Wellhead Connector Teeth Geometry for Uniform Tension Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead connectors experience non-uniform tension distribution due to differences in stiffness between male and female components, leading to inefficient preload application and potential failure in locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a teeth configuration with differentiated spacings and angles between the male and female connectors, allowing for a more uniform tension distribution by adjusting the angular locks and spacings to match the varying stiffness of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same tooth profile and spacing are used for male and female connectors, then engagement is improved, but tension distribution becomes non-uniform due to stiffness differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different tooth profiles for male and female connectors. Specifically, the male connector has teeth with a first profile while the female connector has teeth with a second profile that is mirror-image asymmetric to the first. This asymmetric design compensates for the stiffness differences between male and female components, enabling uniform tension distribution across all teeth while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the tooth profile characteristics at different locations. Each tooth position has specifically designed profile parameters (such as angle, curvature, or spacing) that are locally optimized to compensate for the stiffness variation of components at that particular location, resulting in uniform tension distribution throughout the connector assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform tooth spacing is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but tension distribution remains non-uniform leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric tooth spacing where the distance between adjacent teeth varies along the connector length. The spacing is specifically designed to be non-uniform, with closer spacing in regions of higher stiffness and wider spacing in regions of lower stiffness. This asymmetric spacing pattern, combined with corresponding profile adjustments, ensures uniform tension distribution and enhances reliability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the same jaw angle is used for male and female connectors, then manufacturing is easier, but mechanical gain is suboptimal due to stiffness differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different jaw angles for male and female connectors. The male jaw has a first angle while the female jaw has a second angle that is asymmetric to the first. This asymmetric angle configuration optimizes the mechanical gain by compensating for stiffness differences, allowing each component to contribute more effectively to the overall locking mechanism while remaining manufacturable.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector including a jaw (26) used to connect a connection element (24) and a wellhead (28) designed to better distribute tensions on the contact surfaces of the teeth thereof, i.e., having contact surfaces with differentiated angles and differentiated spacing, resulting in an extremely beneficial effect to even out the tensions on the contact surfaces of said teeth.