COMPACT RETRIEVABLE HORIZONTAL MODULAR CONNECTORIZED DISTRIBUTION UNIT AND MOUNTING BASE FRAME FOR SUBSEA APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a modular locking and retaining mechanical design solution to reliably secure immersed, unrestrained and un-powered objects in a fluid environment to a fixed support surface such as a mounting frame or panel, with a quick connect/disconnect engagement method by a diver (i.e. manual mate) or remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) mate, into a fixed mounting frame or panel installed at a subsea deployed platform for oil and gas offshore applications. The invention relates particularly to providing an isolation guide or means to prevent dissimilar materials, metals, of a compact retrievable, horizontal or vertical MCDU configuration and a frame from coming into direct contact to avoid corrosive effects, such as galvanic corrosion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/582,165, filed Dec. 23, 2014, and entitled MODULAR SECURING DEVICE FOR ROV AND DIVER MATE-ABLE SUBSEA APPLICATIONS (Gonzalez) which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a modular locking and retaining mechanical design solution to reliably secure immersed, unrestrained and un-powered objects in a fluid environment to a fixed support surface such as a mounting frame or panel, with a quick connect/disconnect engagement method by a diver (i.e. manual mate) or remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) mate, into a fixed mounting frame or panel installed at a subsea deployed platform for oil and gas offshore applications. The invention provides modular, compact and flexible retrievable distribution assembly via ROV or diver operations on manifolds, trees and subsea structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In offshore drilling and production operations, equipment are often subjected to harsh conditions thousands of feet under the sea surface with working temperatures of −50° F. to 350° F. with pressures of up to 15,000 psi. Subsea control and monitoring equipment commonly are used in connection with operations concerning the flow of fluid, typically oil or gas, out of a well. Flow lines are connected between subsea wells and production facilities, such as a floating platform or a storage ship or barge. Subsea equipment include sensors and monitoring devices (such as pressure, temperature, corrosion, erosion, sand detection, flow rate, flow composition, valve and choke position feedback), and additional connection points for devices such as down hole pressure and temperature transducers. A typical control system monitors, measures, and responds based on sensor inputs and outputs control signals to control subsea devices. For example, a control system attached to a subsea tree controls down-hole safety valves. Functional and operational requirements of subsea equipment have become increasingly complex along with the sensing and monitoring equipment and control systems used to insure proper operation.

To connect the numerous and various sensing, monitoring and control equipment necessary to operate subsea equipment, harsh-environment connectors are used with electrical cables, optical fiber cables, or hybrid electro-optical cables. Initial demand for subsea connector development was in connection with military applications. Over time demand for such connectors has grown in connection with offshore oil industry applications.

Early underwater connectors were electrical “dry-mate” devices, intended to be mated prior to immersion in the sea and were of two principal types: rubber-molded “interference fit” type and rigid-shell connectors. The rubber molded “interference-fit” connectors depended on receptacles with elastic bores that stretched and sealed over mating plugs. The rigid-shell connectors had mating parts sealed together via O-rings or other annular seals.

Ocean Design, Inc. has been an industry leader in the development of subsea connectors and applications. Dr. James Cairns' article Hybrid Wet-Mate Connectors: ‘Writing the Next Chapter’, Sea Technology, published July 1997, provides a thorough discussion of the history of underwater connectors through to 1997, and is a source for this background summary. In the early 1960s, electrical connectors intended for mating and de-mating underwater came into use. These so called “wet-mate” connectors were adaptations of the interference-fit dry-mate versions, and were designed so that when mated, the water contained in the receptacle bores would be substantially expelled prior to sealing. Also during this time, the first oil-filled and pressure-balanced electrical connector designs were introduced. These isolated the receptacle contacts within sealed oil-chambers which, during engagement, were penetrated by elongated pins with insulated shafts. Connection was, therefore, accomplished in the benign oil, not in harsh seawater. Unlike previous connector types which could not be disengaged at even modest depths, pressure balancing type connectors could be actuated anywhere in the sea. These wet-mate oil-filled connectors eventually became the high-reliability standard for the offshore oil industry. One critical design element of oil-filled connectors is providing seals that allow the oil chambers to be penetrated repeatedly without losing the oil or allowing seawater intrusion. One design widely used for electrical applications accomplishes this through the use of dielectric pistons, one of which resides in each receptacle socket. Each piston has a spring which biases it outward to automatically fill the socket's end-seal when the plug pin is withdrawn. During mating the pins push these pistons back through the oil-chamber ports (which they have kept sealed) and onward deep inside the sockets.

Early subsea wet-mate optical connectors passed only one optical circuit and used expanded-beam lenses or fiber-to-fiber physical contact junctions. To protect the optical interfaces, both the plug and receptacle contacts were housed in oil-filled chambers which were pressure balanced to the environment. Problems with this design included that sealing and cleanliness were not adequate to provide desired reliability. The spring/piston concept used for sealing electrical connectors is not effective for optical connectors as pistons get in the way of the light path. A second type of subsea-mateable optical connector consisted basically of dry-mate connectors which had a bit of optical index-matching gel placed in the contact interfaces. The excess gel was expelled upon mating. There was no attempt to exclude sand or silt from the interfaces, and the resulting performance was left to chance. Hybrid wet-mate devices were an attempt to combine oil-filled and pressure-balanced plug and receptacle housings with means for sealing and maintaining cleanliness of the optical interfaces. Within both, plug and receptacle, oil chambers, groups of contact junctions are aligned behind cylindrical rubber face-seals. When mated, opposed plug and receptacle seals first press against each other like the wringers of an old-fashioned washing machine, forcing the water out from between them. As the mating sequence continues the opposed plug and receptacle seals, like the wringers, roll in unison and transport any debris trapped between them off to the side. The action simultaneously causes clean, sealed, oil-filled passages to open between opposed plug and receptacle contact junctions. Continuing the mating process, plug pins advance through the sealed passages to contact sockets within the receptacle. De-mating is the reverse sequence. In the case of electrical circuits each mated pin/socket junction is contained in an individual, secondary, sealed oil chamber within the common oil volume. The contacts are unexposed to environmental conditions before, during and after mating.

There are many types of connectors for making electrical and fiber-optic cable connections in hostile or harsh environments, such as undersea or submersible connectors which can be repeatedly mated and de-mated underwater at great ocean depths. Current underwater connectors typically comprise releasably mateable plug and receptacle units, each containing one or more electrical or optical contacts or junctions for engagement with the junctions in the other unit when the two units are mated together. Each of the plug and receptacle units or connector parts is attached to cables or other devices intended to be joined by the connectors to form completed circuits. To completely isolate the contacts to be joined from the ambient environment, one or both halves of these connectors house the contacts in oil-filled, pressure-balanced chambers—this is referred to as a pressure balanced set-up. Such devices are often referred to as “wet-mate” devices and often are at such great depths that temperature and other environmental factors present extreme conditions for materials used in such devices. The contacts on one side (plug) are in the form of pins or probes, while the contacts or junctions on the other side (receptacle) are in the form of sockets for receiving the probes.

Typically, the socket contacts are contained in a sealed chamber containing a dielectric fluid or other mobile substance, and the probes enter the chamber via one or more sealed openings. Such wet-mate devices have previously been pressure compensated. One major problem in designing such pressure compensated or pressure balanced units is the performance and longevity of seals required to exclude seawater and/or contaminates from the contact chamber after repeated mating and de-mating.

Both the plug and receptacle halves of most fiber-optical connectors which are mateable in a harsh environment have oil-filled chambers. The chambers are typically brought face-to-face during an early step of the mating sequence. In a subsequent mating step, one or more connective passages, sealed from the outside environment, are created between the chambers of the mating connector halves. The passages join the two oil-filled chambers, creating a single, connected oil volume. Actual connection of the contact junctions then takes place within the common oil chamber. Examples of prior pressure compensated wet-mate devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,616,900; 4,682,848; 5,838,857; 6,315,461; 6,736,545; and 7,695,301.

In some known underwater electrical connectors, such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,359 and 5,194,012 of Cairns, tubular socket contacts are provided in the receptacle unit, and spring-biased pistons are urged into sealing engagement with the open ends of the socket assemblies. As the plug and receptacle units are mated, pins on the plug portion urge the pistons back past the contact bands in the sockets, so that electrical contact is made. However, this type of arrangement cannot be used in a straightforward way for an optical connector since the optical contacts must be able to engage axially for practical purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,242 of Cairns describes an underwater electro-optical connector in which the male and female connector units are both oil filled and pressure balanced. This device utilizes a penetrable seal element having an opening which pinches closed when the units are separated and seals against the entering probe when mated. Other known fiber-optic connectors have similar seals which are not suitable for use under some conditions and may tend to lose effectiveness after repeated mating and de-mating.

Other known seal mechanisms involve some type of rotating seal element along with an actuator for rotating the seal element between a closed, sealed position when the units are unmated, and an open position when the units are mated, allowing the contact probes to pass through the seal elements into the contact chambers. Such connectors are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,685,727 and 5,738,535 of Cairns. These overcome some of the reliability problems of penetrable seals, for example, but can be too complex for miniaturized connectors.

Most existing wet-mate connectors of the pressure compensation-type depend on elastomers, which have several known disadvantages and which only grow as required temperature and pressure performance in the operating environments increase. Above 350° F. in particular, but at lower temperatures as well, elastomers in seawater degrade rapidly, and can fail due to numerous causes, including: rupture; rapid gas decompression (RGD) embolisms; leakage; melting; and gas permeation. Materials science has advanced to create new materials capable of functioning and lasting in harsher environments, but the industry is moving towards temperature regimes at or in excess of 400° F., where even the newest materials will be stressed to or beyond their limits.

Other pressure compensation systems typically rely on metal bellows, which have different weaknesses. At the scale of ever-smaller optical feedthrough systems, where diameters of compensation systems are typically less than an inch, the metal of the bellows are extraordinarily thin, and the welded joints may be subject to fatigue, opening up failure pathways similar to those of elastomers. One primary concern with deployable embodiments of wet-mate devices regarding pressure compensation is the use of elastomeric hoses. Operators experience signal loss on gas and gas-lift wells during start up and shutdown. At these events the gas functions in the well are dynamic and not at equilibrium. In addition, pressure compensated systems in gaseous environments have experienced complete loss of pressure compensation and infiltration of seawater into spaces that should be dielectrically insulated by oil.

Thus, common underwater connectors comprise releasably, mateable plug and receptacle units, each containing one or more electrical or optical contacts or junctions for engagement with the junctions in the other unit when the two units are mated together. The contacts on one side are in the form of pins or probes, while the contacts or junctions on the other side are in the form of sockets for receiving the probes. Typically, the socket contacts are contained in a sealed chamber containing a dielectric fluid or other mobile substance, and the probes enter the chamber via one or more sealed openings. One major problem in designing such units is the provision of seals which will adequately exclude or evacuate seawater and/or contaminants from the contact chamber after repeated mating and de-mating operations.

There are many types of housings and frames for mounting or securing modular connectorized distribution units (MCDUs) in a fluid environment. These housings secure the MCDUs which are subsea distribution units which may provide oil-filled, pressure-balanced, connectorized junctions for flexible underwater mating for a variety of wet mate connectors. An MCDU functions as the hub of an expandable subsea network. The MCDUs may be used to join multiple circuits of optical, electrical, or hybrid connection type configurations. The MCDU is designed to interface with a variety of subsea structures.

MCDUs are typically installed on a housing or landing frame on the surface prior to being secured in a sub-sea environment. MCDU landing frames are typically installed on concrete slabs or attached to larger sub-sea structures. These MCDUs and MCDU landing frames may have originally been designed and intended to withstand 20-25 years in a corrosive, turbid environment. However, in normal applications, MCDUs may need to be removed for refurbishment or repair after only 5-8 years as a result of factors including galvanic corrosion.

Furthermore, MCDUs and other sub-sea devices may need to be moved from their original location or removed entirely due to factors other than equipment failure. For example, a planned oil well may not be economically feasible due to the oil reserve not being as large as originally surveyed. Also, in the field of sub-sea mining, equipment may need to be moved or replaced more frequently as a seam of minerals or ore is surveyed and mined. Sub-sea mining equipment also may require more power than sub-sea oil drilling equipment and may therefore put additional strain on equipment such as MCDUs, requiring more frequent refurbishment or repair.

Typically, when an MCDU needs to be replaced or removed, removal is difficult because of the buildup of silt and other particulates and because of galvanic corrosion. These and other factors may make it hard if not impossible to remove an MCDU from its landing frame, resulting in the inability to remove, reuse, or refurbish either the frame or the MCDU. Refurbishing an MCDU is economically desirable over replacing and MCDU due to the very high equipment cost per MCDU housing. Removing and refurbishing an MCDU also eliminates the need to install a new landing frame or remove existing fixed landing frames that may not be able to be separated from an MCDU using existing securing methods.

Additionally, when connecting various wet-mate type connectors to or from an MCDU, problems exist in securing connectors, cables, remote operate vehicles (ROVs), and other materials. Currently there exists no method for securing immersed, un-restrained objects in seawater or freshwater with vertical stability and a positive meta-centric height to a fixed structure, neutralizing the buoyancy force effect.

What is needed is a system for the maintaining of a secured, consistent, stably removable MCDU housing position into a landing base frame to facilitate a reliable mating/de-mating alignment capability with connector harnesses by manual (i.e., diver) mating or by a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) mating methods.

What is further needed is an MCDU securing device that provides isolation of the MCDU from the frame to prevent unwanted corrosion, such as due to galvanic corrosion resulting from dissimilar metals coming into direct contact with one another. Avoiding in whole or in part corrosion leads to less replacement costs, less downtime due to in operative equipment as a result of corrosion degradation and other benefits. In addition what is needed is a securing device that addresses undesired buoyancy effects with an MCDU placed in subsea locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein provide a new modular securing device for ROV and diver mate-able subsea applications.

The present invention comprises a modular and versatile mechanical design that provides a quick, reliable and low-cost solution to secure immersed, un-restrained objects in seawater or freshwater with vertical stability and a positive meta-centric height to a fixed structure, neutralizing the buoyancy force effect. The present invention also reduces the risk of mating and/or de-mating connectors and reduces the probability of misalignments which may result in unreliable and costly failures for the subsea applications.

The present invention provides a T-handle locking key and T-handle ACME threaded shaft/stud assembly for securing an MCDU and removable parking plate to an MCDU landing unit. Use of the quick disconnect T-handle locking key and threaded T-handle body and stud assemblies for attaching an MCDU to an MCDU landing frame provides the benefit of easy and quick removal or replacement of an MCDU or parking plate. The modular securing devices may be operated either manually by a diver or remotely by an ROV. The modular securing devices according to the present invention may also be used in other configurations and with other frames, structures, or devices as a method of securing one apparatus to another in a sub-sea environment.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a horizontal modular and compact retaining design solution for reliably install and secure immersed unrestrained and unpowered objects in a fluid, such as a retrievable MCDU into a horizontal or vertical mounting base frame system. Operation of the device allows for a flexible quick connect/disconnect from a horizontal or vertical mounting welded structural frame with isolation plastic guides via diver or ROV, and without the help of buoyancy or a lifting wire. The isolation plastic guides panels are attached on the inside of the two each hollow side of the mounting base frame welded structure for preventing dissimilar metals to be in direct contact. The components to be made in similar and compatible materials for marine and subsea applications.

This further embodiment provides a reliable and secure retaining capability to neutralize the buoyancy force effect from the Archimedes principal of buoyancy of immersed objects in a fluid. The design also utilizes the material compatibility to avoid the galvanic corrosion effect from dissimilar metals in contact and immersed in an electrolytic solution such as seawater.

This further embodiment modular and versatile system design provides a compact quick, reliable and low cost solution to secure immersed unrestrained objects in seawater or fresh water with horizontal stability and a positive metacentric height to a fixed structure, neutralizing the buoyancy force effect. The invention in this embodiment allows for a secured consistent and stable retention of a removable assembly into a horizontal or vertical fixed landing mounting base frame. it facilitates a reusable mating-demating combined with alignment capabilities via manual (diver) or ROV mate methods. The invention also eliminates the risk of mating-demating connectors misalignment for both horizontal and vertical configuration, which can result in a low reliable and costly failure for subsea applications.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a modular securing device comprising: a frame having a mounting surface for mounting the securing device to an intended object; a frame guide fixed to the frame and having a generally open end configured to receive a retrievable MCDU and being configured to secure a received MCDU in a locked position within the frame, the frame having a substantially open front to allow access to input(s)/output(s) on the front face of the MCDU when in a locked position; an isolation guide received within and affixed to the frame guide and adapted to allow an MCDU to be received within the frame guide, the isolation guide being disposed intermediate the frame guide and the MCDU to substantially isolate the surface of the MCDU from direct contact with the surface of the frame guide and the frame; and a locking key assembly configured to be received by the frame guide and to be removably locked in place on the frame guide so as to prevent the MCDU from inadvertently becoming displaced from the frame when in the locked position.

The above embodiment may further comprise one or more of: wherein said locking key assembly a locking key comprising: an elongated body having a front end, a back end, and an exterior surface; a t-shaped handle attached to said back end; a raised protrusion extending vertically from said exterior surface at said front end; a spring assembly comprising a tension spring disposed on the elongated body intermediate an inner plate and an outer plate, and said spring surrounding said elongated body between said inner plate and said outer plate; and a set of bushings having a front face and a back face, and a central bore, said back face attached to said frame, said set of bushings adapted to receive said front end of said elongated body and having a guide channel adapted to guide said raised protrusion of said locking key when receiving said front end of said elongated body, and a recess formed therein for receiving the raised protrusion; whereby with said locking key introduced into said frame said t-shaped handle is adapted to be pushed forward to compress said tension spring between said inner and outer plates and to cause the raised protrusion to extend outward from the guide channel, said locking key adapted to rotate to lock in a fixed position with said raised protrusion engaging the recess, thereby securing a modular connection unit received in the frame central hollow area in place. The invention may further comprise: wherein said frame guide comprises oppositely facing left and right frame guide components and are generally C-shaped in cross-section, said isolation guide comprising left and right isolation guide components generally C-shaped in cross-section and configured to be received, respectively, within said left and right frame guide components; wherein said isolation guide includes a stop adapted to prevent the MCDU from moving beyond a desired point along the frame guide and from coming into direct contact with the frame; wherein the MCDU is received via a top open end of the frame guide and the frame includes a base extending outward away from the mounting surface, and further comprising a stop adapted to prevent the MCDU from moving beyond a desired point along the frame guide and from coming into direct contact with the frame; wherein the frame guide and the isolation guide include locking key receiving means for receiving a locking key component of the locking key assembly and with the locking key component in place within the frame guide the locking key component engaging with a surface of the MCDU to hold the MCDU in place within the frame; wherein said isolation guide is comprised of an isolation material resistant to galvanic corrosion; wherein said locking key assembly is comprised of a material resistant to galvanic corrosion; wherein the intended object to which the securing device and said frame and MCDU are to be mounted is located in a deep sea environment.

In another embodiment, the present invention may comprise a subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly for offshore applications, including oil and gas, defense, oceanographic, and telecommunications applications, the system comprising: an MCDU; a modular securing device adapted to removably receive and secure the MCDU in remote subsea locations and comprising: a frame having a mounting surface for mounting the securing device to an intended object; a frame guide fixed to the frame and having a generally open end configured to receive an MCDU and being configured to secure a received MCDU in a locked position within the frame, the frame having a substantially open front to allow access to input(s)/output(s) on the front face of the MCDU when in a locked position; an isolation guide received within and affixed to the frame guide and adapted to allow an MCDU to be received within the frame guide, the isolation guide being disposed intermediate the frame guide and the MCDU to substantially isolate the surface of the MCDU from direct contact with the surface of the frame guide and the frame; and a locking key assembly configured to be received by the frame guide and to be removably locked in place on the frame guide so as to prevent the MCDU from inadvertently becoming displaced from the frame when in the locked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to facilitate a complete understanding of the present invention, this system, and the terms used, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention or system, but are exemplary and for reference.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular securing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides a reverse angle perspective view of an embodiment of the modular securing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a T-handle locking key and fixed holding bushings according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a T-handle locking key with a cutaway view of the fixed holding bushings according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 provides another a perspective view of an embodiment of a T-handle locking key according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 provides a detailed top perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 provides a plan view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 provides a detailed cutaway top perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device including the T-handle locking key according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device and the handle of the T-handle locking key with a cutaway view of the fixed holding bushing according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 provides a detailed cutaway view of an embodiment of a T-handle retain ACME threaded shaft and ACME threaded stud assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device, ACME threaded T-handle shaft and ACME threaded stud assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 provides a detailed cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device, ACME threaded T-handle shaft and ACME threaded stud assembly, and T-handle locking key according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an upper and lower ACME threaded T-handle shaft and ACME threaded stud assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular securing device with attached parking plate according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 16-17 provide perspective views of prior art MCDU landing frames that may be modified according to the present invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B provide front and rear perspective views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in an ROV operable configuration.

FIG. 19 provides a front perspective view of a compact retrievable horizontal modular connectorized distribution unit and mounting base frame according to the present invention.

FIGS. 20 and 21 provide front and top perspective views respectively of a compact retrievable horizontal modular connectorized distribution unit and mounting base frame according to the present invention.

FIGS. 22 and 23 provide side and top views respectively of one end of a compact retrievable horizontal mounting base frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 provides a front perspective view of a compact retrievable horizontal mounting base frame according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention and system will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention and system is described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention and system is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. Those possessing ordinary skill in the art and having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments as well as other applications for use of the invention and system, which are fully contemplated herein as within the scope of the present invention and system as disclosed and claimed herein, and with respect to which the present invention and system could be of significant utility.

Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a modular securing device for ROV and diver mate-able subsea applications in which a single T-handle locking key is attached to the upper portion of an MCDU landing frame and a pair of ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assemblies are attached to protrusions on the side of the MCDU landing frame. In one embodiment, the upper and a lower ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assemblies are attached to respective upper and lower protrusions on the MCDU frame.

The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses for securing items, connections, frames, or assemblies to an MCDU landing frame in a turbid fluid environment, using a combination of T-handle locking keys and ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assemblies.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the modular securing device 100 according to the present invention is provided. The modular securing device 100 comprises the MCDU landing frame 150, removable parking plate mounting frame 350, base 110, and upper frame portion 120. A T-handle locking key 200 is mounted below the upper frame portion 120 and extends horizontally through the body of the MCDU landing frame 150. An ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 and a lower ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 320 are mounted on the upper portion and lower portion of the removable parking plate mounting frame 350 respectively.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a reverse angle perspective view of an embodiment of the modular securing device 100 is provided. The handle of the T-handle locking key 200 can be seen extending from the exterior of the MCDU landing base/frame 150 below the upper frame portion 120. The ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 and a lower ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 320 on the removable parking plate mounting frame 350 extend out from the parking plate mounting frame 350 towards the front of the modular securing device 100. The base 110 may be used to mount the modular securing device 100 to any subsea structure.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a T-handle locking key 200 is provided. The T-handle locking key 200 with T-handle 212, and T-handle shaft 210 is shown with a pair of fixed holding bushings 220 and 221. An attaching device or lanyard 240, which may be at a securing device attachment point 242, a lanyard, cord, braided cable, wire, rope, or other suitable material, is attached to the T-handle 212 and, as shown in FIG. 2, also to the body of the MCDU frame 150 to prevent the T-handle locking key 200 from drifting away when not in an engaged and locked state.

With T-handle locking key 200 in place, the first fixed holding bushing 220 and second fixed holding bushing 221 are mounted on opposite lateral sides of the MCDU landing base/frame 150. Each of the fixed holding bushings 220 and 221 may comprise a quick-alignment slot 222B and 222A, respectively, at the top of the bushing and a pair of locking indentations 224 oriented along the horizontal axis of the bushing. The quick-alignment slots 222A and 222B guide the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 of the T-handle locking key 200 through the each of the bushings 220 and 221. After being inserted through both bushings 220 and 221 and clearing the exterior surface of fixed holding bushing 220, the T-handle locking key 200 and quick-alignment keyed pin 214 may be rotated ninety degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise to lock the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 into either of the locking indentations 224.

The quick-alignment keyed pin 214 is held into a locking indentation 224 by a compression spring force exerted by the tension spring 230. The tension spring 230 exerts a spring force along the length of the T-handle locking key 200 by pressing on both of the outer spring plate 232 and inner spring plate 234. The outer spring plate 232 and inner spring plate 234 keep the tension spring 230 in position and when the T-handle locking key 200 is inserted fully through both of the fixed holding bushings 220 and 221 the exterior of the second fixed holding bushing 221 facing the inner spring plate 234 contacts the inner spring plate 234 and moves the plate 234 along the axis of the T-handle shaft 210 towards the T-handle 212. This movement compresses the tension spring 230 which causes a low torque spring force to hold the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 in place in the locking indention 224 of the fixed holding bushing 220.

The compression spring force principle is used in combination with a low torque and a mechanically keyed drive alignment design fixture to assure a quick connect/disconnect. This design provides a reliable and secure locking capability to neutralize the buoyancy effect from the Archimedes principle of buoyancy of objects immersed in a fluid. The design also utilizes the material compatibility to avoid galvanic corrosion effect from dissimilar materials in contact with each other, and immersed in an electrolytic solution such as seawater. All components of the T-handle locking key 200 and ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 may be made in similar fashion and from compatible materials which include 316 and 316L SST, and a bronze (anti-friction material) for marine and subsea applications.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of an embodiment of T-handle locking key 200 with a cutaway view of the fixed holding bushings 220 and 221 is provided. The T-handle locking key 200 is shown inserted through bushing 221 and partially through bushing 220. At this point, the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 has not cleared the exterior of the bushing 220 and is still in the quick-alignment slot 222B. It can be seen that the portion of the T-handle shaft 210 that the keyed alignment pin 214 is fixed to is of a smaller radius and circumference than the rest of the T-handle shaft 210. If manually operated or operated by a ROV, the T-handle 212 would need to be further depressed towards the bushing 221 to allow the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 to clear the bushing 220 so that the T-handle locking key 200 could be rotated ninety degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise to secure the quick-alignment pin 214 in one of the locking indentations 224.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of an embodiment of T-handle locking key 200 is provided. The tension spring 230 around the T-handle body 210 can be seen held in place by the inner spring plate 234. In operation, the inner spring plate 234 compresses the tension spring 230 which then exerts a compression spring force along the axis of the T-handle body 210. This force will put pressure on the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 that will retain the quick-alignment keyed pin 214 in a locking indentation 224 until a reverse operation occurs. The T-handle 212 is attached to the T-handle body 210 via an attaching means 216 which may be any of screw, bolt, hex screw, locking screw, or similar suitable attaching means.

With reference now to FIG. 6 a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of the modular securing device 100 is provided. In this view, the T-handle locking key 200 is inserted, e.g., via a bushing, in the frame of the MCDU landing base/frame 150 below the upper frame portion 120. On the opposite side of the T-handle locking key 200 is the upper ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 which is secured to the ACME threaded stud 310 which is in turn formed in or attached to the removable parking plate frame 350. The ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 is used to releasably attach a parking plate to the MCDU landing base frame 150. The ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 may be comprised of brass or another low friction material that assures quick, reliable, and secure engagement and disengagement.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a detailed top perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of the modular securing device 100 is provided. The T-handle body 210 is seen extended through the length of the interior space of the MCDU landing frame 150. The MCDU landing frame 150 may be an elongated rectangular or other suitable shape with a hollow interior portion and at least one opening on one side of the frame 150. The T-handle body 210 would secure an MCDU placed in the MCDU landing frame 150 and would keep the MCDU in place when in operation or until the MCDU is more permanently but releasably secured in the MCDU landing frame 150 by bolts, screws, or other suitable fastening means. The fixed holding bushing 220 can be seen on the exterior of the MCDU landing frame 150, a similar bushing 221 would be mounted on the opposite exterior surface of the MCDU landing frame 150. The quick-alignment pin 214 is in the quick-alignment slot 222B, indicating that the pin is not fully engaged and locked in the locking indentations 224. The ACME threaded T-handle shaft/stud assembly 300 with ACME threaded T-handle body 302 is shown secured to the stud portion of the assembly on the removable parking plate frame 350.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a plan view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device is provided. The T-handle body 210 is shown extending through the fixed holding bushing 221, the central area 152, and the fixed holding bushing 220 of the modular securing device 100. In operation, an MCDU would be secured by the T-handle locking key 200 in the central area 152 with MCDU connectors facing towards the opening 154. To lock the T-handle locking key 200, the T-handle 212 would be depressed inwardly towards the fixed holding bushings 221 and 220, compressing the spring 230 between the plates 232 and 234. This inward force would extend the quick-alignment pin 214 beyond the fixed holding bushing 220 so that the pin 214 and T-handle locking key 200 could be rotated by a force on the T-handle 212 into a locked position. In an unlocked and removed position, the T-handle locking key 200 is secured to the MCDU landing frame 150 by the lanyard 240. The upper frame portion 120 is angled or sloped down and inwardly towards the central area 152 to facilitate installation and removal of an MCDU.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a partial detailed cutaway top perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device 100 including the T-handle locking key 200 is provided. The T-handle locking key 200 is in an inserted but not locked position. The body 210 extends through the central area 152 of the modular securing device 100 and the T-handle 212 is in a horizontal orientation. The quick-alignment pin 214 is in the quick-alignment slot 222B and not locked into one of the locking indentations 224B. When locked, the T-handle 212 would be rotated, in this example, into a vertical orientation by rotating the handle 212 ninety degrees clockwise or counter clockwise after depressing the handle inwardly towards the MCDU landing frame 150. This inward force and subsequent rotation would cause the quick-alignment pin 214 to first extend out from the fixed bushing 220 and then to rotate from the quick-alignment slot 222B into one of the locking indentations 224B.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a partial detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device 100 and the handle of the T-handle locking key 200 with a cutaway view of the fixed holding bushing 221 is provided. In the unlocked state, shown, the T-handle 212 is in a horizontal orientation and the T-handle body 210 is inside the fixed holding bushing 221. To lock, the T-handle 212, attached to the T-handle body 210 by screw 216, is first depressed inwardly. This inward depression exerts a force against the biasing force of the tension spring 230. The tension spring 230 is compressed between the inner spring plate 232 and outer spring plate 234. When the spring 230 is fully compressed and the quick-alignment pin 214 extends beyond the fixed holding bushing 220, shown in FIG. 9, the T-handle 212 may be rotated into a vertical or locked position. When the inward depression force on the T-handle 212 is released, the biasing force of the spring 230 locks the quick-alignment pin 214 into place in the locking indentations 224B.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a detailed cutaway view of an embodiment of a T-handle retain ACME threaded shaft/stud assembly 300 is provided. The T-handle ACME threaded shaft/stud assembly 300 comprises the handle assembly 301 and the stud assembly 310. The handle 304 is connected to the handle body 302 by the handle extension 306. The handle body 302 has a hollow threaded interior 308. The hollow threaded interior 308 may be ACME threaded, or threaded in any other suitable manner. The threads in the hollow threaded interior 308 correspond to threads on the threaded portion 312 of the stud assembly 310. The threaded portion 312 is raised from the base 313 of the stud assembly 310 and is separated from the base 313 by the spacer 311. When in use, the body 302 of the handle assembly 301 secures a parking plate to the parking frame 350 (shown in FIG. 12) on the spacer 311 between the body 302 and the base 313 through a force exerted by tightening the handle 304 on the threads of the threaded portion 312. The handle assembly 301 may be secured to the parking frame 350 by a lanyard 314 or other suitable securing means. The handle assembly 301 and stud assembly 310 may be made of brass or other suitable material that is resistant to corrosive and high pressure environments, is resistant to galvanic corrosion, and has a low coefficient of friction.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device 100, ACME threaded T-handle shaft 301 and ACME threaded stud assembly 310 is provided. The stud assembly 310 is secured to the parking plate frame 350. The stud assembly 310 may be welded to the parking plate frame 350 or secured by other suitable securing means such as by a corrosion resistant bolt. The body 302 of the handle assembly 301 is secured on the threads of the stud assembly 310. The handle assembly 301 may be loosened by rotating the handle 304 in a counter-clockwise motion or tightened by rotating the handle in a clockwise motion about the stud assembly 310.

With reference now to FIG. 13, a detailed cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of the upper section of a modular securing device 100, ACME threaded T-handle shaft 301 and ACME threaded stud assembly 310, and T-handle locking key 200 is provided. The parking plate frame 350 is attached to the side of the MCDU landing base/frame 150. The T-handle locking key 200 is inserted into the MCDU landing frame 150 and the T-handle threaded shaft/stud assembly 300 is attached to the parking plate frame 350. The body 302 of the handle assembly 301 is threaded onto the stud assembly 310.

With reference now to FIG. 14, a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an upper and lower ACME threaded T-handle shaft and ACME threaded stud assembly, 300 and 320 respectively, attached to a parking plate frame 350 is provided. The upper T-handle assembly 300 and lower T-handle assembly 320 may secure a parking positions plate (such as parking positions plate 1502 of FIG. 15) to the parking plate frame 350. To secure a plate, the handles, such as handle assembly 301, must be unthreaded from the stud assemblies, such as stud assembly 310 as shown in FIG. 11. When both the upper T-handle assembly 300 and lower T-handle assembly 320 have been unthreaded, a parking plate may be positioned on the parking plate frame 350.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an MCDU landing frame/parking plate assembly 1500 having MCDU landing frame/base 150 and assembled thereon a parking positions plate 1502 removably attached by means of T-handle threaded shaft/stud assemblies 300 and 320. In this exemplary embodiment parking positions plate 1502 is shown having seven connector assembly points 1504.

With reference now to FIGS. 16 and 17, perspective views of prior art MCDU landing base/frames 1600 (double tower) and 1700 (single tower) that may be modified with modular securing devices are provided. The modular securing devices including T-handle locking key 200 and ACME threaded shaft/stud assembly 300 may be added to either the of the MCDU landing frames 1600 or 1700. As shown, fixed parking plates 1602 and 1702 are respectively fixably mounted onto frames 1650 and 1750. With MCDUs 1610 and 1710 respectively inserted and installed within frames 1650 and 1750, connector plugs may be received in connector receptacles 1612 and 1712 respectively. During replacement of MCDU 1610 or 1710, the plugs connected to receptacles 1612 or 1712 may be de-mated and temporarily mated with parking connector terminals 1706 on frame 1750 (not shown on frame 1650). Parking connector terminals 1706 (not shown on frame 1650) are mounted onto parking plate 1702 by way of terminal mounts obscured behind terminals 1706 in FIG. 17 but shown as terminal mounts 1604 in FIG. 16. Connector plugs and connector receptacles 1612/1712 form wet-mate connections. Connector plugs for a wet-mate seal when mated with parking terminals 1706. The present invention may be adapted to work with other designs and configurations of frame assemblies in addition to the MCDU frame assemblies 1600 and 1700, both of which are shown with MCDUs installed.

With reference now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, front and rear perspective views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in an ROV operable configuration are provided. The modular MCDU securing device 1800 comprises the MCDU landing frame 1850, MCDU 1810, T-handle locking key 1820, and T-handle locking key docking assembly 1822. The T-handle locking key 1820 is installed in an unlocked position. The fixed bushing 1824 and T-handle locking key 1820 are similar to the T-handle locking key 200 and fixed bushing 220 shown in FIG. 3, however, the T-handle locking key 1820 extends inwardly from the front to the rear of the MCDU landing frame 1850. This configuration provides for easier manipulation of the T-handle locking key 1820 by an ROV. When removed from the MCDU frame 1850, the T-handle locking key 1820 may be placed in the docking assembly 1822 so that an ROV may easily manipulate the MCDU handle 1860 to remove the MCDU 1810. After the MCDU 1810 is removed, or after a new MCDU is inserted, the T-handle locking key 1820 may be removed from the docking assembly 1822 and locked back into the MCDU landing assembly 1850 in the fixed bushing 1824.

FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention and in particular a configuration of the securing device capable of securing a compact retrievable electrical and/or optical distribution unit (EODU) to a frame while isolating the EODU from the frame. While the invention is described in terms of an MCDU (Modular Connectorized Distribution Unit), one or ordinary skill in the art would appreciate and understand that MCDU refers to a broad variety of electrical and/or optical interconnect and distribution equipment. As used herein, MCDU refers broadly to electrical and/or optical interconnect and distribution equipment.

With reference now to FIG. 19, a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in an ROV operable configuration is provided. The modular MCDU securing device 1900 is configured in a horizontal configuration, as opposed to the vertical configuration of, e.g., FIGS. 18A/18B, and comprises the MCDU landing frame 1902, MCDU 1950, T-handle locking keys 1908 and 1910, and T-handle locking key docking receiver 1920. Each T-handle locking key 1908/1910 may be initially installed in an unlocked position in docking receiver 1920. Each locking key is adapted to be received respectively into a locking position in left and right MCDU landing frame Guides 1904 and 1906. Each frame guide 1904/1906 includes a front T-handle locking bushing 1914 and a rear T-handle locking bushing 1913 (see FIG. 22) and operates similar to the T-handle locking keys discussed hereinabove. The T-handle locking key configuration is similar to that of vertical MCDU securing device 1900. The T-handle locking key 1908/1910 extends inwardly from the front to the rear of the MCDU landing frame 1902 through bushings 1914/1913 and aligned receiving openings formed in frame guides 1904/1906. This configuration provides for easier manipulation of the T-handle locking key 1908/1910 by an ROV when operating to place or remove an MCDU 1950 into and out of MCDU securing device 1900. MCDU includes in this exemplary embodiment an input 1957 and four outputs 1958. The present invention provides an efficient manner of replacing a damaged or malfunctioning MCDU, such as when the input or an output no longer functions properly. Frame 1902 includes recesses or notches 1960 located adjacent the input/output section of MCDU 1950 when in a secured position within frame 1902. The notches allow for a more efficient, space-saving footprint of the frame 1902 while maintaining materials for stability and strength above and below the notches.

When removed from the MCDU frame 1902, the T-handle locking key 1908/1910 may be placed in the docking receiver 1920 so that an ROV may easily manipulate the MCDU handle 1952 to remove or place the MCDU 1950 from or into frame 1902 along frame guides 1904/1906. After the MCDU 1950 is removed, or after a new MCDU is inserted, each T-handle locking key 1908/1910 may be removed from the docking receiver 1920 and disposed back into the MCDU landing assembly 1902 via the openings formed in the frame guides 1904/1906 and via fixed bushings 1913/1914.

An important feature of the embodiment of FIG. 19 is the addition of isolation guides 1930 disposed internal along each of frame guides 1904 and 1904. In this exemplary embodiment the isolation guides are C-shaped in cross section and of complementary and similar shape to the inner surface of frame guides 1904/1906. FIG. 24 presents a top-down view of frame guide 1904 illustrating the C-shaped nature of the isolation guide 1930 within the C-shaped nature of the frame guide 1904. With isolation guides 1930 in place and secured within frame guides 1904/1906, MCDU 1950 may be physically isolated or separated in whole or in part from frame 1902 and related components.

Problems may arise in deep sea and harsh environments in which dissimilar materials, such as metals, come in contact and this may be further exacerbated by agitation. Rubbing or active engagement of dissimilar metals coming into contact in such environments can cause one or both of the components to experience corrosion, including galvanic corrosion, and/or a greater rated of corrosion and fatigue. The buoyancy force effect or buoyancy represents the upward force exerted by a fluid, such as seawater, in opposition to the weight of an immersed object. An object having a density greater than that of the fluid in which it is submerged tends to sink. If the object is less dense than the liquid the force tends to keep the object afloat. Since both the MCDU 1950 and the Frame 1902 are submersed in seawater for their intended use in deep sea applications, buoyancy is a design and operational concern that presents a unique challenge. Pressure is an additional factor as it increases as the depth of an object immersed increases. As is well known, the pressure at the bottom of a body of fluid is greater than the pressure near the surface of a body of fluid. As the object's depth increases, so the fluid pressure increases. Similarly, the pressure at the bottom of a submerged object is greater than the pressure at the top of the submerged object. Accordingly, the differences in object weights, configurations and the related pressures experienced by them in a submerged state may cause additional forces to add to the corrosive effect of the dissimilar materials, such as the MCDU 1950 and the frame 1902.

To solve the problem of the corrosive effect of dissimilar materials, metals, and the buoyancy effect, the present invention in the embodiment of FIG. 19 provides isolation guides 1930 made of a material, such as a plastic or other suitable material, to isolate the dissimilar metals of MCDU 1950 and frame 1902. In this manner isolation guides 1930 separate the sides of the MCDU from the sidewalls of frame guides 1904/1906 so that there is no contact between the MCDU and the frame guides. In addition, frame subwalls 1903 (FIG. 24) may be included to act as a guide for placement of MCDU within frame 1902 and also as a further means to prevent MCDU from coming into contact with the wall surface of frame 1902. Also, hollowed portions 1905 may be included in frame 1902 to reduce overall weight of the MCDU securing device 1900.

In addition, the isolation guides 1930 are configured to separate the bottom of the MCDU 1950 from coming into contact with the floor or base 1907 of frame 1902. In the exemplary configuration as shown in FIG. 24, a stop 1932, such as a shelf or ledge or protuberance(s), is formed or assembled on isolation guide 1930 such that when MCDU 1950 is received into frame 1902 along frame guides 1904/1906, the bottom of MCDU 1950 comes into contact with stop 1932 and prevents the MCDU from coming into contact with floor 1907 of frame 1902. Alternatively, a stop may be disposed on the upper surface of floor 1907 to prevent the MCDU from coming into contact with the floor or base 1907. One possessing ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the invention is not limited to the particular means of separating the MCDU and frame discussed herein and that the exemplary embodiments are for ease of demonstration and not limiting to the scope of the invention.

FIG. 20 presents a front view of the MCDU securing device 1900 with MCDU 1950 held in place by T-handle locking keys 1908/1910. FIG. 21 presents a top-down view of the MCDU securing device 1900 with MCDU 1950 held in place by transversely extending T-handle locking keys 1908/1910. From this view isolation guides 1930 are shown within frame guides 1904 and 1906 and having received locking key bodies 1912 of the T-handle locking keys. Bushings 1913/1914 are not visible but are present to lock the keys in place to secure the MCDU in place within frame 1902. With the locking keys in place the locking key bodies 1912 engage the upper surface of the MCDU and either end of the MCDU and prevent the MCDU from inadvertently becoming displaced from within frame 1902. With respect to the particular isolation guide feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 19-24, the particular means used to lock the MCDU in place within frame 1902 is not critical and one possessing ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the usefulness of the isolation guide feature in any configuration of the MCDU held in place within frame 1902.

While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept described. Also, the present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. It is fully contemplated that other various embodiments of and modifications to the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following appended claims. Further, although the present invention has been described herein in the context of particular embodiments and implementations and applications and in particular environments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present invention can be beneficially applied in any number of ways and environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present invention as disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A modular securing device comprising:

a frame having a mounting surface for mounting the securing device to an intended object;

a frame guide fixed to the frame and having a generally open end configured to receive an MCDU and being configured to secure a received MCDU in a locked position within the frame, the frame having a substantially open front to allow access to input(s)/output(s) on the front face of the MCDU when in a locked position;

an isolation guide received within and affixed to the frame guide and adapted to allow an MCDU to be received within the frame guide, the isolation guide being disposed intermediate the frame guide and the MCDU to substantially isolate the surface of the MCDU from direct contact with the surface of the frame guide and the frame; and

a locking key assembly configured to be received by the frame guide and to be removably locked in place on the frame guide so as to prevent the MCDU from inadvertently becoming displaced from the frame when in the locked position.

2. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein said locking key assembly

a locking key comprising: an elongated body having a front end, a back end, and an exterior surface; a t-shaped handle attached to said back end; a raised protrusion extending vertically from said exterior surface at said front end;

a spring assembly comprising a tension spring disposed on the elongated body intermediate an inner plate and an outer plate, and said spring surrounding said elongated body between said inner plate and said outer plate; and

a set of bushings having a front face and a back face, and a central bore, said back face attached to said frame, said set of bushings adapted to receive said front end of said elongated body and having a guide channel adapted to guide said raised protrusion of said locking key when receiving said front end of said elongated body, and a recess formed therein for receiving the raised protrusion;

whereby with said locking key introduced into said frame said t-shaped handle is adapted to be pushed forward to compress said tension spring between said inner and outer plates and to cause the raised protrusion to extend outward from the guide channel, said locking key adapted to rotate to lock in a fixed position with said raised protrusion engaging the recess, thereby securing a modular connection unit received in the frame central hollow area in place.

3. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein said frame guide comprises oppositely facing left and right frame guide components and are generally C-shaped in cross-section, said isolation guide comprising left and right isolation guide components generally C-shaped in cross-section and configured to be received, respectively, within said left and right frame guide components.

4. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein said isolation guide includes a stop adapted to prevent the MCDU from moving beyond a desired point along the frame guide and from coming into direct contact with the frame.

5. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein the MCDU is received via a top open end of the frame guide and the frame includes a base extending outward away from the mounting surface, and further comprising a stop adapted to prevent the MCDU from moving beyond a desired point along the frame guide and from coming into direct contact with the frame.

6. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein the frame guide and the isolation guide include locking key receiving means for receiving a locking key component of the locking key assembly and with the locking key component in place within the frame guide the locking key component engaging with a surface of the MCDU to hold the MCDU in place within the frame.

7. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein said isolation guide is comprised of a material resistant to galvanic corrosion.

8. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein said locking key assembly is comprised of a material resistant to galvanic corrosion.

9. The modular securing device of claim 1, wherein the intended object to which the securing device and said frame and MCDU are to be mounted is located in a deep sea environment.

10. A subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly for offshore applications, including oil and gas, defense, oceanographic, and telecommunications applications, the system comprising:

an MCDU;

a modular securing device adapted to removably receive and secure the MCDU in remote subsea locations and comprising: a frame having a mounting surface for mounting the securing device to an intended subsea object; a frame guide fixed to the frame and having a generally open end configured to receive the MCDU and being configured to secure the received MCDU in a locked position within the frame, the frame having a substantially open front to allow access to input(s)/output(s) on the front face of the MCDU when in a locked position; an isolation guide received within and affixed to the frame guide and adapted to allow the MCDU to be received within the frame guide, the isolation guide being disposed intermediate the frame guide and the MCDU to substantially isolate the surface of the MCDU from direct contact with the surface of the frame guide and the frame; and a locking key assembly configured to be received by the frame guide and to be removably locked in place on the frame guide so as to prevent the MCDU from inadvertently becoming displaced from the frame when in the locked position.

11. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein said locking key assembly

a locking key comprising: an elongated body having a front end, a back end, and an exterior surface; a t-shaped handle attached to said back end; a raised protrusion extending vertically from said exterior surface at said front end;

a spring assembly comprising a tension spring disposed on the elongated body intermediate an inner plate and an outer plate, and said spring surrounding said elongated body between said inner plate and said outer plate; and

a set of bushings having a front face and a back face, and a central bore, said back face attached to said frame, said set of bushings adapted to receive said front end of said elongated body and having a guide channel adapted to guide said raised protrusion of said locking key when receiving said front end of said elongated body, and a recess formed therein for receiving the raised protrusion;

whereby with said locking key introduced into said frame said t-shaped handle is adapted to be pushed forward to compress said tension spring between said inner and outer plates and to cause the raised protrusion to extend outward from the guide channel, said locking key adapted to rotate to lock in a fixed position with said raised protrusion engaging the recess, thereby securing a modular connection unit received in the frame central hollow area in place.

12. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein said frame guide comprises oppositely facing left and right frame guide components and are generally C-shaped in cross-section, said isolation guide comprising left and right isolation guide components generally C-shaped in cross-section and configured to be received, respectively, within said left and right frame guide components.

13. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein said isolation guide includes a stop adapted to prevent the MCDU from moving beyond a desired point along the frame guide and from coming into direct contact with the frame.

14. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein the MCDU is received via a top open end of the frame guide and the frame includes a base extending outward away from the mounting surface, and further comprising a stop adapted to prevent the MCDU from moving beyond a desired point along the frame guide and from coming into direct contact with the frame.

15. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein the frame guide and the isolation guide include locking key receiving means for receiving a locking key component of the locking key assembly and with the locking key component in place within the frame guide the locking key component engaging with a surface of the MCDU to hold the MCDU in place within the frame.

16. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein said isolation guide is comprised of a material resistant to galvanic corrosion.

17. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein said locking key assembly is comprised of a material resistant to galvanic corrosion.

18. The subsea electrical and/or fiber optic interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein the intended object to which the securing device and said frame and MCDU are to be mounted is located in a deep sea environment.