Subsea Connector Assembly Automatic Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting subsea flexible pipes or umbilicals to fixed structures require external intervention, such as subsea divers or ROVs, which are time-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks, due to the need for manual operation of latch-cam and clamp mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A subsea connector assembly with a male connector assembly and an adapter assembly that uses actuator members and engagement members to automatically couple and decouple the bend stiffener from the fixed structure, eliminating the need for external intervention by allowing automatic installation and removal of the bend stiffener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of latch-cam and clamp mechanisms is used, then connection reliability is ensured, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed to perform its own latching and unlatching operations automatically. The actuator members (cam members and clamp members) are configured to self-actuate upon engagement of the male and female connector portions, eliminating the need for external manual intervention while ensuring reliable connection through the inherent mechanical design of the self-latching mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If external intervention using divers or ROVs is used, then complex mechanisms can be operated, but safety risks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly autonomously performs all operational functions including latching, locking, and securing of the bend stiffener without requiring external divers or ROVs. The automatic actuation mechanism eliminates human exposure to hazardous subsea environments while maintaining full operational capability through self-activating mechanical components.
3Productivity
If automatic coupling mechanism is implemented, then installation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic coupling mechanism is divided into distinct functional modules: actuator members (cam members and clamp members), engagement members (latch and lock), and the male-female connector portions. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently analyzed, which manages the overall complexity while enabling automatic operation for improved installation efficiency.
4Device complexity
If manual latching mechanism is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to self-actuate through the natural engagement forces between male and female connector portions. The cam members and clamp members automatically transition from unlocked to locked positions during the connection process, maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving rapid automatic latching that significantly improves installation productivity.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A subsea connector assembly is provided for automatically coupling a movable subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure. The connector assembly comprises a male connector assembly, removably mountable to the movable subsea structure, and further comprising a throughbore, at least one first actuator member and at least one second actuator member. The connector assembly further comprises an adapter assembly, removably mountable to an end-fitting of a string of tubulars, comprising at least one first engagement member and at least one second engagement member, each of said at least one first and second engagement member are operable to be acted upon by said first and/or second actuator member so as to selectively release a locked engagement with said male connector assembly, allowing said adapter assembly to be moved through said throughbore of said male connector assembly.