Integrated End Fitting for Compact Subsea Flexible Pipe Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing end connection assemblies for flexible tubular pipes in subsea applications are cumbersome, prone to causing excessive bending stresses in subsea structures, and costly due to the need for adapter pieces.

Innovation Solution

An end connection assembly with an integral end fitting that includes engagement surfaces for tie-in tools, allowing direct coupling to subsea hubs without additional adapter pieces, thereby reducing length, stress, and production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adapter pieces are used to connect flexible tubular pipes to subsea hubs, then coupling functionality is achieved, but the assembly length increases and bending stresses on subsea structures worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling functionalityVSAvoidassembly length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adapter piece functionality directly into the end fitting of the flexible tubular pipe. The end fitting is designed with engagement surfaces that can directly interface with the subsea hub, eliminating the need for separate adapter pieces. This integration reduces the overall assembly length while maintaining coupling functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapter pieces are used to connect flexible tubular pipes to subsea hubs, then coupling functionality is achieved, but bending stresses on subsea structures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling functionalityVSAvoidbending stresses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adapter pieces are used to connect flexible tubular pipes to subsea hubs, then coupling functionality is achieved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling functionalityVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional end fittings are used without integral engagement surfaces, then pipe termination is achieved, but ease of operation with tie-in tools worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe terminationVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the end fitting to serve multiple functions: it provides pipe termination by anchoring the flexible layers and simultaneously provides engagement surfaces for tie-in tools. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adapter pieces and improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable pipe termination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12326202B2End connection assembly and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS

AI summary

An end connection assembly (200) for pull-in and coupling of a flexible tubular pipe to an inboard hub of a subsea structure using a tie-in tool, which flexible tubular pipe comprises a plurality of superposed flexible layers (210, 214, 218) of metal materials and plastics materials, wherein the end connection assembly comprises an end fitting (202) which is connected to an end section (204) of the flexible tubular pipe in a sealed manner forming a termination of the flexible tubular pipe in which at least one layer of said plurality of flexible layers is anchored; an engagement surface (226a, 226b) for interacting with engagement means of the tie-in tool; and a collet connector assembly allowing releasable coupling of the end connection assembly to the inboard hub. The engagement surface is arranged in the end fitting radially outside of and circumferentially enclosing the at least one flexible layer.