Subsea Connector Spherical Mating for Emergency Disconnect
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea connectors lack a reliable emergency quick disconnect (EQD) functionality that can safely release the electrical connection regardless of the cable's orientation or tension, posing risks of cable damage and infrastructure compromise.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a male and female component with cooperating mating surfaces, including a lever mechanism that extends through apertures to lock and unlock, allowing for snag-free release, and a biased actuation system to maintain the connection securely before releasing the electrical connection, ensuring safe disconnection regardless of cable orientation or tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stab plate connection is used with axial movement for disconnect, then the connection can be secured mechanically, but the EQD functionality is limited by the line of action of the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs spherical mating surfaces where the male connector has a spherical outer surface and the female connector has a corresponding spherical inner surface. This spherical geometry allows the connectors to align and connect from any orientation without requiring precise axial alignment, thereby enabling reliable EQD functionality regardless of cable line of action while maintaining secure mechanical connection
2Ease of operation
If an ROV is used for EQD functionality, then subsea disconnect/connect can be achieved, but the solution is not practical
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates an automatic release mechanism with a release member that can be actuated by simple linear movement. When the release member is actuated, it triggers the locking levers to disengage automatically, allowing the connectors to separate without requiring complex ROV operations or manual intervention, thus achieving practical self-service EQD functionality
3Productivity
If the connector is designed for pull-out release, then disconnect can occur, but the cable orientation must be largely along the axis of the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical mating surfaces enable the connectors to accommodate any cable orientation during connection and disconnect operations. The spherical geometry provides omnidirectional alignment capability, allowing the cable to approach at any angle while maintaining proper connector engagement and enabling rapid disconnect without orientation constraints
4Productivity
If the connector is designed for eject function, then disconnect can occur, but off centre pull by the cable would interfere with the eject function
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical interface design eliminates the need for precise centering during eject operations. The spherical geometry naturally accommodates off-center forces and moments, allowing the eject mechanism to function reliably regardless of cable pull orientation. The spherical contact surfaces distribute loads evenly, preventing interference from eccentric forces
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting power or control systems infrastructure such as for example subsea infrastructure, said connector comprises a male component (4) and a female component (2), the male and female components comprising cooperating mating surfaces and means for locking the male and female components together (43), the locking means being retractably mounted within one of the male or female components but extendible from that component into the other of the male or female components to lock the two components together against axial and rotational movement whilst providing a snag free release when the locking means is in the retracted position.