Segmented Coupling for Self-Supporting Underwater Fall Pipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fall pipes for depositing materials on underwater bottoms are limited by their ability to operate effectively in deep water depths, require extensive assembly time, and rely on cables for support, which restricts their length and stiffness.

Innovation Solution

A tubular element design featuring a male and female coupling system with annular flanges divided into segments, allowing for self-supporting assembly without cables, increased axial stiffness, and automated assembly and disassembly, enabling longer lengths and greater load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If cables are used to support the fall pipe, then the fall pipe can be assembled for limited water depths, but the assembly time increases and human operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater depth capabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the cables from the system entirely. Instead of using cables to support and assemble the fall pipe sections, the coupling mechanism itself provides structural support. The male and female coupling parts with interlocking lugs create a self-supporting structure that eliminates the need for separate cable support systems, thereby reducing assembly time and removing the limitation on water depth capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the support function and coupling function into a single integrated mechanism. The interlocking lugs that couple adjacent fall pipe sections also provide the structural support previously requiring separate cables. This consolidation allows the fall pipe to be both assembled and supported by the same mechanical interface, enabling greater water depth capability and faster assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If cables are used to support the fall pipe, then assembly is possible, but the fall pipe lacks sufficient axial stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidaxial stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses curved or angled lug surfaces in the coupling mechanism that provide both mechanical interlocking and axial stiffness. The curved contact surfaces between male and female coupling parts distribute loads more effectively and create a stiffer structural connection compared to simple cable support, while still allowing for straightforward assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the fall pipe is made stiffer in axial direction, then resonance is reduced, but the fall pipe becomes heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial stiffnessVSAvoidfall pipe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs composite construction in the coupling mechanism, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. The interlocking lugs are designed to provide maximum axial stiffness with minimal material usage, and the overall structure uses material strategically only where needed for stiffness, rather than uniformly throughout the entire fall pipe length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If the coupling load-bearing surface is increased, then the fall pipe can support greater loads for deeper water, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the coupling mechanism into discrete, modular components: male coupling part with protruding lugs, female coupling part with recesses, and separate sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular design also facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly despite the increased load-bearing capacity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9353898B2Method tubular element of a fall pipe, fall pipe assembled from such elements, coupling between two such tubular elements and method for assembling the fall pipe

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 DEME OFFSHORE NL BV

AI summary

A tubular element of a fall pipe used for the purpose of depositing materials underwater from a fall pipe vessel. The fall pipe element comprises a male and a female coupling part for coupling to another element of the same form. The coupling parts are provided on respectively an outer periphery and inner periphery thereof with an annular flange which is divided in a peripheral direction into segments which leave recesses clear therebetween. For coupling purposes, segments of a male coupling part are placed through recesses of a female coupling part and slid by rotation under segments of the female coupling part. A fall pipe and a method for assembly thereof.