Subsea Manipulator Tool Changer With Standardized Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) face challenges in swapping tools subsea due to the lack of standard interfaces, and existing solutions fail to provide reliable zero-leak hydraulic connections and wet-mateable electrical connectors, hindering efficient tool swapping and operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electro-hydraulic subsea manipulator tool changer system with standardized latches, tool receivers, and wet-mateable connectors, including RFID interrogators for tool identification, and quick disconnect connectors for hydraulic, electrical, and data pathways, enabling secure and efficient tool swapping and operation subsea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standardized interfaces are implemented for tool swapping, then tool swapping efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple connection types (hydraulic, electrical, data)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydraulic quick disconnect connectors, electrical wet-mateable connectors, and data cabling into a single integrated standardized interface. This merging allows all connection types to be established simultaneously during tool swapping, improving efficiency while managing complexity through standardization of the combined system
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface is designed to handle multiple functions (hydraulic fluid transfer, electrical power and data transmission) through a single unified connection mechanism. This universal interface enables different tool types to be swapped using the same standardized connection system, improving productivity across diverse tool applications
2Reliability
If zero-leak hydraulic connections are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized connector requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic quick disconnect connectors specifically designed to maintain zero-leak performance during connection and disconnection operations. These specialized hydraulic components use sealing mechanisms and pressure-balanced designs to prevent fluid leakage while enabling rapid tool changes, achieving high reliability through hydraulic engineering principles
3Adaptability or versatility
If wet-mateable electrical connectors are implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential connection issues in subsea environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wet-mateable electrical connectors that are specifically designed to establish reliable electrical connections even when mating in the presence of water or moisture. These connectors incorporate sealing elements and alignment features that ensure consistent contact despite subsea environmental conditions, maintaining reliability while enabling operational flexibility
4Device complexity
If manual tool swapping is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized interfaces are pre-configured with alignment features, sealing elements, and connection geometries that guide the tool swapping process. This preliminary design of the connection system enables rapid mating and dismating operations without requiring complex active control systems, achieving fast tool changes through pre-planned geometric and functional features
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a subsea manipulator tool changer comprises an ROV attachable standardized tool receiver and a tool, the subsea manipulator tool changer comprising a standardized tool latch and a standardized tool latch receiver whereby tools can be attached and detached subsea. In other embodiments, a system for changing tools while subsea comprises an ROV, a subsea manipulator tool changer, and a tool caddy configured to accept and release a tool where the tool comprises the standardized tool latch receiver.