Split Clamp Bend Restrictor for Faster Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bend restrictors for cables and umbilicals are costly and time-consuming to install, with a weak point near the equipment end that experiences strong bending forces, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in material usage and force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A bend restrictor design comprising split pipe and clamp sections connected via bolts, locking pins, or straps, where the clamp sections are designed to provide additional strength and distribute forces, reducing the number of parts and material usage, and allowing for flexible assembly and installation without requiring access to cable ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bend restrictors with multiple pipe sections and clamps are used, then the cable is protected from bending damage, but the installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the pipe section and clamp section into a single integrated unit where the clamp section is formed as one piece encompassing the pipe section. This eliminates the need for separate clamps and multiple pipe sections, reducing the number of parts from 4-6 components to 2 main components (pipe section and integrated clamp-section), thereby significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining cable protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated clamp-section is divided into two halves that can be assembled around the cable and then joined together. This segmentation allows for easier installation as the two halves can be positioned independently and then secured to each other, reducing installation time compared to traditional multi-component designs while still providing complete cable protection
2Strength
If traditional bend restrictors with multiple bolt connections are used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the number of parts and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the clamp section as a single unit that encompasses the pipe section, the invention reduces the total number of parts from 4-6 separate components to just 2 main components. This merging eliminates redundant materials while maintaining structural strength through the integrated design where the clamp-section walls directly support the pipe section
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp-section is designed with varying wall thicknesses and structural characteristics at different locations - thicker walls at critical stress points and optimized thickness elsewhere. This local quality optimization ensures sufficient structural strength is provided exactly where needed while minimizing material usage in less critical areas
3Strength
If traditional bend restrictors with four bolts per clamp are used, then the connection strength is adequate, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-section is divided into two halves that are joined together to form the complete clamp. This segmentation into two main halves (rather than requiring four separate bolt connections for each clamp) simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of fastening operations needed while maintaining adequate connection strength through the joined halves
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the clamp section as a single unit with the pipe section reduces the overall assembly complexity. Instead of assembling multiple separate clamps around multiple pipe sections with four bolts each, the integrated design requires fewer assembly steps and fewer total fasteners while maintaining the necessary connection strength
4Reliability
If the first clamp near the equipment end is designed to withstand strong bending forces, then the cable is protected, but the weak point remains near the equipment end
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated clamp-section design creates a continuous protective structure that distributes bending forces more evenly along the cable length. By merging the clamp and pipe sections into one integrated unit, the force distribution is improved compared to traditional designs where discrete clamps created localized stress concentrations, thereby reducing the weak point effect near the equipment end
Data Source
Figure 1a~3b
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Bend restrictor comprising at least one pipe section 28 and at least one clamp section 26 - wherein the pipe section 28 comprises an outward facing flange 19 at each end, the pipe section 28 is split in the longitudinal direction into at least two parts, - wherein the clamp section 26 comprises an inward facing flange 24, 24' at each end and a pipe shaped middle section 22 therebetween, wherein the clamp section 26 is split in the longitudinal direction into at least two parts, wherein said parts are connectable through bolt connections, and - wherein each inward facing flange 24, 24' is adapted to receive the outward facing flange 19 of a pipe section 28.