Removable Subsea Electrical Coupling for Dry Disconnect Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Subsea sensors and penetrators are typically hard-wired to an oil-filled jumper via a standard adaptor (MK II), requiring additional connector-specific adaptors for dis-connectability, which increases cost and bulk, and there is no standard design for subsea connectors.

Innovation Solution

A dry mateable subsea electrical connector coupling with a removable connector body that seals a chamber and includes electrical conductors, allowing easy topside assembly and dis-connectability without the need for wet mate connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard adaptor (MK II) is used to hard wire subsea sensors to oil-filled jumpers, then the connection is reliable and simple, but the device cannot be disconnected for repair or maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddisconnectability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate parts: a male connector that attaches to the subsea device and a female connector that attaches to the jumper. This segmentation enables disconnection while maintaining connection reliability during operation, resolving the contradiction between reliable connection and disconnectability for repair/maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a subsea wet-mateable connector is used to enable disconnection, then the device can be disconnected for repair, but an additional connector-specific adaptor is required which increases cost and bulk

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedisconnectabilityVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the adaptor functionality directly into the male connector body. The adaptor features (sealing chamber, pressure equalization, electrical contacts) are integrated into the connector that attaches to the subsea device, eliminating the need for a separate adaptor component. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining disconnectability and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The male connector is designed with universal features that allow it to function both as a sealing adaptor and as an electrical connector. The single component performs multiple functions: mechanical connection, fluid sealing, pressure equalization, and electrical contact, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a wet mate connector is used on the back of the sensor, then disconnection is enabled, but the manufacturing becomes considerably more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedisconnectabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is segmented into a male connector (attached to device) and female connector (attached to jumper), allowing the complex wet-mate features to be concentrated in the female connector portion that interfaces with the jumper rather than requiring the sensor device itself to have complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male connector acts as an intermediary component with a simpler design that attaches to the subsea device, while the more complex wet-mateable female connector attaches to the jumper. This intermediary approach allows the sensor device to have simpler manufacturing while still achieving disconnectability through the combined connector system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easier and less costly assembly of subsea equipment connections, reducing the need for skilled technicians and allowing flexibility in connector configurations without altering the structure, thus lowering costs and simplifying installation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the removable connector body is adapted to seal a chamber of the second connector part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

the removable connector body comprises electrical conductors and fittings adapted to receive corresponding electrical conductors and fittings from the hose or jumper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

The removable connector body may comprise one or more inductively couplable electrical conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4158737B1Electrical coupling

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SIEMENS ENERGY AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A dry mateable subsea electrical connector coupling, comprises a removable connector body adapted to couple a first connector part, terminated to a subsea cable or jumper, to a subsea sensor device, or to a subsea wet mateable connector part; The removable connector body (11) is adapted to seal a chamber (16) of the first connector part (2) terminated to the subsea hose or jumper and to receive electrical conductors (4) of the subsea sensor device or subsea wet mateable connector part. The removable connector body comprises electrical conductors and fittings adapted to receive corresponding electrical conductors and fittings from the hose or jumper.