Adjustable Cable Fastening Means for Tubular Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for cables on tubular bodies in well environments lack sufficient strength to withstand the loads and vibrations, often leading to loose attachments and production stops, especially on floating rigs in large waves.
Innovation Solution
A fastening means with adjustable attachment parts and a tightening device that utilizes inside bevels on the tubular body to secure the cable, providing enhanced grip and resistance to axial and radial forces without external bolts, allowing for flexibility in sleeve lengths and improved frictional contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge/clamp fastening devices are used with bolts, then the cable can be attached to the pipe string, but the bolts loosen over time due to vibrations causing the fastening to come loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bolts entirely from the fastening system and replaces them with a clamp that uses elastic deformation of its arms to generate frictional contact forces against the pipe, eliminating the loosening problem inherent in bolted connections subjected to vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bolted connection system with an elastic friction-based system where the clamp arms deform elastically to press against the pipe surface, using friction to maintain the fastening under vibrational conditions
2Strength
If fastening devices are designed to withstand great forces from production tubing weight, then the attachment strength is sufficient, but the device complexity increases and the annulus space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the fastening function at the two end portions of the pipe where the clamp arms apply localized frictional forces, rather than distributing complex structural elements along the entire clamp length, thereby achieving high attachment strength with minimal device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible elastic arms that can deform to conform to the pipe surface, allowing the clamp to generate sufficient frictional forces for strong attachment while maintaining a simple, lightweight structure that fits within limited annulus space
3Ease of manufacture
If bolts are used to secure the hinge together, then the fastening can be assembled, but the bolts will loosen over time due to vibrations requiring fishing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates bolts from the design entirely, replacing the bolted assembly with a clamp that is secured to the pipe through frictional contact generated by elastic deformation, thus removing the component that loosens under vibration while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms of the clamp automatically generate and maintain the necessary frictional forces through their own elastic deformation, creating a self-sustaining fastening mechanism that does not require additional fasteners or adjustment mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively resists the weight of production tubing and lateral forces, preventing the cable from twisting and being torn off, thus passing rigorous vibration tests and reducing the risk of components falling into the well.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening means is arranged to rest against the sleeve and has at least one through cable recess... providing enhanced grip and resistance to axial and radial forces... improved frictional contact
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening means is for attaching a cable to a tubular body. The tubular body has a sleeve with a first end face and a second end face. The fastening means has a first attachment part arranged with a first abutment surface for resting against the first end face; a second attachment part arranged with a second abutment surface for resting against the second end face; both the first attachment part and the second attachment part including a through cable recess; and a tightening device for pulling the first attachment part and the second attachment part towards each other. The fastening means is characterized by the first attachment part and the second attachment part being adjustably connected in a spaced-apart manner via the tightening device.