Modular Skid Docking Couplings for Stable ROV Pre Pull-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pre pull-in operations in subsea environments face challenges such as assembly instability, lack of flexibility, and inadequate protection of equipment during maintenance and inspection, particularly in bellmouths, with existing technologies failing to provide a specialized docking system for ROV stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A skid docking and anchoring system with a docking structure, interchangeable skid, and coupling skid, featuring welded plates and truss structure, provides stability by anchoring to a riser balcony, using screws and coupling pins, and includes a tool basket for tool access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a specialized docking system is implemented for ROV stabilization in pre pull-in operations, then stability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is divided into separate modular components: a docking structure with welded plates, an interchangeable skid with truss structure, and coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system stability and flexibility during pre pull-in operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable skid is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling ROV stabilization, facilitating equipment handling, and allowing adaptation to different operational requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized systems while maintaining high performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a specialized docking system with welded plates and truss structure is used, then stability and flexibility are improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is manufactured as separate modular components (docking structure, interchangeable skid, coupling mechanisms) that can be produced using standard fabrication processes and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of individual parts while achieving complex overall performance through assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated components, such as welding plates together to form the docking structure and using a truss structure that integrates support and coupling functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling pins and screws are used for anchoring, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking, where the coupling pins automatically engage with the docking structure features and the screws self-tighten through friction and mechanical interference. This self-service capability provides stable anchoring without requiring complex external locking mechanisms or multiple adjustment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a skid docking and anchoring system with couplings, comprising a docking structure (100), an interchangeable skid (102) and a coupling skid (104). The docking structure (100) is formed by welded plates comprising a back plate (302) and a front plate (300). In addition, the back plate (302) features a groove for vertical attachment to the riser balcony (106). The front plate (300) comprises at least two front handles (304), at least four keys (306) located in the central region of the front plate (300), and at least four coupling supports (308) at the bottom of the front plate (300). Additionally, the coupling skid (104) comprises a welded truss structure (500), four coupling pins (502) and a tool basket (504).