Spring-Loaded Line Coupling for Angular Offshore Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling devices for outdoor use, particularly in marine environments, face challenges in withstanding changing mechanical loads from sea conditions, leading to unintended separation due to fatigue from hydrostatic pressure and rough seas, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with two detachable coupling parts that are spring-loaded in the circumferential direction, allowing for angular displacement and buckling movement, ensuring a flexible connection that absorbs mechanical loads without separating, and includes a buoyancy feature for easy retrieval if one part falls into water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coupling device uses rigid connection structures to withstand high hydrostatic pressure, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the coupling device becomes vulnerable to fatigue from recurring mechanical stress peaks and cannot accommodate angular displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs spring elements that provide dynamic flexibility, allowing the coupling to accommodate angular displacement and absorb recurring mechanical stress peaks from sea waves. The spring-loaded coupling elements enable the connection to adapt to changing loads while maintaining mechanical strength, preventing fatigue-induced separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by using spring elements that can elastically deform under load. This allows the coupling to transition between rigid and flexible states, maintaining strength while accommodating angular displacement and absorbing stress peaks through elastic deformation.
2Reliability
If the coupling device allows flexible movement to absorb mechanical stress, then the reliability under alternating loads is improved, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded coupling elements provide dynamic flexibility that allows the connection to absorb recurring mechanical stress peaks while maintaining adequate connection strength. The springs enable controlled movement under load, accommodating angular displacement without compromising the overall structural integrity of the coupling device.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling device is designed for easy separation and reconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection may unintentionally separate under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded coupling elements create a dynamic connection that remains securely engaged under normal operating conditions but can be easily separated when needed. The spring force maintains reliable connection strength to prevent unintended separation, while the design allows for deliberate separation by overcoming the spring load, facilitating easy reconnection.
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 coupling device effectively withstands lateral forces and bending moments, preventing mechanical stress and allowing for repeated connection and disconnection, while the buoyancy feature facilitates easy access and retrieval, enhancing reliability and safety in offshore applications.
Implementation Method 1
the two coupling parts are held together by a plurality of spring-loaded coupling elements distributed in the circumferential direction of the coupling device, in such a way that the two coupling parts can be moved apart or bent against spring forces acting due to the spring load
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the coupling parts comprises a buoyancy body, so that at least one of the coupling parts is buoyant in water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for joining together two lines, comprising two coupling parts (11, 12), which are coupled together in the axial direction and connected to one another in order to form a connection of the two lines (3, 4), and wherein the two coupling parts (11, 12) are secured to one another with multiple spring-loaded coupling elements (8) distributed around the coupling device (1), in such a way that the two coupling parts (11, 12) can be arranged at an angle to one another in relation to a normal position by means of forces acting laterally in relation to the axial direction of the coupling device (1), and wherein the coupling elements (8) exert a restoring force on the coupling parts (11, 12) in the direction of the normal position via spring loading in the angled position.