Submarine Cable Intermediary Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting submarine hybrid cables, such as those used in marine renewable energy farms, are bulky, difficult to handle, and induce significant hydrodynamic drag and bending forces due to direct in-line connections, requiring extensive space on installation vessels and not being fully satisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A connection system that uses an intermediate connecting piece with U-shaped electrical and optical connectors, protected by sealed covers, and a movable sealed casing to facilitate flexible assembly and reduce bulk, allowing for easier handling and reduced hydrodynamic drag by not fixing cables directly in line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are connected directly in line, then connection reliability is improved, but system bulk and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional modules: a first structure for receiving one cable end, a second structure for receiving the other cable end, and an intermediate connecting piece. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall bulk compared to a monolithic in-line connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate connecting piece is introduced between the two cable ends to facilitate connection. This intermediary component enables reliable electrical and mechanical connection while allowing the cable ends to be positioned at angles rather than requiring direct in-line alignment, thereby reducing system bulk and improving handling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cables are connected in line, then connection stability is improved, but hydrodynamic drag and bending forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows cable ends to be connected at angles rather than requiring straight in-line alignment. This angular connection configuration reduces the transmission of bending forces and hydrodynamic drag along the cable length while maintaining connection stability through the intermediate connecting piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate connecting piece acts as a mediator that isolates the cable ends from direct mechanical coupling. This allows the cables to be connected stably while reducing the transmission of harmful forces such as bending moments and hydrodynamic drag that would occur in a rigid in-line connection.
3Device complexity
If direct in-line connection is used, then assembly simplicity is improved, but space requirements on installation vessel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate structures and an intermediate piece, each of which can be prepared and positioned independently. This modular approach reduces the overall space required on the installation vessel compared to a large monolithic in-line connection system, while assembly procedures remain straightforward through standardized interfaces.
4Volume of moving object
If intermediate connecting piece is used, then system bulk is reduced, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connecting piece is designed with integrated electrical connection means and mechanical attachment features that simplify the overall connection process. Despite the additional component, the standardized interfaces and modular design reduce connection complexity compared to adapting a bulky in-line system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system for connecting submarine cables (2, 3) and especially umbilical cables for renewable marine energy farms, is characterised in that it comprises an intermediate part (4) for connecting the cables, adapted to be placed between ends for connecting the cables (2, 3) and comprising means (5) for the electrical connection of said cables and means (12, 13, 14) for the mechanical connection thereof.