Underwater Power Generator Connector Self-Aligning Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater power generators face challenges in accurate deployment and maintenance due to strong currents, rugged terrain, and wave movements, making it difficult to align and secure the generation units on base assemblies effectively.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a lower and upper connector portion with a tapering profile, pins, grooves, and splines that inhibit axial rotation, along with an alignment system using cables and guides to ensure precise alignment and secure mounting of the generation unit on the base assembly, allowing for easy maintenance by lifting the unit without additional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the generation unit is disconnected and reconnected for maintenance, then maintenance operations can be performed, but deployment accuracy and alignment are compromised due to rugged terrain, wave movements, and underwater currents
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate upper and lower portions that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The lower connector portion remains fixed to the base assembly while the upper connector portion can be detached from the generation unit, enabling maintenance without compromising the fixed alignment infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features such as pins, grooves, and bearing surfaces are pre-configured on the connector portions before deployment. The tapering profile and complementary alignment features are built into the connector design, allowing for self-alignment during assembly and ensuring accurate reconnection after maintenance without requiring complex realignment procedures.
2Reliability
If the connector uses additional locking mechanisms to secure the generation unit, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design uses self-aligning and self-securing features. The tapering profile provides self-centering during assembly, the pins fit into grooves to provide automatic alignment, and the bearing surfaces create friction-based retention. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining connection reliability and simplifying maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (17) is provided to mount a power generation unit of an underwater power generator to a base assembly. The connector comprises (17) a lower connector portion (72) having a stem (62) projecting upwardly and having a tapering profile and an upper connector portion (70) having an inwardly and upwardly extending recess (60). At least one generally cylindrical pin (61) extends radially inwardly into the recess (60) and at least one groove (64) is formed in the stem (62). The groove (64) is configured to allow the pin (61) to travel along the groove (64) as the stem (62) is axially inserted into the recess (60).