Subsea Umbilical Termination Assembly Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea umbilical termination assemblies lack a compact design, leading to increased length and complexity in subsea installations for oil and gas processing and transport, which can hinder efficient installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A subsea umbilical termination assembly featuring an integrated umbilical termination head and electrical/optical distribution unit with connectors, where the umbilical termination head is mounted within the base frame, reducing the overall length and enhancing space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the umbilical termination head and distribution unit are installed as separate components, then each component can be independently manufactured and maintained, but the overall assembly length increases and space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the umbilical termination head and the distribution unit into a single integrated assembly. The termination head is mounted directly within the base frame of the distribution unit, eliminating the need for separate installation of these components. This integration directly reduces the overall assembly length while maintaining the functional independence of each component through modular design elements that allow for separate manufacturing and assembly.
2Area of stationary object
If the umbilical termination head is mounted outside the base frame, then installation and maintenance are simpler, but the overall assembly occupies more space and has greater length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the umbilical termination head inside the base frame of the distribution unit. The termination head is mounted within the existing structural space of the base frame, effectively utilizing the available volume without increasing the external dimensions of the assembly. This nested configuration reduces the overall footprint while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized mounting interfaces.
3Productivity
If separate components are used for termination head and distribution unit, then component replacement is easier, but the assembly length increases affecting installation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by designing the integrated assembly with distinct modular components - the umbilical termination head and the distribution unit are separate functional modules that are mechanically integrated. This segmentation allows for independent replacement of either component while maintaining the compact integrated structure, thus preserving maintenance ease while achieving reduced assembly length for improved installation efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subsea umbilical termination assembly comprising: an umbilical termination head 2 fixed to the end of a subsea umbilical 3; and an electrical and/or optical distribution unit 4 comprising a base frame 5 and several connectors 6 mounted to the base frame 5, wherein each connector 6 is electrically connected to an electrical cable of the subsea umbilical 3 via the umbilical termination head 2 or optically connected to an optical cable of the subsea umbilical 3 via the umbilical termination head 2. The umbilical termination head 2 is mounted in a space 7 provided inside the base frame 5 of the distribution unit 4.