Activator Ring Lock Packoff Assembly for Oil Well Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of connecting oil well equipment using helical threads requires high-energy assembly, posing a risk of injury or death due to the kinetic energy of heavy equipment, and lacks a safe and efficient way to connect components quickly.
Innovation Solution
The use of an activator ring with a slot and spaced gaps, combined with an open lock ring, allows for the connection of equipment without high-energy assembly, limiting motion in two dimensions while allowing for rotational adjustment through tab and hole sets, and securing in place with set screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If helical threads are used to connect oil well equipment, then strong connection and support are provided, but high-energy assembly is required which poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the activator ring with slot and gaps for positioning, the open lock ring for securing, and set screws for final tightening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring high-energy rotational assembly, thereby maintaining connection strength while eliminating safety risks associated with spinning heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The activator ring is pre-configured with a slot and spaced gaps that guide the protrusions during insertion. The open lock ring is pre-positioned to engage with the activator ring. This preliminary arrangement of components ensures proper alignment and positioning before final securing, eliminating the need for high-energy rotational assembly while maintaining strong connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If helical threads are used to connect equipment, then rotational motion is limited, but high-speed rotation is required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The activator ring's slot and spaced gaps automatically engage with the protrusions on the connected equipment, self-aligning and limiting rotational motion without requiring external forcing or high-speed rotation. The open lock ring subsequently engages with the activator ring to further secure the connection. This self-service mechanism achieves rotational stability during a controlled, low-speed assembly process.
3Strength
If traditional threaded connections are used, then support along longitudinal axis is provided, but complex high-energy assembly process is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system segments the assembly process into simple, sequential steps: insertion of the activator ring with slot and gaps onto the equipment, engagement of the open lock ring, and tightening of set screws. Each step is straightforward and requires minimal energy input, contrasting with the complex, high-energy rotational assembly of traditional threaded connections while maintaining axial support capability.
4Productivity
If quick connection is desired, then assembly time is reduced, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The activator ring is pre-configured with a slot and spaced gaps that automatically engage with protrusions to provide immediate positioning and rotational limitation upon insertion. The open lock ring is pre-positioned to engage with the activator ring for additional security. This preliminary arrangement ensures connection security is established quickly without compromising reliability, as the multi-stage engagement provides progressive securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses self-service mechanisms where the activator ring's slot and gaps automatically align and engage with protrusions, and the open lock ring self-secures to the activator ring. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or high-energy forcing, achieving both quick assembly and secure connection through automatic engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an activator ring and locking ring usable to connect a variety of parts used in oil and gas field production operations. The invention further comprises connection elements integrated into oil and gas well pipeline parts, such as washing tools, pack off bodies, mandrel casing hangers and other pipeline parts to permit simplified and secure connections to improve well head operations. The oil and gas field parts and activator ring use a novel design for tabs, slots and fixing devices to secure the connection of production parts in the well head. The design allows simpler and safer connections of oil field equipment components.