Split Collet Connector With Opposite-Handed Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices fail to provide a satisfactory locking mechanism, especially in high-pressure offshore environments subjected to torsional and lateral forces, due to inadequate sealing and locking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The connector device employs interengaging screwthreads of opposite handedness between the collar and the male part, along with a split collet and chamfered surfaces, to ensure a strong connection and seal, while a nut facilitates torque application and splaying of the collet for enhanced locking. The collet is splayed as the nut is tightened, engaging the wedge part to secure the male and female parts against forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gland nut with wedge part is used to lock the male part, then the device can be assembled, but it fails to provide satisfactory locking under high pressure and torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent but complementary functions: the collet provides radial clamping force through splaying, while the collar with opposite-handed screwthreads provides axial locking. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of force resistance, with the collet handling radial forces and the collar handling axial forces, together providing comprehensive locking capability under high pressure and torsional loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar employs screwthreads of opposite handedness relative to the collet's external screwthread and the female part's internal screwthread. This asymmetric threading configuration creates a mechanical interlock where friction between the collet and collar cannot undo the collar during tightening, providing inherent resistance to unscrewing under torsional forces and enhancing the overall reliability of the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the collet is made as a single solid piece, then it provides continuous structure, but it cannot be splayed effectively to engage the female part
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is divided into multiple segments by longitudinal slots, transforming it from a solid cylindrical structure into a splittable component. This segmentation enables the collet to splay outward when the nut is tightened, allowing the segmented surfaces to engage with corresponding surfaces in the female part to create an effective seal, while the slots provide the necessary flexibility for this transformation.
3Ease of operation
If the collar screwthreads have the same handedness as the collet external screwthread, then assembly is simpler, but friction during tightening can undo the collar
Solution Approach 1:
The collar employs screwthreads of opposite handedness relative to the collet's external screwthread and the female part's internal screwthread. This asymmetric threading configuration creates a mechanical interlock where friction between the collet and collar cannot undo the collar during tightening, providing inherent resistance to unscrewing under torsional forces and enhancing the overall reliability of the locking mechanism.
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
This configuration provides a robust and reliable seal and locking mechanism capable of withstanding high torsional and lateral forces, ensuring effective transmission of axial forces and maintaining a secure connection under challenging offshore conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A wedge part has a forward portion which extends within the said sleeve portion and a rearward portion which abuts a portion of the gland screw, a forward portion of the wedge part and the said sleeve portion having mutually engaging wedge surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
The fact that the interengaging screwthreads on the collar and on the male part are of opposite handedness to the said external screwthread of the collet and the internal screwthread of such a female part ensures that any friction between the collet and the collar does not undo the collar whilst the collet is screwed into such a female part.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector device (10) comprising a male part (12) and a female part (50) which engages the male part (12) when those two parts (12 and 50) are connected together, those two parts (12 and 50) having respective passageways which are coaxial when those two parts (12 and 50) are connected together. A collet (24) surrounds the male part (12) and is coupled thereto, which collet (12) has an external screwthread which engages an internal screwthread on the female part (50), so that relative rotation between those screwthreads in a given sense causes the female part (50) to sealingly engage the male part (12). The collet (24) has at least one slot (40) in it extending longitudinally with respect to the axis of the screwthreads to enable it to be splayed. A wedge part (34) is located between the male part (12) and the collet (24) and is displaceable longitudinally with respect to the axis of the screwthreads to splay the collet (24) thereby to lock the male and female parts (12 and 50) in such a sealing engagement with one another.