Tubular Connection Assembly with Cam Ring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for tubular members in the oil and gas industry require hydraulic systems for preloading, are not easily made up, and suffer from gaps due to tolerances, which complicates rapid and repeatable connections.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly utilizing a primary make-up assembly with dogs and a secondary make-up assembly with bolts, allowing for rapid, low-torque hand-tightening and eliminating gaps through a cam ring mechanism that achieves significant preload without hydraulic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic systems are used to preload the connection, then significant preload can be achieved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring hydraulic infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic system from the connection assembly, replacing it with a purely mechanical make-up system. The connection assembly achieves preload through mechanical means (threaded engagement and cam ring mechanism) without requiring external hydraulic infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving significant preload and avoiding device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional threaded connections are used, then connection can be made, but gaps due to tolerances remain and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a preliminary action through the cam ring mechanism that actively eliminates gaps between components during the make-up process. The cam ring forces the bodies into intimate contact before final tightening, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring gap-free connections without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If rapid connection is achieved through hand-tightening, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to produce significant preload deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic make-up system with two distinct phases: a preliminary phase using the cam ring mechanism that creates significant preload through mechanical leverage, and a final phase using threaded engagement that locks the connection. This dynamic approach allows hand-tightening to achieve both rapid operation and significant preload, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and preload magnitude.
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
Enables rapid, repeatable, and gap-free connections with significant preload, independent of torque, friction, or geometric tolerances, simplifying the connection process and enhancing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam ring mechanism that achieves significant preload without hydraulic assistance
Implementation Method 2
Connection assemblies that are commonly used include threaded connections
Implementation Method 3
Connection assemblies which can be made up using low torque, e.g., hand tighten
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for connecting first and second tubular members. The first tubular member has an external latching formation and there is a latch which is radially movable and configured to selectively engage the latching formation. A cam or drive ring is in surrounding relationship to the latch. There is a collar threadedly received on the second tubular body. Rotation of the collar to effect downward movement forces the drive ring downwardly and into engagement with the dog such that the dog is moved radially inwardly to engage the latching formation.