Seabed Conduit Joining Device for Slope Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for continuous conduits on seabeds with varying slopes face challenges in maintaining structural and fluidic continuity while managing stress concentrations and dynamic loads, often requiring complex and costly installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A joining device with upstream and downstream joints separates longitudinal structural continuity from fluidic continuity, allowing for optimized stress management and flexible conduit design, enabling easier laying operations by dividing stress actions onto separate branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional solutions (flattening crests or filling recesses) are used to manage changes in slope, then the conduit can maintain structural continuity, but the installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device is segmented into multiple functional branches: a first joining branch for structural continuity, a second joining branch for fluidic continuity, and optionally a third branching tube. This segmentation allows each branch to handle specific functions independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining both structural and fluidic continuity across slope changes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the conduit follows the seabed profile with steep inclines, then the installation is simpler, but stress concentrations increase and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating structural and fluidic continuity functions into different branches, the device can follow simpler seabed profiles without concentrating stresses in a single continuous path. The segmented structure distributes mechanical loads more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint device acts as an intermediary element between conduit sections on sloped seabeds. It mediates the transition by providing separate pathways for structural and fluidic continuity, allowing the conduit to navigate steep inclines while maintaining integrity and simplifying installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If floating buoys and supports are used to suspend the conduit, then the conduit can overcome slope changes, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device integrates multiple functions (structural continuity, fluidic continuity, and slope adaptation) into a single segmented structure, eliminating the need for separate floating buoys and support systems. Each branch handles specific adaptability requirements while maintaining overall system simplicity.
4Strength
If rigid joints are used to maintain structural continuity, then the conduit strength is improved, but the flexibility to accommodate slope changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device is segmented into a first joining branch for structural continuity and a second joining branch for fluidic continuity. This segmentation allows the structural branch to provide rigid strength while the fluidic branch accommodates slope changes, achieving both strength and adaptability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A joining device of a continuous conduit is for changes in slope of seabeds. The continuous conduit defines a longitudinal direction substantially coinciding with the longitudinal direction of structural development of the continuous conduit. The continuous conduit has a longitudinal structural continuity and a fluidic continuity. The joining device includes a joint that includes at least one first joining branch, at least one second joining branch and at least one third joining branch. The first joining branch extends along the longitudinal direction and provides longitudinal structural and fluidic continuity of the continuous conduit and connects with a piece of the continuous conduit. The second joining branch provides longitudinal structural continuity of the continuous conduit. The third joining branch provides fluidic continuity of the continuous conduit. The second joining branch is exclusively suitable for providing the longitudinal structural continuity of the continuous conduit, and is unsuitable for providing the fluidic continuity.