Subsea Mooring Connector With Rotational Locking Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, robust, and easy-to-use subsea connector that allows rotational movement for mooring lines connected to subsea structures, particularly suitable for use with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to facilitate connection and disconnection without the need for divers, and to address corrosion issues in deep-sea environments.
Innovation Solution
A subsea connector design featuring a male and female portion with a through-passage, alignment means, and inter-engaging coupling arrangements that enable rotational movement around transverse axes, allowing for secure connection and disconnection of mooring lines to subsea structures, utilizing a pin and aperture configuration for locking and unlocking, and made from metallic materials for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic latch connector is used for subsea connections, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female portions that can be independently deployed and then connected. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall system deployment and reducing the complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning features with protrusions and recesses that automatically guide the male and female portions into proper alignment during connection. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment equipment or hydraulic adjustment systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Stress or pressure
If a connector allows rotational movement around transverse axes, then the stress on the subsea structure is reduced, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with rotational degrees of freedom that allow it to dynamically adapt to movement and stress variations in the subsea environment. By permitting controlled rotation around transverse axes, the connector can absorb dynamic loads and reduce stress transmission to the subsea structure while maintaining a stable connected state through its mechanical coupling features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its operational parameters by allowing rotation around transverse axes in response to environmental conditions. This parameter change enables the connection to accommodate varying stress states without compromising stability, as the rotational capability allows the system to find equilibrium positions that minimize stress while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is designed for easy connection and disconnection by ROV, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and locking functions are extracted as separate, discrete features (protrusions and recesses) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This extraction allows each feature to be optimized for its specific function during operation while enabling modular manufacturing processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector, such as a subsea connecter (100), for connecting a line or lines such as mooring lines (140), to a subsea structure (145), such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to associated apparatus, structures and methods. The subsea connector (100) comprises a first portion (105) and a second portion (110) and means (115) for connecting the first (105) and second portions (110). The means (115) for connecting comprise at least part of a through-passage (120) in the second portion (110). The first portion may comprise means (125) for connection to one or more lines (140), such as mooring lines, allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the first portion (105) with respect to the line (140). The second portion (110) may comprise means (130) for connection to a subsea structure (145) allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the second portion (110) with respect to the subsea structure (145). In some examples, the transverse axis of the first portion (105) may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis of the second portion (110).