Subsea Clamp Connector Locking Unit for ROV Tube Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subsea clamp connectors face challenges in efficiently connecting and securing tubular members, particularly when operated by ROVs, due to limited flexibility and high forces required for pushing and pulling tubular elements, which can damage them.

Innovation Solution

A subsea clamp connector design featuring a base part with articulately connected clamping elements and a locking unit with an operating shaft, retaining members, and an actuating device operable by an ROV, allowing for rotational movement and pre-tensioning of the clamping elements to securely engage tubular members with minimal force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high forces are applied to push and pull tubular elements during connection, then the connection can be secured, but the tubular members may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoiddamage to tubular members

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp connector acts as an intermediary device between the ROV actuating mechanism and the tubular members. It translates the rotational movement of the actuating device into the clamping action that secures the tubular members, eliminating the need for the ROV to directly apply high linear forces that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces a direct linear pushing/pulling mechanical system with a rotational actuation system. The actuating device rotates the operating shaft, which through the locking unit and trunnion members, generates the clamping force needed to secure the tubular members, thus substituting high-force linear motion with controlled rotational motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the operation cannot be efficiently performed by an ROV

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveROV operabilityVSAvoidlocking unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit incorporates a rotational actuation mechanism that can be operated remotely by an ROV, replacing traditional manual or direct mechanical locking systems. The operating shaft with threaded retaining members converts rotational input into linear clamping motion, enabling remote operation while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter from linear pushing/pulling motion to rotational motion. The actuating device applies torque to rotate the operating shaft, which through the threaded retaining members generates the necessary clamping force, making the system compatible with ROV capabilities while achieving secure locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the clamping elements are rigidly fixed, then the structure is stable, but the connection process requires high forces that can damage tubular members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddamage to tubular members

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping elements are made dynamically adjustable through the articulation mechanism and operating shaft system. They can be positioned and secured at different angles and positions during the connection process, allowing controlled engagement that reduces impact forces on the tubular members while maintaining stable connection once engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and flexible connection of tubular members with reduced risk of damage, allowing for easy operation by an ROV and facilitating quick replacement of locking units, thus simplifying subsea operations and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second external threads on the operating shaft being threaded in opposite directions allowing the first and second retaining members to be moved towards or away from each other on the operating shaft by rotation of the operating shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11320073B2Subsea clamp connector and subsea clamp connector arrangement comprising such a clamp connector

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 VETCO GRAY SCANDINAVIA

AI summary

A subsea clamp connector for connecting the ends of two tubular members to each other, the clamp connector including first and second clamping elements, which are pivotable into a closed position in clamping engagement with the ends of the tubular members; and a replaceable locking unit for locking the clamping elements in the closed position. The locking unit includes an operating shaft, a first retaining member mounted to the operating shaft and configured for engagement with a shoulder on a holding member fixed to the first clamping element, and a second retaining member mounted to the operating shaft and configured for engagement with a shoulder on a holding member fixed to the second clamping element. The locking unit is detachably mountable to the clamping elements by insertion of the operating shaft sideways into slots provided in the holding members.