Wellhead Connector Tooth Geometry for Uniform Tension Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors, such as those used in the oil and gas field, experience non-uniform tension distribution between male and female contact surfaces due to differences in stiffness, leading to inefficient preload application and potential failure in locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a wellhead connector with differentiated tooth spacings and angles between the male and female components, allowing for a more uniform tension distribution by varying the angular locks and spacings, which enhances the mechanical stability and efficiency of the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If equal angles and uniform spacing are used between male and female teeth, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tension distribution on contact surfaces becomes non-uniform due to stiffness differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the spacing and angles of specific teeth based on their position and function. The first tooth has different spacing and angle parameters compared to the second and third teeth, allowing each tooth to be optimized for its local stress conditions and stiffness characteristics, thereby achieving more uniform tension distribution across the contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by using different spacing and angular parameters for male and female teeth, and different parameters for each individual tooth position. This asymmetric configuration compensates for the stiffness differences between male and female components, transforming the non-uniform tension distribution problem into a balanced stress distribution across all contact surfaces.
2Reliability
If differentiated spacing and angles are used among teeth, then the tension distribution becomes more uniform, but the connector design and manufacturing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the spacing and angular parameters of different teeth. The first tooth has spacing S1 and angle A1, while the second and third teeth have different spacing S2, S3 and angles A2, A3. These parameter variations are designed to compensate for stiffness differences and achieve more uniform tension distribution, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the same tooth profile is used for male and female components, then engagement is optimized, but the non-uniform stiffness distribution causes non-uniform tension distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach: instead of making male and female teeth identical for optimal engagement, it deliberately creates differentiated tooth configurations. The male teeth have different spacing and angles compared to female teeth, and each tooth position has unique parameters. This inverted approach maintains good engagement while achieving uniform tension distribution by compensating for stiffness differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a jaw used to connect a connection element and a wellhead designed to better distribute tensions on the contact surfaces of the teeth thereof, including, for example, having contact surfaces with differentiated angles and differentiated spacing, resulting evened tensions on the contact surfaces of the teeth.