Underwater Conduit Coupling with Telescopic Sleeve and Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting systems for conduits in underwater hydrocarbon production facilities lack compactness, reversibility, and simplicity for fluidic connection and disconnection, making maintenance and repair challenging.
Innovation Solution
A connecting system comprising a first and second tubular structure with a telescopically coupled sleeve and a bidirectional translating device using a screw/nut mechanism for controlled micrometric positioning and reversible coupling, allowing for precise alignment and sealing of conduit ends without requiring intervention on the first tubular structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing connecting systems are used for conduits in underwater facilities, then connection function is achieved, but the systems lack compactness, reversibility, and simplicity
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system employs nested tubular structures where a first tubular structure is inserted into a second tubular structure, creating a compact telescopic arrangement. This nesting principle allows the system to achieve both connection functionality and compact form factor, directly addressing the contradiction between operational simplicity and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting system is divided into distinct functional segments: a first tubular structure with external threading, a second tubular structure with internal threading, and a sealing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If permanent connection devices are used to keep conduits connected, then connection reliability is improved, but maintenance and repair require complex disconnection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The telescopic tubular structures can be moved relative to each other, allowing the connection to be easily established and disconnected. This dynamic capability maintains reliable fluidic connection during operation while enabling simple disconnection for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of repair.
3Manufacturing precision
If telescopic coupling mechanism is implemented for precise alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic coupling mechanism replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simpler threaded engagement system. The external and internal threads on the tubular structures provide precise micrometric positioning through rotational movement, achieving high alignment precision without requiring complex mechanical guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment precision is achieved by introducing rotational movement as an additional degree of freedom. Instead of relying solely on linear telescopic movement for alignment, the system uses thread rotation to convert rotational motion into precise linear positioning, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision with a relatively simple mechanism.
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 controlled and reversible coupling of conduit ends with high coupling forces, ensuring reliable fluidic connection and disconnection, facilitating maintenance and repair operations in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (21) comprising a screw/nut mechanism (22) for selectively sliding the sleeve (16) in relation to the tubular member (15) in two opposite directions and parallel to the second longitudinal axis (A2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system (12) for connecting two conduits (9, 10) in a body of water, exhibits a first tubular structure (13), which is coupled to a conduit (10) that extends along a first longitudinal axis (Al); a second tubular structure (14), which is coupled to another conduit (9) that extends along a second longitudinal axis (A2) and comprises a tubular member (15), and a sleeve (16), which is telescopically coupled to the tubular member (15), and faces the first tubular structure (13); and an actuating assembly (17), which comprises a bidirectional translating device (18) for selectively displacing the sleeve (16) forward and backward to selectively couple and uncouple an end portion of the sleeve (16) and the first tubular structure (13).