Split-Ring Connector Assembly for Rapid Mooring Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mooring systems for connecting floating vessels to mooring structures are time-consuming and require complex external intervention, leading to undesirable lost production time and safety risks during severe weather events.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly comprising a stinger and a sleeve assembly with a latching mechanism that allows for quick and secure connection and disconnection using actuators to move split rings into grooves on the stinger, ensuring rapid attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mooring systems are used for connecting vessels to mooring structures, then the connection can be maintained during severe weather, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming and requires complex external intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliability during severe weatherVSAvoidconnection and disconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a stinger with grooves for engagement, a sleeve assembly with split rings for locking, and actuators for automated operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity during severe weather

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly incorporates movable components including the latching mechanism with split rings that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, and actuators that dynamically adjust the position of the stinger and sleeve assembly. This dynamic capability enables rapid state changes between connected and disconnected positions, reducing operational time while maintaining secure connection when engaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional mooring systems are used for disconnecting vessels during severe weather, then vessel safety can be protected, but the system requires complex external intervention and manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel safety during severe weatherVSAvoidoperation complexity and external intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is equipped with integrated actuators that automatically operate the latching mechanism, split rings, and engagement components without requiring external human intervention. The system self-manages the connection and disconnection processes, reducing operational complexity and enabling rapid response to severe weather conditions while maintaining vessel safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated actuators that control the latching mechanism, split ring movement, and stinger positioning. This substitution eliminates the need for complex external intervention and manual handling, simplifying operation while ensuring safe and rapid disconnection during severe weather events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If quick-release mechanisms are implemented for rapid connection and disconnection, then operational time is reduced, but the securing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection and disconnection speedVSAvoidsecuring reliability during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly features pre-positioned grooves on the stinger and pre-configured split rings in the sleeve assembly that are ready for immediate engagement. The alignment features and guide structures ensure proper positioning before final locking, enabling rapid connection without compromising the reliability of the securing mechanism once engaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250382032A1Connector assemblies

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SOFEC INC

AI summary

Connectors assemblies. The connector assembly can include a stinger and a sleeve assembly that includes a latching mechanism. An outer surface of the stinger can define first and second grooves located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. An inner surface of the sleeve assembly can define first and second shoulders located toward first and second ends, respectively, thereof. The latching mechanism can be in an unlocked position or a locked position. When the latching mechanism is unlocked the stinger can be inserted into or removed from the sleeve assembly. When the stinger is within the sleeve assembly and the latching mechanism is locked, the latching mechanism can maintain a first split ring partially within the first groove and partially on the first shoulder and a second split ring partially within the second groove and partially on the second shoulder to secure the stinger within the sleeve assembly.