Subsea Connector Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea connectors are cumbersome, require buoyancy/heave compensation, lack inherent alignment, and are difficult to use with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), necessitating a simpler, more robust, and easy-to-use solution for connecting and disconnecting lines in underwater applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a male and female portion with rotational alignment means, including prongs or teeth that co-act to align and a pin for secure connection, allowing for easy mating and disconnection by an ROV, with the ability to connect lines like mooring chains or synthetic lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball and taper connector is used, then connection can be formed between male and female portions, but the connector lacks inherent alignment and requires buoyancy/heave compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric alignment features including a keyway in the male portion that fits into a corresponding key in the female portion, and a cam surface that interfaces with a cam follower. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent alignment during the connection process, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or buoyancy compensation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a Delmar connector is used, then connection can be established, but it requires buoyancy/heave compensation and is manufactured as a casting which limits project applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female portions that can be manufactured independently using various methods such as forging, casting, or additive manufacturing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using the most appropriate process, providing greater manufacturing flexibility compared to monolithic cast connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic elements including a movable cam surface that rotates during engagement to lock the connection, and a spring-loaded cam follower that maintains constant contact pressure. These dynamic features enable the connector to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and operational conditions, improving both reliability and manufacturing flexibility.
3Reliability
If existing subsea connectors are used, then connection can be made, but they are cumbersome and difficult to use with remotely operated vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features self-aligning geometry with a keyway and key system that automatically orient the male and female portions during approach, and a cam surface that self-locks upon engagement. An ROV simply needs to guide the connector into approximate proximity, after which the self-service alignment and locking mechanisms complete the connection without requiring complex ROV manipulation or precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a subsea connector (100), e.g. a mooring connector, and a method of mooring a subsea structure to a line, e.g. a mooring chain, with the subsea connector. The subsea connector comprises a first portion (105) and a second portion (110), means for connecting (120) the first portion and the second portion, and means for rotationally aligning the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions are connectable to a respective line, such as a respective mooring chain. The means for rotationally aligning comprise a first alignment member at least partly spanning across a bore, such as an internal bore, of the first or second portion. The means for rotationally aligning comprise a second alignment member provided by the other of the first or second portion. The first and second alignment members co-act when the first and second portions are brought together or mated.