Telescopic Mechanical Connector for High-Torque Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connectors, such as the Merlin™ family connectors, face limitations in handling high torsional loads due to their reliance on frictional resistance, which is difficult to control accurately and results in limited torsional load capacities.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of structural features like dog-clutch teeth, fitted pins, keys, splines, and interlocked thread systems, combined with modifications in the shapes of boxes and pins, and the use of assembly/disassembly fluids that solidify at operational temperatures, enhance the connectors' ability to transfer high torsional loads while maintaining high static and fatigue bending load capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frictional resistance is used for torsional load transfer, then the connector structure remains simple, but the torsional load capacity is limited and difficult to control accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length, with different structural configurations (constant diameter sections, tapered sections, variable diameter sections) that provide different load transfer mechanisms. This segmentation allows the connector to handle both axial/bending loads through friction and high torsional loads through structural engagement of discrete elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Discrete structural elements (such as keys, splines, or interlocking features) are introduced as intermediary components between the box and pin. These intermediaries provide a mechanical means for torque transfer that supplements the frictional resistance, enabling accurate control of torsional load capacity while maintaining relatively simple overall connector geometry.
2Ease of manufacture
If constant diameter is used for box and pin, then manufacturing is simplified, but weight control and application to smaller sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs local quality variations through tapered sections and variable diameter portions at specific locations (such as near the ends or in the middle section). These localized geometric modifications allow weight reduction and optimization for smaller sizes while maintaining constant diameter in critical load-bearing regions, balancing manufacturing simplicity with weight control.
3Strength
If structural features for high torque are added, then torsional load capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load transfer functions are merged into integrated structural features. For example, the same geometric features (tapered sections, variable diameters, or structural elements) serve both as torque transfer mechanisms and as means for telescopic assembly and disassembly. This merging reduces the need for separate components, increasing torsional capacity while limiting the growth of overall device complexity.
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
These enhancements enable mechanical connectors to effectively manage high torque loads, improve weight control, and extend their application to smaller sizes and lower design pressures, ensuring reliable performance in offshore engineering applications.
Implementation Method 1
assembled and disassembled utilizing a pressure of an assembly/disassembly fluid which expands said box and contracts said pin in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
an assembly/disassembly fluid that solidify at operational temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopically assembled, Merlin™ Family Connector is provided with one or more sets of threads on substantially matching frustoconical surfaces of a pin and a box of the connector. Strengthening means are introduced involving at least one of: a mechanical stiffening clamp interacting with an outside surface of the box or a mechanical stiffening clamp interacting with an inside surface of the pin. The stiffening clamps may include systems of arbitrarily oriented ribs and/or fairing surfaces. The said strengthening means may be essentially annular clamps that would have relatively regular shapes essentially conforming to the external or internal surfaces of the box or the pin, respectively. The above modifications can be introduced to traditional connectors and to connectors designed to transfer high torsional loads.