Configurable Subsea Wet-Mate Connector for Power and Data Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea wet-mate connectors require separate units for power and communication applications, leading to increased space requirements and inefficiencies due to the need for multiple connectors with compromised ratings, sizes, and performance, as each must be separately mated and demated underwater, which is not feasible with existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable subsea wet-mateable connector that combines power, data, optical fiber, pneumatic, and fluid connector units within a single body, allowing customization of inserts to optimize each function without increasing size or interfering with other signals, using materials like copper alloys for low resistance and expanded beam fiber connectors for compactness, and incorporating electrical shielding to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connectors are provided for power and communications applications, then each connector can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall space requirement increases and multiple mating operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connectors (power connector, data connector, fiber optic connector, pneumatic connector, fluid connector) into a single integrated subsea connector body. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate mating operations and reduces the overall space required, while each connector type within the integrated body maintains its functional optimization through dedicated contact elements and pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea connector is designed as a multi-functional universal connector that can simultaneously handle power transmission, data communication, fiber optic connections, pneumatic signals, and fluid transfer. The connector body incorporates multiple types of contact elements (conductive pins, optical fibers, pneumatic channels, fluid passages) within a single standardized interface, allowing one connector to perform multiple functions that previously required separate connectors.
2Reliability
If separate connectors are provided for power and communications applications, then each connector can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of mating operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connectors (power connector, data connector, fiber optic connector, pneumatic connector, fluid connector) into a single integrated subsea connector body. This merging eliminates the need for multiple mating operations and reduces the overall space required, while each connector type within the integrated body maintains its functional optimization through dedicated contact elements and pathways.
3Area of stationary object
If a single connector body incorporates multiple connector types, then space is reduced, but each connector unit may suffer from compromised rating, size or performance
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector body is segmented into distinct sections, each housing a specific type of connector element (power contacts, data contacts, fiber optic connectors, pneumatic elements, fluid passages). Each segment is designed and optimized for its specific function with appropriate materials, dimensions, and performance characteristics, while all segments are integrated within a single standardized connector body that maintains overall compactness.
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 solution reduces overall lifecycle costs by enabling a single connector to perform multiple functions efficiently, minimizing space and maintenance needs, while maintaining optimal performance for subsea operations, and allowing for easier installation and operation through customizable and optimized connector designs.
Implementation Method 1
The power connector unit may comprise a copper, or copper alloy, conductor. These have the advantage of a low electrical resistance, reducing losses during power transmission.
Implementation Method 2
The connector inserts may further comprise electrical shielding for the data connector unit when one of the at least two connector units comprises a power connector unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable subsea wet-mateable connector includes a receptacle connector body and a plug connector body. The subsea receptacle connector unit includes at least two receptacle inserts chosen from at least one of a power connector unit, a data connector unit, an optical fibre connector unit, a pneumatic connector unit or a fluid connector unit. The subsea plug connector unit includes at least two plug inserts having the same two of a power connector unit, a data connector unit, an optical fibre connector unit, a pneumatic connector unit or a fluid connector unit.