Subsea Tool Holder Change Hub for High-Force Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea processing machines face difficulties in tool detachment and repair due to the challenges of accessing and releasing tools underwater, particularly when tools seize or require maintenance, necessitating a mechanism for rapid and simple tool changing with high closure forces.
Innovation Solution
The tool holder incorporates an unlocking piston with a spring-pretensioned blocking bolt and a displacement ring, allowing for easy detachment and mounting of the tool hub, enabling high closure forces and secure locking through a cam and latch mechanism, facilitating both subsea and surface operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual releasing of the tool holder is used, then the structure is simple, but it is impossible to operate under subsea conditions and requires high closure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical releasing with an automated piston-cylinder mechanism actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. The piston (16) with blocking bolt (20) automatically engages and disengages the locking bolt (34) from the latch recess (38) when pressure is applied to the cylinder chamber (18), eliminating the need for manual intervention in subsea environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure applied to the cylinder chamber (18) to actuate the piston (16). This allows the tool holder to be operated remotely under subsea conditions where manual access is impossible, while the spring element (24) provides the necessary closure force when pressure is released.
2Reliability
If high closure forces are applied to secure the tool, then the locking is secure, but the tool becomes difficult to detach for maintenance or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the blocking bolt (20) can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The spring element (24) maintains high closure force during operation, but when hydraulic/pneumatic pressure is applied to move the piston (16), the blocking bolt automatically disengages, allowing easy detachment without requiring force to overcome the spring's pretension.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston (16) acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic/pneumatic actuation system and the blocking bolt (20). When pressure is applied, the piston moves the blocking bolt to disengage the locking bolt (34) from the latch recess (38), providing a controlled release mechanism that overcomes the high closure force without requiring manual force on the tool itself.
3Productivity
If the tool holder is designed for rapid tool changing, then productivity increases, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking mechanism into distinct functional components: the piston (16) for actuation, the blocking bolt (20) for engagement control, the locking bolt (34) for securing, and the spring element (24) for maintaining closure force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid tool changing through automated operation while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element (24) automatically maintains closure force on the locking mechanism without requiring continuous external actuation. When the piston (16) disengages the blocking bolt (20) from the locking bolt (34), the spring automatically re-engages it when pressure is released, providing self-service functionality that simplifies the control system while maintaining rapid tool changing capability.
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
This design enables rapid and simple tool changes with high closure forces, allowing for secure locking and easy detachment of the tool hub, even in deep-sea environments, ensuring operational reliability and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A blocking bolt (20) which is oriented with the unlocking piston or unlocking bolt in the locking position can be pretensioned on its side directed away from the piston at its face-side end preferably by means of a spring element (24)
Implementation Method 2
at least one unlocking piston (16) in the tool holder (2) which is part of a piston-cylinder unit (14) and can be disengaged in the direction of the tool hub (6) in relation to the tool holder (2) when pressure is applied accordingly to the cylinder chamber (18)
Data Source
AI summary
In order to mill, drill, saw or the like in the offshore sector, subsea processing machines are used which comprise a tool holder with a change hub for receiving at least one rotary tool, such as for instance a milling cutter, saw, drill or the like. The tool holder preferably has a carrier body for receiving the tool hub, wherein the latter comprises a hub flange for receiving tools. The preferably centric hub ring of the change hub can be arranged on the carrier body of the tool holder and can be connected to the tool holder in such a manner as to be able to be detached and clamped by means of at least one locking apparatus.