Subsea Connector Damper Unit for Controlled Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea wet-mateable connectors face reliability issues due to uncontrolled mating speed and dynamic forces, which can damage internal components and lead to latent failures in subsea installations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a damper unit in the connector part that delays the engagement of contacts, using a liquid-filled chamber and piston mechanism to control the engagement speed, decoupling it from the mating speed and ensuring a controlled and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wet-mateable connectors are used to enable underwater connections, then connectivity and serviceability are improved, but the complexity of internal structure increases to protect contacts from seawater
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer housing structure for protection, an internal contact assembly for electrical connection, and a damper unit for controlled engagement. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality in the underwater environment.
2Ease of operation
If ROV-controlled mating is used to engage connectors subsea, then remote operation capability is achieved, but mating speed and angle become uncontrolled depending on pilot skill, causing excessive dynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The damper unit is pre-configured within the connector housing before deployment. When mating occurs, the damper automatically activates to control the engagement sequence, preventing direct impact of the contact. This preliminary preparation ensures controlled mating regardless of ROV pilot skill or mating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outer housing and the internal contact assembly. It mediates the engagement process by absorbing and controlling dynamic forces, preventing direct transmission of uncontrolled motion to the fragile contact elements.
3Productivity
If uncontrolled mating speed occurs during ROV engagement, then mating time is reduced, but excessive dynamic forces damage internal components and contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The damper unit provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned and pre-loaded within the connector. Upon engagement, it immediately begins absorbing dynamic forces before they can reach the contact assembly. This prior preparation prevents damage even when mating occurs at high or uncontrolled speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper unit converts the harmful effect of high mating speed and excessive dynamic forces into a beneficial controlled engagement process. By absorbing and dissipating the excess energy, it transforms what would be damaging forces into a controlled motion that safely brings the contact into engagement.
4Device complexity
If the contact engagement is directly coupled with connector mating, then the structure is simplified, but the contact is vulnerable to excessive forces during uncontrolled mating
Solution Approach 1:
The damper unit serves as an intermediary mechanism between the connector housing and the contact assembly. It decouples the direct relationship between outer housing movement and contact engagement, allowing independent control of each. This intermediary structure protects the contact while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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
Prevents damage to internal components by controlling the engagement speed of contacts, reducing the risk of latent failures and improving the reliability of subsea connections.
Implementation Method 1
a damper unit, wherein at least the first contact is mounted to the damper unit. The damper unit is configured to be activated by an engagement of the connector part with the second connector part. The damper unit is further configured to delay the engagement of the first contact with the second contact of the second connector part during the engagement of the connector part with the second connector part
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connector part (100) of a subsea connector, in particular an ROV mateable subsea connector, is provided. The connector part is adapted to be mated with a second part (200) of the subsea connector. The connector part includes at least a first contact (110) configured for engagement with a respective second contact (210) of the second connector part for establishing a connection. The connector part has a damper unit (10). At least the first contact is mounted to the damper unit. The damper unit is configured to be activated by an engagement of the connector part with the second connector part and is further configured to delay the engagement of the first contact with the second contact of the second connector part during the engagement of the connector part with the second connector part.