Subsea Connector Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors used in subsea applications face issues with disengagement due to removal of tension load, leading to potential downward pivoting and displacement between male and female elements, especially when the female element is mounted on a mud mat that can pivot, causing the connector to fall back to its initial state.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first releasable locking mechanism with tapered grooves and balls, and a second locking mechanism with lock balls retained in an apertured body that engages with a tapered bore, allowing independent movement of lock balls and utilizing resilient means like compression springs to maintain engagement even when tension load is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single releasable locking mechanism with balls in tapered grooves is used, then the connector can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the connector may disengage when tension load is removed due to self-weight causing downward pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a first releasable locking means with balls in tapered grooves for easy assembly/disassembly, and a second locking means with lock balls in an apertured body for preventing unintended disengagement. Each locking means performs a specific function, and together they resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second locking means with lock balls is positioned to engage with the tapered bore before the connector is fully assembled. This preliminary engagement prevents the connector from pivoting downward when tension load is removed, ensuring reliability before the first locking means is fully engaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the female element is allowed to pivot on the mud mat to compensate for sea bed unevenness, then the connector can adapt to uneven surfaces, but the connector may fall back to the seabed when tension load is removed causing displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The second locking means with lock balls engaged in the tapered bore provides a counteracting force that prevents the connector from pivoting downward under its own weight when tension load is removed. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances the gravitational force that would cause the connector to fall back to the seabed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system allows dynamic pivoting of the female element on the mud mat to adapt to uneven sea bed conditions, while the second locking means provides a mechanical constraint that maintains overall positional stability. The system dynamically adjusts to surface irregularities while preventing catastrophic displacement.
3Device complexity
If lock balls are retained in a fixed body, then the structure is simple, but the lock balls cannot engage with the tapered bore to prevent unlocking when load is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The body retaining the lock balls is made movable rather than fixed, allowing the lock balls to engage with the tapered bore. The apertured body can move independently to enable lock ball engagement, providing the necessary reliability while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apertured body acts as an intermediary between the lock balls and the tapered bore, enabling the lock balls to engage with the bore. This intermediary component allows the lock balls to move and engage properly without requiring a complex direct connection mechanism.
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 design ensures a secure connection by increasing the gripping force of the balls with applied tension and preventing relative movement between elements, maintaining engagement and stability even when tension is reapplied or removed, preventing downward pivoting and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical body is urged towards the bore of the second connector element by resilient means, advantageously a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
the balls of the first locking means are wedged between the two to lock them together. Application of a tension load to the elements increases the force with which the balls are gripped between the two elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A subsea connector comprises a female element (1) defining a parallel bore (2) adapted to receive a male element (3). First releasable locking means are disposed between elements (2) and (3) and comprise a sprung cage (6) in which balls (5) are retained for movement in tapered grooves circumferentially spaced around element (3). As the cage moves relative to element (3) balls (5) protrude from the cage to a greater or lesser extent to lock the elements together. Second locking means prevent relative movement between elements (1) and (3) in a locking release direction of the first releasable locking means. These second locking means comprise lock balls retained in an apertured body disposed between elements (1) and (2).