface that manages the tension and movement, allowing the single winch to effectively control the cable rise even when the hollow tube is bent, by mediating the force transmission and movement coordination.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stiffener is held immobile in translation in the hollow tube by embedding and clamps, then the stiffener remains stable during the second phase, but the system requires high mechanical reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be self-locking through its engagement with the engagement member on the hollow tube. Once positioned, it automatically maintains the stiffener's stable position without requiring continuous external force or high-mechanical-reliability clamps, as the self-service locking mechanism maintains stability through its inherent geometric engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device of the invention includes a hollow rigid member (40) and a curvature limiter (42) movable relative to the hollow rigid member (40). The device includes a releasable means (46) for the axial immobilization of the curvature limiter (42) on the flexible line (18) in at least one first direction along a travel axis (X-X'). The axial immobilization means (46) includes a locking member (90) axially secured to the flexible line (18), and a member (92) for fitting the locking member (90), axially secured to the curvature limiter (42). Said members (90, 92) are movable relative to each other around the travel axis (X-X') between a configuration for axial immobilization of the flexible line (18) on the curvature limiter (42), and a configuration for axial travel of the flexible line (18) across the curvature limiter (42).