ELECTROMECHANICAL CLUTCH FOR DRILLING WELL TOOLS

Abstract

The systems and methods of this disclosure relate to actuator assemblies for drilling tools. An actuator assembly includes a ball screw; a ball nut is disposed around the ball screw; a cam is disposed around the ball nut; a rail is disposed next to the cam, the rail being able to stop the rotation of the cam to extend the cam axially when the ball nut passes through the ball screw.

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTROMECHANICAL CLUTCH FOR DRILLING WELL TOOLS PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0001] Underground safety valves are generally installed in wellbore pipes to prevent high-pressure formation fluids from rising to the surface. These underground safety valves can be used to shut down formation production in the event of hazardous conditions. Some of these valves can be controlled by a linear actuator.

[0002] The configurations of the linear actuators of these valves currently include a clutch. However, due to size and power limitations, the torque requirements of the clutch may not be met. Furthermore, potential energy consumption and high temperatures may affect the reliability of the clutch. Brief description of the drawings

[0003] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some examples in this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting or defining the disclosure.

[0004] [Fig. 1] illustrates an operating environment of an actuator assembly for an electromechanical clutch intended for drilling well tools, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0005] [Fig.2] illustrates a side view of the actuator assembly, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0006] [Fig.3A] illustrates a front view of the actuator assembly, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0007] [Fig.3B] illustrates a rear view of the actuator assembly, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0008] [Fig.3C] illustrates an operational flowchart for the actuator assembly from [Fig.2] to [Fig.3B], according to examples in this disclosure;

[0009] [Fig.4] illustrates a side view of the reciprocating actuator assembly, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0010] [Fig.5] illustrates a front view of the reciprocating actuator assembly, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0011] [Fig.6] illustrates the screws of the reciprocating actuator assembly, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0012] [Fig.7] illustrates the fact that the screws are capable of moving a rail of the assembly downwards within a track, according to examples in this disclosure;

[0013] [Fig-8] illustrates the fact that the screws moved downwards along the track ramps to move the rail, according to examples in this disclosure.

[0014] [Fig. 9] illustrates the fact that the track may include at least one tab serving as a thrust point for a ball nut, according to examples in this disclosure; and

[0015] [Fig. 10] illustrates an operational sequence for the actuator assembly from [Fig.4] to [Fig.9], according to examples in this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This disclosure relates to an actuator assembly comprising a cam-driven ball screw for electromechanical assemblies such as, for example, underground safety valves. Other examples may include devices that are to be opened (extended) to a certain point and, once the power is cut off, closed (retracted).

[0017] The examples described in this document can replace the electromagnetic clutch and brake in electric actuators for wellbore tools (e.g., valves). In particular examples, a cam can form an outer part of a ball nut arranged around the ball screw. The cam ball nut can be part of a ball nut assembly whose main components are the ball nut (with the cam) and the output shaft. The proposed system uses a minimal number of electrical components, which reduces the power requirements of the electric actuator in the overall system. The system eliminates the actuator holding load on the guide rod assembly, thereby reducing stress on the actuator components.

[0018] To open the valve assembly, the solenoid can be energized and closed or de-energized and open, and the cam rotates to grip a rail that is arranged (e.g., spring-loaded) inside a track. For example, a motor rotates the ball screw in the ball nut / cam. The rotation of the ball screw causes the ball nut / cam to rotate until the shoulder of the cam grips / makes contact with the rail. Upon contact, the ball nut / cam stops rotating and begins to slide axially along the rail, extending the output shaft portion of the ball nut assembly, thus causing the discharge tube of the underground safety valve assembly to move downward to open the underground safety valve.

[0019] A guide rod with piston seals is adjacent to the cam and moves in conjunction with the cam. For example, the guide rod and the cam can move simultaneously in parallel directions. If the solenoid is energized and If the solenoid is closed during valve opening, fluid will enter the guide rod chamber through the check valve. If the solenoid is not energized and is open during valve opening, fluid will enter the guide rod chamber through the check valve or through the open solenoid. When the cam is fully extended, a solenoid valve located behind one or more piston seals is energized and closed to keep the valve open.

[0020] The closed-volume solenoid creates a closed volume between the solenoid and the piston seals to keep the valve open. The fluid volume extends from the solenoid to the guide rod. A check valve allows fluid to enter a closed volume when the guide rod is being extended. The guide rod is used with a standard electric actuator without a brake. The closed-volume solenoid replaces the standard brake.

[0021] To close the valve, the power supply is cut off at the solenoid, which opens the closed volume (e.g., releases the pressure / fluid). The ball nut / cam assembly can then be rotated in the opposite direction to retract the ball nut / cam assembly. The ball screw's ability to rotate in the opposite direction is limited by the gear. The limited reverse rotation of the ball screw and the force exerted on the output shaft of the ball nut / cam assembly cause the ball nut / cam assembly to rotate on the ball screw. During retraction, the ball nut / cam assembly rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of its extension.A spring can be positioned under the rail inside the track, and when the ball nut / cam assembly rotates in the opposite direction, the spring under the rail is compressed while the cam rotates to push the rail (down and out of the way) so that the cam cannot grip the rail during retraction, thus allowing the valve to return to the fully closed position.

[0022] In other examples, the rail may have screws that slide in slots in the rail so that the rail is moved downwards, preventing the cam from gripping the rail during its retraction, rather than the spring as described above. Furthermore, in some examples, the actuator assembly includes a lower track that can be used to engage a mushroom valve that is in fluidic communication with a closed fluid volume. The fluid volume may be limited by the mushroom valve and a solenoid.

[0023] [Fig. 1] illustrates an operating environment for a wellbore tool such as a safety valve, based on examples in this disclosure. It should be noted that while [Fig. 1] generally depicts an offshore installation, those skilled in the art will recognize that the principles described herein are also applicable to onshore operations, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] A semi-submersible platform 100 is centered on a submerged oil and gas formation 102 located beneath the ocean floor 104. The formation 102, which includes a wellbore 110, is penetrated by a wellbore 106 extending through the water 108. The casing 112 is located inside the wellbore 110. The production casing 114 is located inside the casing 112. Seals 116 provide a tight seal between the casing 114 and the casing 112. During production, the formation fluid enters the wellbore 110 through the perforations. A valve 118 (e.g., a wellbore tool) is coupled inside the casing 114. The valve 118 may include an actuator assembly 120 and may be in communication with a control system 122 to control / supply the valve 118 via a cable 124.

[0025] [Fig.2] illustrates a close-up view of the actuator assembly 120, according to some Examples of this disclosure. The actuator assembly 120 may include a linear actuator. For example, a cam 200 may be an outer portion of a ball nut 201 arranged around and threaded to a ball screw 202. The cam 200 may include the outer portion with increasing radius of the ball nut 201. The ball screw 202 may be coupled to a gearbox 204 and a motor 206. The actuator assembly 120 may also include a portion comprising an output shaft 207 extending from the ball nut / cam.

[0026] During the rotation of the motor 206 and the gearbox 204, the cam 200 can grip a rail 208 which is arranged (e.g., spring-loaded) inside a track 209. For example, the motor 206 rotates the ball screw 202 in the cam 200. The rotation of the ball screw 202 causes the cam 200 to rotate until the cam makes contact with the rail 208. Upon contact, the cam 200 stops rotating and the ball nut / cam assembly begins to slide axially forward along the rail 208 to open the valve (e.g., the valve 118 in [Fig. 1]).

[0027] A guide rod 210 with piston seals 212 is adjacent to the cam 200 and moves in conjunction with the cam 200. When the ball nut / cam assembly 200 is fully extended, a normally open solenoid 214, located at the rear of a piston 216, is energized and closed. The solenoid 214 can control the movement of the guide rod 210.

[0028] Closing the solenoid 214 creates a closed volume of fluid 218 between the solenoid 214 and the piston seals 212, which prevents the valve from closing. The guide rod 210 and associated components can be disposed in a housing 215 adjacent to / below the rail 208. While extending to open the valve, the solenoid 214 can be energized and closed.

[0029] To close the valve, the solenoid 214 is no longer energized, which opens the closed volume 218 (e.g., by releasing the pressure). The ball screw 202 can then be rotated in the opposite direction to retract the cam 200. A spring 220 can be positioned under the rail 208 inside the track 209, and when the ball nut / cam assembly 202 rotates in the opposite direction, the spring 220 is compressed to push the rail (downwards) so that the cam 200 is unable to grip the rail 208 during retraction. This allows the valve to return to the fully closed position.

[0030] [Fig. 3A] and 3B illustrate front and rear views of the actuator assembly 120, according to examples in this disclosure. As shown in the front view of [Fig. 3A], the cam 200 can form an outer part of the ball nut 201, which is arranged around the ball screw 202 and threaded to it. The ball screw 202 can be driven to rotate the cam 200 to grip the rail 208, which is arranged (e.g., spring-loaded) inside the track 209. For example, the motor 206 rotates the ball screw 202 within the cam 200.

[0031] The rotation of the ball screw 202 causes the cam 200 to rotate until the cam makes contact with the rail 208. Upon contact, the cam 200 stops rotating and begins to slide axially forward along the rail 208. The rail 208 includes an external profile 300, such as an inclination on a corner, which causes the cam 200 to push the spring downward during retraction so that the cam 200 does not grip the rail 208. The cam 200 may include a profile 302 (e.g., a protrusion) to grip a portion of the profile 300 (e.g., the edge of a corner) which stops the rotation of the cam 200, thus causing the extension of the cam 200 via the ball screw 202.

[0032] With reference to the rear view of [Fig. 3B], the ball screw 202 can also be rotated in the opposite direction to retract the cam 200. A spring 220 can be disposed under the rail 208 inside the track 209. When the valve closes, the ball nut / cam assembly retracts. The retraction of the ball nut / cam assembly can cause the ball nut / cam assembly to rotate along the ball screw 202. The profile 302 of the cam 200 pushes the rail 208 to compress the spring 220 (downward) so that the cam 200 cannot grip the rail 208. This allows the cam 200 to retract when the valve closes. The valve is then free to return to the fully closed position.

[0033] [Fig. 3C] illustrates an operational sequence for the actuator assembly 120, according to examples in this disclosure. In step 304, to open the valve, a ball screw is turned to rotate a cam disposed around the ball screw. For example, as shown in [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 3B], the actuator assembly 100 may include a linear actuator. The cam 200 may form an outer part of a ball nut 201 which is disposed around a ball screw 202 and coupled threaded to it. The ball screw 202 can be coupled to the gearbox 204 and the motor 206.

[0034] During the rotation of the motor 206 and the gearbox 204, the cam 200 can grasp the rail 208 which is arranged (e.g., spring-loaded) inside the track 209. For example, the motor 206 rotates the ball screw 202 in the cam 200. The rotation of the ball screw 202 causes the cam 200 to rotate until the cam makes contact with the rail 208.

[0035] In step 306, the cam grips a rail and stops rotating. Upon contact, the cam stops rotating and begins to slide axially forward along the rail (for example, see [Fig. 2]) to open the valve. In step 308, the ball screw continues to rotate to axially extend the cam. A guide rod with piston seals is adjacent to the cam and moves in conjunction with it. When the valve opens, the solenoid can be energized and closed.

[0036] For example, as shown in [Fig. 2], the guide rod 210 and the cam 200 can move. When the cam 200 is fully extended, a normally open solenoid 214, located at the rear of a piston 216, is energized and closed. The piston assembly 216 may include a check valve 217 to allow fluid to enter a closed volume 218 when the guide rod 210 is being extended. The solenoid 214 can control the movement of the guide rod 210. The closing of the solenoid 214 and the check valve 217 creates a closed volume 218 between the solenoid 214 and the piston seals 212, which prevents the valve from closing.

[0037] In step 310, to close the valve, the power supply is cut off to the solenoid, which opens the closed volume (e.g., releases the pressure). The ball screw can rotate in the opposite direction. The cam can rotate along the ball screw to retract. In step 310, a spring under the rail allows the rail to move downward when the cam rotates in the opposite direction (relative to the extension direction) along the rail without being gripped by the rail (e.g., [Fig. 3A] and 3B). This allows the ball nut / cam to retract. The spring can be positioned under the rail inside the track, and when the ball nut / cam rotates in the opposite direction, the spring under the rail is compressed to push the rail (downward) so that the cam cannot grip the rail during retraction when the ball screw rotates in the opposite direction. This allows the valve to return to its fully closed position.

[0038] [Fig. 4] to [Fig. 9] illustrate another example of the actuator assembly 120. As shown in [Fig. 4], the ball nut 201 can move along the rail 208, which extends longitudinally along the actuator assembly 120 inside the track 209. The ball nut 201 may have a groove 400 in which is located rail 208. The ball nut 201 may have a tab or protrusion 402 that can engage in a groove 702 in the lower track 606 (e.g., see [Fig. 7]). The output shaft 207 may include an element 404 (e.g., a protrusion) for resetting the lower track 606. Rail 400 can extend inside track 209. With reference to the front view of [Fig. 5], the ball nut 201 can move forward along rail 208 when the ball screw 202 rotates, causing the ball nut 201 to move forward. At the end of the extension, rail 400 has been pushed out of position.

[0039] [Fig. 6] illustrates the screws of the actuator assembly 120, according to examples in this disclosure. As noted above, the ball nut 201 moves forward along the rail 208 when the ball screw 202 rotates to open the valve. The screws 600 extending laterally from the rail 208 can move in the slots 602 of the rail 209 to push the rail 208 downward when the ball nut 201 moves forward to compress a spring 604.

[0040] The spring 604 compresses and pushes a lower channel 606 to actuate a mushroom valve 607 which is disposed below the lower channel 606 inside a housing 608. The housing 608 may include a closed volume 610 of fluid which is in communication with a closed solenoid 214. When the valve opens, the solenoid 214 is energized and closed and the fluid chamber 610 is filled with fluid.

[0041] [Fig.7] illustrates that the screws 600 of the actuator assembly 120 can move along the ramps 700 of the slots 602 to move the rail 208 downwards inside the track 209. When the ball nut 201 moves forward along the rail 208, the ball nut grips the end of the track 209, causing the track 209 to move forward, compressing the spring 604. As the rail 208 moves forward, the ramps 700 of the track 209 move forward.

[0042] The screws 600 move downwards after the ball nut 201 pushes the track 209 forward to compress the spring 604. A tab or protrusion of the ball nut 201 may engage in a groove 702 of the lower track 606 which, together with the motor gear, prevents the ball nut assembly from retracting. The lower track 606 is unable to compress the mushroom valve 607 due to the fluid trapped in the chamber 610.

[0043] [Fig. 8] illustrates that the screws 600 of the actuator assembly 120 have moved downwards along the ramps 700 of the slots 602 to move the rail 208 downwards inside the track 209. The screws 600 are positioned downwards and the ball nut 201 has pushed the track 209 forwards to compress the spring 604. The tab or protrusion 402 of the ball nut 201 has entered a groove 702 of the lower track 606 which, together with the motor gear, prevents the ball nut assembly from retracting.

[0044] [Fig. 9] illustrates that the channel 209 of the actuator assembly 120 may include one or more tabs 900 that can serve as a push point for the ball nut 201 when it moves the channel 209 forward by compressing the spring 604. The lower channel 606 may include a ramp 902 at a distal end to facilitate movement on the mushroom valve 607. The power supply to the solenoid valve 214 is interrupted, allowing the valve closing sequence to begin. When the solenoid is no longer powered, the fluid can flow from chamber 610, releasing the mushroom valve 607 which, in turn, allows the spring 604 to extend, pushing the lower track 604 forward and compressing the mushroom valve 607. The spring 604 pushes the lower track 606 forward and the mushroom valve 607 is compressed, and the ball nut 201 comes out of the groove 702 of the lower track 606.The ball nut 201 rotates as it retracts along the fixed ball screw. When the ball nut 201 approaches full retraction, it pushes on the tab(s) 901, forcing the rail 209 to move to the left. When track 209 moves to the left, the springs arranged under rail 602 push rail 602 upwards, causing screws 600 to follow ramps 700 of slots 602. When ball nut 201 approaches full retraction, element 404 of the ball nut / cam assembly makes contact with the distal end of lower track 606, pushing lower track 606 to the left, allowing mushroom valve 607 to rest beside ramp 902 of lower track 606.

[0045] [Fig. 10] illustrates an operational sequence for the actuator assembly 120 from [Fig. 4] to [Fig. 9], according to examples in this disclosure. In step 1000, to open a valve, a ball screw is turned to extend a ball nut along a rail that is arranged in a track (for example, [Fig. 4] to [Fig. 9]). The ball nut moves along the rail. For example, as shown in [Fig. 4], the ball nut 201 can move along the rail 208, which extends longitudinally along the actuator assembly 120 inside the track 209. The rail 400 can extend inside the track 209. With reference to the front view in [Fig. 5], the ball nut 201 can move forward along the rail 208 when the ball screw 202 rotates, causing the ball nut 201 to move forward as well. When the valve opens, the solenoid 214 is energized and closed.

[0046] In step 1002, the rail screws slide downwards and the ball nut pushes the rail forward and makes contact with a groove in the lower track. For example, as shown in [Fig. 6], the screws 600 extending laterally from the rail 208 can move in the slots 602 of the rail 209. The rail 208 moves downwards as the ball nut 201 pushes the rail 209 forwards. In step 1004, the rail 209 compresses the spring 604, which pushes against the lower track 606.

[0047] In step 1006, the lower rail pushes against the mushroom valve, which defines the extension limit of the ball nut. The valve is now open. For example, as shown in [Fig. 9], the lower track 606 may include a ramp 902 at one distal end to facilitate movement over the mushroom valve 607. The power supply to the solenoid 214 may be interrupted to open the solenoid 214 and release the trapped pressure under the mushroom valve to close the valve. Once the solenoid is open, the spring 604 forces the ramp of the lower track 606 onto the mushroom valve 607, pushing the mushroom valve 607 downward, which allows the lower track 606 to continue moving forward. The spring 604 pushes the lower track 606 and the mushroom valve 607 compresses, and the tab of the ball nut 201 comes out of the groove 702 of the lower track 606.The main spring (not shown) of the valve assembly, acting against the ball nut, causes the ball nut to retract. The ball nut rotates as it retracts.

[0048] Accordingly, the systems and methods of this disclosure enable a ball screw mechanism to control drilling tools, for example, to actuate valves in wells. The systems and methods may include any of the various elements disclosed herein, including one or more of the following statements.

[0049] Declaration 1. An actuator assembly includes a ball screw; a ball nut is disposed around the ball screw; a cam is disposed around the ball nut; a rail is disposed next to the cam, the rail being able to stop the rotation of the cam to extend the cam axially when the ball nut passes through the ball screw.

[0050] Declaration 2. The actuator assembly of Declaration 1, in which the rail is spring-loaded.

[0051] Declaration 3. The actuator assembly of Declaration 1 or Declaration 2, in which the rail is arranged in a track.

[0052] Declaration 4. The actuator assembly of any of the declarations 1-3, further comprising a housing, in which the rail is disposed on the housing.

[0053] Declaration 5. The actuator assembly of any one of the declarations 1-4, further comprising a solenoid disposed in the housing.

[0054] Declaration 6. The actuator assembly of any of the declarations 1-5, further comprising a guide rod disposed inside the housing.

[0055] Declaration 7. The actuator assembly of any one of the declarations 1-6, further comprising a closed volume extending between the solenoid and the piston seals of the guide rod.

[0056] Declaration 8. An actuator assembly comprising: a ball screw; a ball nut disposed around the ball screw; a cam disposed around the ball nut; a rail disposed next to the cam, the rail being able to guide the axial movement of the nut ball and cam during ball screw rotation; a rail, in which the rail is arranged in the track.

[0057] Declaration 9. The actuator assembly of declaration 8, in which the track includes slots.

[0058] Declaration 10. The actuator assembly of declaration 8 or 9, in which the rail includes screws, the slots being able to receive the screws.

[0059] Declaration 11. The actuator assembly of one of the declarations 8 to 10, further comprising another channel, in which a spring is disposed between the channels.

[0060] Declaration 12. The actuator assembly of one of the declarations 8-11 further includes a housing, in which the channels are arranged on the housing.

[0061] Declaration 13. The actuator assembly of one of the declarations 8-12, further comprising a mushroom valve disposed adjacent to the other way.

[0062] Declaration 14. The actuator assembly of any of the declarations 8-13, further comprising a solenoid disposed in the housing.

[0063] Declaration 15. Method for controlling a drilling well tool, comprising:

[0064] to rotate a ball screw to move a cam in an axial direction, the cam being arranged around the ball screw; and actuating a solenoid to control a volume of fluid in order to move a guide rod, the cam, the ball screw and the guide rod being components of the wellbore tool.

[0065] Declaration 16. The method of any one of the declarations 13-15, wherein the rotation of the ball screw includes the rotation of a ball nut, the cam being adjacent to the ball nut.

[0066] Declaration 17. The method of any one of the declarations 13-16, further comprising stopping the rotation of the cam to axially extend the cam.

[0067] Statement 18. The method of any one of statements 13-17, in which the axial movement of the cam occurs along a rail.

[0068] Declaration 19. The method of any one of the declarations 13-18, further comprising the compression of a spring adjacent to the rail during the rotation of the ball screw.

[0069] Declaration 20. The method of any one of Declarations 13-19, in which the rotation of the ball screw controls a valve.

[0070] Although this disclosure and its benefits have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The preceding description provides various examples of systems and methods of use disclosed herein, which may contain different steps of the method and other combinations of components. It should be understood that, although individual examples may be discussed here, this disclosure covers all combinations of the examples. disclosed, including, but not limited to, the various combinations of components, method steps, and system properties. It should be understood that compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps; compositions and methods may also "essentially consist of" or "comprise" the various components and steps.

[0071] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed in this document. However, ranges extending from any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to obtain a range not explicitly stated, just as ranges extending from any lower limit can be combined with any other lower limit to obtain a range not explicitly stated, just as ranges extending from any upper limit can be combined with any other upper limit to obtain a range not explicitly stated. Furthermore, whenever a numeric range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any number and any range contained within the range are specifically disclosed.In particular, each range of values ​​(of the form "from about a to about b" or, equivalently, "from about a to b" or, equivalently, "from about a to b") disclosed in this document should be understood as stating each number and each range contained within the larger range of values, even if it is not explicitly mentioned. Thus, each individual point or value can serve as a lower or upper limit combined with any other individual point or value or any other lower or upper limit, to constitute a range not explicitly mentioned.

[0072] Consequently, the present examples are well suited to achieving the stated objectives and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. The particular examples disclosed above are given by way of illustration only and may be modified and implemented in a different but equivalent manner by persons skilled in the art and benefiting from the teachings contained herein. Although individual examples are discussed, the disclosure covers all combinations of all the examples. Furthermore, no limitations are foreseen with respect to the construction or design details illustrated herein, other than those described in the claims below. In addition, the terms in the claims have their ordinary meanings, unless explicitly and clearly defined by the patent proprietor.It is therefore evident that the specific illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered or modified, and that all such variations are considered part of the scope and spirit of those examples. In case of conflict in the use of a word or term in this specification and in a [reference to a specific document or document]. Several patents or other documents may be incorporated by reference; therefore, definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

Claims

Demands

1. An actuator assembly (120) comprising: a ball screw (202); a ball nut (201) disposed around the ball screw; a cam (200) disposed around the ball nut; a rail (208) disposed next to the cam, the rail being able to stop the rotation of the cam to extend the cam axially when the ball nut passes through the ball screw, wherein the rail (208) is spring-loaded.

2. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 1, wherein the rail is arranged in a track (209).

3. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing (215), in which the rail (108) is disposed on the housing and optionally further comprising a solenoid (214) disposed in the housing.

4. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 3, further comprising a guide rod (210) disposed inside the housing and optionally further comprising a closed volume (218) extending between the solenoid (214) and the piston seals (212) of the guide rod.

5. An actuator assembly (120) comprising: a ball screw (202); a ball nut (201) disposed around the ball screw; a cam (200) disposed around the ball nut; a rail (208) disposed next to the cam, the rail being able to guide the axial movement of the ball nut and the cam during the rotation of the ball screw; a track (209), the rail being disposed in the track, the track (209) comprising slots (602).

6. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 5, wherein the rail includes screws (600), the slots being able to receive the screws.

7. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising another channel (606), in which a spring (604) is disposed between the channels.

8. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 7, further comprising a housing (215), in which the channels (209, 606) are arranged on the housing.

9. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 8, further comprising a mushroom valve (607) disposed adjacent to the other path (606).

10. The actuator assembly (120) according to claim 9, further comprising a solenoid (214) disposed in the housing (215).

11. A method of controlling a wellbore tool (118), comprising: rotating a ball screw (202) to move a cam (200) in an axial direction, the cam being disposed around the ball screw, wherein the rotation of the ball screw (202) includes the rotation of a ball nut (201), the cam being screwed to the ball nut, and wherein the axial movement of the cam (200) occurs along a rail (208); and actuating a solenoid (214) to control a volume of fluid (218) to move a guide rod (210), the cam, the ball screw, and the guide rod being components of the wellbore tool.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising stopping the rotation of the cam (200) to axially extend the cam.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the compression of a spring (220) adjacent to the rail (208) during the rotation of the ball screw (202) and optionally wherein the rotation of the ball screw controls a valve (118).

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