Subsea Single-Phase Coupler Structure for ROV Wet-Mate Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea three-phase couplers are large, heavy, and difficult to manipulate, requiring cranes for installation and maintenance, limiting the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for connection and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A subsea single-phase coupler design using a housing with a rigid mount and cradle, featuring a standard profile beam for stability and alignment, allowing separate connection of each phase, which can be managed by ROVs, reducing weight and size, and utilizing a removable tool for mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional three-phase coupling heads are used, then power transmission capability is achieved, but the device becomes large, heavy and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional three-phase coupling head into three separate single-phase couplers. Each coupler handles one phase independently, reducing the size and weight of individual components while maintaining the overall power transmission capability through parallel operation of multiple units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal alignment (comparing circular profiles) to vertical alignment (comparing rectilinear profiles), fundamentally changing the alignment dimension and enabling the use of simpler, more manipulable rectangular cross-sections instead of complex circular ones
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional circular cable and connector profiles are used, then rotational symmetry is achieved, but horizontal alignment becomes more difficult and requires tighter tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by using rectilinear (rectangular or square) cross-sections instead of symmetric circular profiles. This asymmetry provides inherent alignment features through flat surfaces that guide horizontal positioning, reducing the need for tight manufacturing tolerances while maintaining connection stability
3Manufacturing precision
If complex machining is used to achieve precise alignment, then connection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features directly into the standard profile beam structure during manufacturing, rather than requiring post-manufacturing adjustment or complex machining operations. The rectilinear profile inherently provides guide surfaces that ensure proper alignment during installation, eliminating the need for precision machining of alignment features
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A subsea single phase coupler for a subsea connector comprises a housing (10) having an inboard end (30) and an outboard end (33). The inboard end of the housing comprises a rigid mount (22) to receive a first wet mate connector part (12). The outboard end of the housing comprises a cradle (21) to receive a second wet mate connector part (14). The housing (10) further comprises a first locating element (25) in the cradle (21) to receive a second locating element (24) on the second wet mate connector part (14) to locate the second connector part in the housing after connection of the first and second wet mate connector parts. The coupler housing (10) comprises a section of standard profile beam.