Subsea Wiring Splice Isolating Material Fluid Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Offshore oil and gas operations in subsea environments face high costs and complexity due to the need for expensive specialty connectors to maintain electrical connections under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, which limits the number of connections and increases operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

A subsea wiring apparatus with a housing containing an electrical connector and isolating material that surrounds conductors to block fluid ingress, allowing for multiple wires to be spliced into a single circuit within a compact design, reducing the need for multiple connectors and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialty connectors are used to maintain electrical connections under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrical connections and wiring functions into a single integrated wiring harness assembly. The harness includes conductors, insulation, and connection elements all integrated into one unit that can be deployed as a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate specialty connectors while maintaining reliability in extreme subsea environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring harness is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection, insulation, mechanical strength, and environmental protection. The single harness assembly performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate specialized connectors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialty connectors are used for each component connection, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the number of connections is limited and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrical connections are merged into a single wiring harness assembly containing multiple conductors and connection points. This allows numerous component connections to be achieved with one deployed unit rather than requiring multiple individual connectors, thereby increasing the number of possible connections while reducing the total number of connector components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring harness is segmented into multiple conductors and connection elements within a single integrated structure. This segmentation allows the harness to provide multiple independent electrical connections while remaining a single deployable unit, effectively increasing connection capacity without proportionally increasing the number of connector components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialty connectors are deployed to accommodate each component, then electrical connection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring harness is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can accommodate multiple components and connection configurations within a single assembly. This versatility is achieved through integrated conductors and connection elements that can adapt to various component interfaces, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and thereby reducing cost while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient multiplication of existing circuits in a compact format, reducing the number of connectors and costs while providing robust and reliable electrical connections in harsh environments by isolating the splice from pressure and temperature extremes.

Implementation Method 1

an isolating material within the cavity, the isolating material extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the isolating material surrounds at least a portion of the conductor to block fluid communication with the conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid barrier isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS11271381B2Systems and methods for subsea wiring splices

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 HYDRIL USA DISTRIBUTION LLC

AI summary

A subsea wiring apparatus includes a housing having a cavity extending from a first end to a second end. The apparatus also includes an electrical connector arranged within the cavity, the electrical connector receiving at least one conductor. The apparatus further includes a separator extending at least partially into the cavity, wherein the separator receives the at least one conductor and directs the at least one conductor into a passage. The apparatus also includes an isolating material within the cavity, the isolating material extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the isolating material surrounds at least a portion of the conductor to block fluid communication with the conductor.