Subsea Connector Segmented Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling connectors face challenges in swiftly disconnecting during emergencies due to high bending moments and tensile strength loads, and existing hydraulic connectors require significant stroke and force for disconnection, which can lead to snagging and damage.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a shorter stroke and lower force required for releasing the locking mechanism, utilizing hydraulically actuated pistons and biasing means to ensure quick and safe disconnection, featuring a locking system with pivotally mounted dogs and an annular collar for pretensioning, allowing rapid separation without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic connectors use a long stroke to move locking means into locked position, then sufficient preload is generated, but disconnection time increases and emergency response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent systems: actuating means for engagement and retaining means for maintenance. The retaining means uses a shorter stroke to engage and hold the locking means in position, while the actuating means provides the full stroke for initial engagement. This segmentation allows quick release by simply disengaging the retaining means without needing to reverse the full actuation stroke.
2Strength
If conventional connectors apply high force to move locking means into locked position, then secure connection is achieved, but release force requirement increases and damage risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is engaged after the locking means are initially positioned by the actuating means. The retaining means then maintains the locked position with lower force, allowing the actuating means to be withdrawn. For release, only the retaining means needs to be disengaged with minimal force, avoiding the need to apply high force to reverse the full actuation process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connectors use deep engagement for locking means, then connection stability is improved, but disengagement becomes difficult and snagging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism separates the engagement function (actuating means with full stroke) from the maintenance function (retaining means with shorter stroke). The retaining means engages the locking means at a position that provides sufficient stability during operation but allows easy disengagement by simply withdrawing the retaining means, avoiding deep engagement that would cause snagging.
4Reliability
If conventional connectors require full stroke reversal for release, then locking security is maintained, but release time increases and emergency response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is engaged after initial locking to maintain the secure connection. For release, only the retaining means needs to be disengaged with a short stroke action, while the actuating means remains in place. This allows rapid release without needing to reverse the full actuation stroke, significantly improving emergency response time while maintaining locking security during normal operation.
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 swift and safe disconnection of subsea connectors in emergency situations, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for immediate reconnection upon power restoration, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring fluid containment.
Implementation Method 1
actuating means for moving the locking means into the locked position and means for retaining the locking means in the locked position once the actuating means is withdrawn
Implementation Method 2
the arrangement being when the retaining means is removed the locking means return to an unlocked position thereby allowing separation of the cooperating faces
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a plurality of components having cooperating faces together. The connector includes a plurality of dogs for locking the cooperating faces of upper and lower conduits together. The plurality of dogs are movable between an open position and a locked position. A hydraulic piston moves the plurality of dogs into the locked position. The connector includes an annular collar that retains the plurality of dogs in the locked position once the hydraulic piston is withdrawn. When the annular collar is removed, the plurality of dogs return to an unlocked position thereby allowing separation of the cooperating faces without snagging of the plurality of components.