Sliding Subsea Electronics Module Chassis for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance and repair of subsea electronics modules (SEMs) in blow-out preventer (BOP) systems are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to their vertically mounted configuration, which can result in damage to electronic components during removal.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally-mounted subsea electronics module (SEM) with a longer first axis than its second axis, allowing for easy access and maintenance by aligning electronic modules on a movable platform, which can be moved along the first axis for electrical coupling without removing the SEM from the lower marine riser package (LMRP).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the SEM is vertically mounted in the LMRP, then the BOP system can be compactly arranged, but the maintenance and repair of electronic modules become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the platform movable rather than fixed. The platform can slide along rails within the SEM housing, allowing electronic modules to be easily accessed by moving the platform horizontally. This dynamic configuration enables maintenance personnel to reach electronic modules without removing the entire SEM from the LMRP, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the SEM into a fixed housing and a movable platform that carries electronic modules. This segmentation allows the platform to be independently moved along rails, providing easy access to electronic modules while the housing remains fixed in the LMRP. The modular segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling maintenance access without requiring complete SEM removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the SEM is vertically mounted, then the system structure is simplified, but heavy equipment is required for safe removal and risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform design allows electronic modules to be accessed by sliding the platform along rails rather than removing the entire SEM. This dynamic access method eliminates the need for heavy equipment and reduces the risk of damage to electronic modules during maintenance, while adding minimal complexity to the overall SEM structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed SEM housing and the electronic modules. It provides a safe and controlled method for accessing electronic modules without requiring direct manipulation of the modules themselves, thereby reducing the risk of damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If electronic modules are fixed on a stationary platform, then the SEM structure is simpler, but access to modules for maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to move along rails within the SEM housing, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure. This movement capability provides easy access to electronic modules by sliding the platform horizontally, while the rail-guided motion keeps the added structural complexity minimal and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces horizontal movement along the x-axis dimension, allowing the platform to slide left and right to access different electronic modules. This dimensional addition enables easy module access without significantly complicating the overall platform structure, as the movement is constrained to a single linear path.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea electronics module (SEM) is disclosed. The SEM includes a first axis and a second axis, the first axis being longer than the second axis. Electronic modules are mounted on at least one movable platform which is aligned to move in a direction of the first axis of the SEM. External electrical outlets are mounted on a body and along the first axis of the SEM. The external electrical outlets provide electronic coupling between the electronic modules and components of a lower marine riser package (LMRP).