Spherical Pipe Joint Locking for Misaligned Underwater Connections

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for angularly misaligned pipe sections in underwater applications face challenges in managing high misalignments while ensuring hydraulic sealing and mechanical strength, particularly when combined with high flexural rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A connection device comprising a first and second tubular body with spherical faces, a tubular pusher, and mechanisms for coupling and blocking movement, utilizing a vice for radial and axial clamping to create a spherical coupling that prevents relative rotation, and spacers to block oscillations, ensuring a univocal position and hydraulic sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spherical coupling connection device is used to accommodate high angular misalignments, then the adaptability to misaligned pipe sections is improved, but the mechanical strength and stability of the connection deteriorates due to the spherical joint acting as a rotational degree of freedom

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular misalignment accommodationVSAvoidconnection mechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the spherical coupling first allows movement to accommodate misalignment, then locks to provide rigid support. The locking mechanism enables the system to adapt its degree of freedom based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical coupling acts as an intermediary element between the two pipe sections, mediating the angular misalignment while the locking mechanism serves as a mediator to transfer and stabilize mechanical loads once alignment is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a flanged connection device is used to provide high mechanical strength, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate high angular misalignments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection mechanical strengthVSAvoidangular misalignment accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the spherical coupling first allows movement to accommodate misalignment, then locks to provide rigid support. The locking mechanism enables the system to adapt its degree of freedom based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical coupling performs the preliminary action of accommodating angular misalignment during the connection process, allowing the pipe sections to be joined even when misaligned. Once connected, the locking mechanism is activated to prevent relative movement and provide full mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the spherical coupling is allowed to move freely to accommodate misalignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates due to potential oscillations and relative movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection assembly easeVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the spherical coupling first allows movement to accommodate misalignment, then locks to provide rigid support. The locking mechanism enables the system to adapt its degree of freedom based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical coupling performs the preliminary action of accommodating angular misalignment during the connection process, allowing the pipe sections to be joined even when misaligned. Once connected, the locking mechanism is activated to prevent relative movement and provide full mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11441711B2Connection device for joining two pipe sections

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 SAIPEM SPA

AI summary

A connection device for joining two pipe sections in a body of water has a first tubular body having a spherical face; a second tubular body having at least one spherical face; a tubular pusher arranged about the second tubular body and having a spherical face; a first mechanism for coupling the second tubular body between the first tubular body and the tubular pusher and providing a spherical coupling between the first and the second tubular body; and a second mechanism for blocking any movement about the spherical coupling of the second tubular body with respect to the first tubular body and the tubular pusher.