Subsea Clamping System Mechanical Advantage Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems in subsea operations face limitations in applying sufficient torque for secure engagement of subsea components, as they rely on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that can only provide a limited amount of torque, restricting the clamping force and efficiency in coupling components.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system with a mechanical advantage mechanism, comprising a clamp with pivotable segments and an actuator, such as a scissor mechanism or lever system, coupled with a driver like a threaded lead screw, which allows for increased clamping force without increasing the torque requirement of the ROV, enabling secure engagement of subsea components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional clamping systems are used with ROV-actuated lead screws, then the system is simple to operate, but the clamping force is insufficient due to limited ROV torque
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple segments (first clamp segment, second clamp segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the application of mechanical advantage mechanisms to amplify the clamping force generated by the ROV-actuated lead screw, resolving the contradiction between limited ROV torque and the need for high clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical advantage mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the lead screw and the clamp segments. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the torque and force transmitted from the lead screw to the clamp segments, enabling sufficient clamping force to be achieved without requiring increased ROV torque capability.
2Force
If larger lead screws are used to increase clamping force, then sufficient clamping force is achieved, but the driver size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical advantage mechanism serves as an intermediary that amplifies the output force of the lead screw without requiring a larger or more powerful lead screw. This allows standard-sized lead screws to generate high clamping forces through the force multiplication effect of the mechanical advantage mechanism, resolving the contradiction between clamping force requirements and driver size.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp segments are designed to move dynamically between open and closed positions, with the mechanical advantage mechanism providing force amplification during the closing action. This dynamic design allows the system to achieve high clamping forces during engagement while maintaining a compact, standard-sized driver configuration.
3Force
If mechanical advantage mechanism is added to increase clamping force, then clamping force is substantially higher, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into movable segments that work in conjunction with the mechanical advantage mechanism. This segmentation allows the mechanical advantage to be applied efficiently to specific portions of the clamp, achieving high clamping force while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable, thus resolving the contradiction between force amplification and structural complexity.
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 provides a clamping force that is substantially higher, at least three times greater than conventional systems, allowing for secure coupling of subsea components while maintaining economically appropriate driver sizes, and enabling the use of standard ROVs with smaller lead screws.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator provides mechanical advantage, thus increasing the clamping force applied by the clamp to the mating features
Implementation Method 2
Certain existing clamps may be actuated between open and closed configurations via rotation of a lead screw threadably coupled with adjacent segments of the clamp
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A technique facilitates clamping operations by providing mechanical advantage. According to an embodiment, a clamping system (20) comprises a clamp (30) having a plurality of clamp segments (32) with surfaces oriented to securely hold and clamp mating features, e.g. mating hubs (22, 24), of adjacent components. The clamping system also may comprise an actuator (40) coupled to the clamp to enable selective shifting of the clamp between an open position to receive the mating features and a closed position in which the clamp segments are contracted together to secure engagement of those features. A driver (58) is coupled to the actuator (40) to enable movement, e.g. shifting, of the actuator when opening or closing the clamp. The actuator facilitates operation of the driver via, for example, an ROV by providing mechanical advantage and thus increasing the clamping force applied by the clamp to the mating features.