Subsea Tubular Connection With Interlocking Fingers for Rapid Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tubular connections for subsea operations face challenges in efficiently distributing loads and facilitating quick assembly in harsh subsea conditions, requiring advanced techniques to enhance performance and reduce assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connection system featuring a pair of tubulars with a pin end and a box end, where the box end has spreadable fingers that interlock with the pin end, secured by inner and outer wedges, and a bracket assembly for supporting conduits, allowing for efficient load distribution and quick connection/disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional bolted flange or locking dog connections are used, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly time is prolonged and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate male and female halves that can be independently positioned and then quickly joined together, eliminating the need for complex bolting or locking procedures and enabling rapid connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through the complementary profiles and interlocking features, allowing the connection to be made without complex tools or multiple operational steps, thereby reducing assembly time
2Reliability
If tubulars are exposed to harsh subsea conditions, then the connection must be robust, but the complexity of the connection device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions including alignment, sealing, and mechanical interlocking are merged into a single integrated connection interface, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining robustness against subsea conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed with universal features that can accommodate various loading conditions and subsea environments, allowing a single design to serve multiple purposes and reducing overall system complexity
3Strength
If load distribution between tubulars is improved, then the structural integrity is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity of the connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface incorporates locally optimized features such as reinforced bearing surfaces and strategically positioned interlocking elements that concentrate load path efficiency in critical areas without requiring complex structures throughout the entire component
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female connection halves feature asymmetric profiles that are optimized for their specific roles in load transfer, allowing each component to be manufactured with focused precision in critical areas while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity
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 system enables rapid assembly of tubular strings with reduced human interaction, improved load distribution, and modular adaptability, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of subsea operations.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of fingers being spreadable for insertion of the pin end into the box end during make up and having an inner locking surface for interlocking engagement with the outer locking surface of the pin end of the adjacent tubular whereby loads are distributed between the adjacent tubulars
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A tubular and tubular connection for joining adjacent tubulars of a tubular string for passage of fluid therethrough is provided. The tubular connection includes a pin end at an end of a first of adjacent tubulars and a box end at an end of a second of the adjacent tubulars. The pin end has an outer locking surface. The box end has a plurality of fingers at an end thereof with slots therebetween. The fingers are selectively extendable for placement about the pin end of the first of the adjacent tubulars. The fingers having an inner locking surface for interlocking engagement with the outer locking surface of the pin end whereby loads are distributed between the adjacent tubulars.