Stackable Expandable Lock Rings for Subsea Wellhead Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea wellhead systems have limited load capacity and contact area due to the extent of split lock ring expansion, which restricts the structural support for cylindrical bodies within larger cylindrical bodies.
Innovation Solution
A stackable support system that includes multiple expandable rings stacking on top of each other, increasing the contact area and load capacity by expanding in a domino effect, allowing for greater radial and axial forces across various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single split lock ring is used to support a cylindrical body within a larger cylindrical body, then the device complexity is low, but the load capacity and contact area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single lock ring is segmented into multiple lock rings (first lock ring, second lock ring, etc.) that can expand independently. Each lock ring engages with the cylindrical body at different positions, distributing the load across multiple contact points. This segmentation increases the overall load capacity and contact area while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lock rings are nested within each other in a telescopic arrangement, where the first lock ring can contain the second lock ring, and so on. This nested configuration allows compact storage when not in use while enabling full expansion when load is applied. The nested structure increases load capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the split lock ring is expanded to increase contact area, then the load capacity improves, but the expansion extent is limited by the inner and outer diameters of the mating cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The lock rings are designed to expand not only radially but also axially in a telescopic manner. The multiple lock rings can extend in the axial direction beyond the limits of a single ring's radial expansion, effectively utilizing both radial and axial dimensions to increase contact area and expansion extent
Solution Approach 2:
The lock rings are designed with dynamic expansion capabilities, allowing them to adjust their expansion extent based on the applied load. The telescopic arrangement enables the lock rings to progressively engage with the cylindrical body, providing adaptive expansion that maximizes contact area without being constrained by fixed dimensional limits
3Strength
If multiple expandable rings are stacked to increase load capacity, then the contact area and load capacity improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock rings are merged into a integrated telescopic assembly where the rings share common actuation mechanisms and structural support elements. The merging of functions and structures reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate, independent lock rings, while still achieving increased load capacity through the combined effect of multiple expanding elements
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable support system and method are disclosed to increase the final contact area of an expanding lock component by stacking one ring on top of another such that one ring acts as an actuator for the one beneath it. As a body lands inside a receptacle, e.g. a narrow cylinder lands inside a larger cylinder, the components or rings expand in a domino effect, resulting in a greater contact between the body and receptacle than would occur if there was only one component or ring. The stackable support system includes a number of expandable lock rings which stack on top of each other. These rings, when expanded, steadily increase in diameter, resulting in an overall larger surface on the bottom of the support system than could have been achieved with one ring.