Subsea Stab Connector With Retractable Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea fluid connector assemblies face challenges in engaging and disengaging stab connectors with receptacle connectors due to unpredictable force requirements and susceptibility to contamination, making maintenance difficult and costly, especially in high-pressure and force-exerted environments.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector system comprising a male connector with retractable latches and a female connector with apertures, where a sleeve forces the latches to retract, allowing easy engagement and disengagement, and a sealing mechanism to prevent fluid leakage, including O-rings and wear-resistant rings for secure connections under varying pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stab connectors are used without retractable latches, then the structure is simpler, but the engagement force becomes unpredictable and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs retractable latches that can dynamically change position between extended (locked) and retracted (unlocked) states. This dynamic mechanism ensures reliable engagement by automatically locking the stab connector in place while maintaining the ability to disengage when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the latches to automatically engage and lock the stab connector in place during insertion, and can be manually or remotely actuated to disengage. This self-locking mechanism provides reliable engagement without requiring complex external locking systems, improving reliability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
2Strength
If the stab connector is designed for secure locking, then connection strength is improved, but the force required for insertion becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are designed to engage with the receptacle walls before full insertion is complete, creating preliminary locking action. This staged engagement process distributes the locking force over time and distance, making the insertion force more predictable while still achieving strong final connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows adjustment of latch spring tension and engagement geometry to optimize the balance between connection strength and insertion force. By modifying these parameters, the system achieves reliable locking without requiring excessive insertion force, resolving the contradiction between strength and force requirements.
3Ease of operation
If manual or ROV manipulation is used for connector engagement, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement function is extracted from the insertion process through the use of a separate manual or remote actuation mechanism. This allows the latch to be released independently without requiring complex manipulation during insertion, simplifying the engagement operation while maintaining operational flexibility for controlled disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complex manipulation to both engage and disengage, the design inverts the approach: insertion is simplified to a straightforward push operation that triggers automatic latch engagement, while disengagement is the operation that requires deliberate action. This inversion reduces engagement time and complexity while maintaining operational control.
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 system enables quick and reliable engagement and disengagement of fluid connections, maintaining a secure seal under high pressures and withstanding linear and bending forces, simplifying maintenance and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of protrusions extending from the plurality of cavities along a radial axis, wherein the plurality of protrusions are biased in an extended position. The plurality of protrusions can retract into the plurality of cavities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods enable connection of, and are usable to connect, well servicing equipment to other well equipment, including wellheads, blowout preventers, and other well servicing equipment. The systems comprise connecting apparatus having a male connector and female connector. The male connector comprises an elongate body having an axial bore extending therethrough and a plurality of protrusions extending from the elongate body at an angle relative to the axial bore. The female connector can be adapted for connection with the male connector, wherein engagement between the male connector and female connector communicates the axial bore of the male connector with a bore of the female connector to define a flowpath for communicating a medium. The systems and methods enable the ability to connect or disconnect well equipment remotely without the need of a diver, an ROV, and without the need to bring the well equipment to the surface for disassembly.