Subsea Hydraulic Connector With Parallel Locking Against Accidental Unlocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic connectors for subsea oil extraction, particularly those with parallel locking systems, require numerous components for pressure adjustment, leading to high manufacturing and assembly costs, while friction self-locking connectors are sensitive to manufacturing tolerances and prone to accidental unlocking, especially under vibration.
Innovation Solution
A 'Titus' type hydraulic connector with reduced components, featuring parallel locking and a simplified pressure adjustment system, eliminating springs and pins, and incorporating a secondary hydraulic unlocking mechanism for enhanced safety and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parallel locking system with mounting adjustment system is used, then connector preload can be properly defined, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to large number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mounting adjustment system from the connector design, extracting only the essential parallel locking mechanism. The preload is defined through the inherent geometry of the locking surfaces and hydraulic piston arrangement, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components while maintaining reliable preload definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic piston serves multiple functions: it provides the locking force, defines the preload through its mechanical advantage, and enables remote actuation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated component.
2Device complexity
If friction self-locking system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances and accidental unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct parallel locking surfaces rather than relying on a single friction interface. This segmentation distributes the locking function across multiple controlled contact points, reducing sensitivity to variations in any single surface while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces friction-based self-locking with a mechanical parallel locking system where preload is defined by geometry and hydraulic force rather than friction coefficients. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with friction sensitivity while keeping the device simple.
3Reliability
If safety system is added to prevent accidental unlocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel locking geometry inherently provides resistance to accidental unlocking by distributing forces across multiple surfaces. This built-in geometric protection acts as a cushion against unintended release, eliminating the need for separate safety systems while maintaining high reliability.
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 connector achieves lower manufacturing and assembly costs with improved reliability and resistance to accidental unlocking, maintaining a secure connection under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
jaws (3) located and preloaded by a actuator hydraulic piston (4) through pressurization chamber (5)
Implementation Method 2
The locking of the connector is accomplished by driving a hydraulic piston which, through a force transmission mechanism, generates a connector design preload
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may be used in oil production and extraction operations in the seabed. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may be able to provide a connection between cylindrical bodies such as Christmas tree and a wellhead. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may have a locking system including a hydraulic circuit and the unlocking system has a hydraulic circuit. Additionally, a pre-load adjustment system may be performed through an adjustment ring. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) contains a set of jaws, one actuator hydraulic piston, pressurization chambers, sealing elements, external jacket, bottom cap, adjustment ring and hydraulic fluid lines.