Slip Lock Connector With Tapered Rings for Secure Pipe Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral extraction systems face challenges in securely and efficiently coupling and disconnecting annular bodies, such as pipes and conduits, during drilling and production operations, particularly in harsh offshore environments, where reliable sealing and easy disconnection are critical for safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A slip lock connector system utilizing rings and segments with tapered surfaces that form a compression/friction connection, enabled by an energizing fastener and load, allowing for radial movement to engage and disengage annular bodies, and a release fastener for axial disengagement, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing locking mechanisms are used to couple annular bodies, then the connection is secure, but the disconnection process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a body connector, a separate ring, and a segmented locking system with multiple locking elements distributed around the circumference. This segmentation allows the disconnection process to be simplified while maintaining secure connection through the collective action of multiple locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional approach of complex disconnection is inverted by designing a system where connection is achieved through simple radial movement of the ring, while disconnection is facilitated by axial movement. The locking elements are designed to engage automatically during connection but can be easily released during disconnection, reversing the typical complexity pattern.
2Productivity
If existing locking mechanisms are used to couple annular bodies, then the connection is secure, but the coupling process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the corresponding features on the annular body during the coupling process. The ring is pre-configured with tapered surfaces that guide the locking elements into their locked positions, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex coupling procedures while ensuring secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates spring-loaded elements and tapered surfaces that enable dynamic engagement during coupling. The system transitions from an unlocked to a locked state through simple radial movement, with the springs providing automatic engagement force and the tapered surfaces guiding the motion, thereby improving coupling efficiency while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking interface through its interaction with the body connector, creates the fluid-tight seal against the annular body, and transmits mechanical loads between connected components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining connection security while limiting device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are distributed uniformly around the circumference of the body connector, creating an equipotential locking system where each element contributes equally to the overall connection security. This uniform distribution simplifies the design by using identical repeating components rather than complex asymmetric structures, while maintaining reliable connection through the collective action of all locking elements.
4Reliability
If a fluid-tight seal is maintained during coupling, then reliability is improved, but the ease of disconnection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate feature from the locking mechanism. The ring provides the seal against the annular body through a dedicated sealing surface, while the locking function is provided by the interaction between the ring and body connector. This separation allows the seal to be maintained independently of the locking engagement, facilitating easy disconnection while preserving seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional approach where sealing and locking are tightly coupled is inverted. The sealing surface is designed to maintain contact during both connection and disconnection phases, while the locking mechanism is designed to allow easy release. The seal is positioned such that it remains engaged with the annular body even as the locking elements are released, enabling easy disconnection without compromising seal integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The slip lock connector system provides a reliable, efficient, and secure method for coupling and decoupling annular bodies, maintaining a fluid-tight seal and facilitating easy disconnection, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency in mineral extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
The rings and/or segments define respective tapered surfaces that enable the rings and/or segments to slide over each other to create radial movement that forms a compression/frictional engagement with an annular body
Data Source
AI summary
A slip lock connector system with a slip lock connector that couples a first annular body to a second annular body. The slip lock connector includes a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface slide over each other to drive the first and second tapered surfaces in radially opposite directions. The movement of the first and second tapered surfaces in radially opposite directions couples the slip lock connector to the second annular body.