Sub-sea Multiple Quick Connector Assembly Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sub-sea connector assemblies for connecting sub-sea components are complex and involve many moving parts, necessitating a simpler and more reliable solution for coupling hydraulic, electrical, and other connections.
Innovation Solution
A multiple quick connector (MQC) assembly featuring a male sub-assembly with quick connectors and an actuator, and a female sub-assembly with couplers and bushings, where the actuator rotates and axially retracts a draw nut to lock the male sub-assembly in place, facilitating easy alignment and secure connection of sub-sea components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connector assemblies are used to connect sub-sea components, then reliable connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and number of moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated assembly. The male sub-assembly and female sub-assembly are designed as unified structures that simultaneously provide alignment, locking, and connection functions, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices, locking mechanisms, and connectors that would otherwise be required in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The MQC assembly serves multiple functions through its dual sub-assembly design. The male sub-assembly with draw nut provides both alignment and locking functions, while the female sub-assembly with couplers provides both reception and securing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable connection.
2Reliability
If conventional connector assemblies with many moving parts are used, then connection security is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two distinct sub-assemblies (male and female) that can be independently handled and operated. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manipulate, while still achieving secure connection when assembled together. The male sub-assembly with its draw nut and the female sub-assembly with couplers can be separately prepared and then quickly connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (protrusions and recesses) and the draw nut mechanism are pre-configured in the respective sub-assemblies. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures that when the sub-assemblies are brought together, the alignment occurs automatically without requiring complex manual adjustment, and the locking action is achieved through a single deliberate movement of the draw nut.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple connector designs are used to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture improves, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the connector into male and female sub-assemblies allows each to be manufactured using simpler processes. The male sub-assembly requires a draw nut and alignment protrusions, while the female sub-assembly requires couplers and alignment recesses. These segmented components are easier to manufacture with standard machining operations compared to a single complex connector design, while the combination provides reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (protrusions and recesses) are designed to self-align the male and female sub-assemblies during assembly. The draw nut automatically engages with the plate and secures the connection through its own threading action without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service design simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable connection through inherent mechanical features.
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 MQC assembly provides a simple, reliable, and efficient method for connecting sub-sea components, ensuring secure alignment and easy disconnection under typical sub-sea forces, suitable for various connections like hydraulic, electrical, and fiber optic connections.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation of the shaft causes the draw nut to rotate with respect to the aperture, and then to axially retract against the second circular plate to lock the male sub-assembly axially with respect to the female sub-assembly
Implementation Method 2
The guide pin is axially inserted into the bushing when the male and female sub-assemblies are axially, radially, and rotationally aligned with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple quick connector (MQC) assembly is described herein. The MQC assembly includes a male sub-assembly that includes a plurality of quick connectors coupled to a first circular plate, and an actuator coupled to the first circular plate. The actuator is configured to actuate a shaft having a draw nut attached to an axial end of the shaft. The MQC assembly also includes a female sub-assembly that includes a plurality of couplers coupled to a second circular plate. Each of the couplers is configured to couple to a respective quick connector of the male sub-assembly. The second circular plate comprises an aperture disposed therethrough. Actuation of the shaft causes the draw nut to extend axially through the aperture, and to rotate with respect to the aperture to lock the male sub-assembly axially with respect to the female sub-assembly.