Length-Adjustable Downhole Connector for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coring tools face issues due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients between materials, leading to misalignment of coring bits and barrels at varying temperatures, which existing designs may not adequately account for.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable connector with a threaded connection between an outer and inner tubular body, along with a locking sleeve, allows axial movement and secure locking of the inner tubular body relative to the outer body, enabling adjustment and stabilization of the tool's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the barrel and coring bit are made from different materials to achieve desired mechanical properties, then material performance is improved, but thermal expansion mismatch causes misalignment at varying temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector allows dynamic adjustment of the barrel position relative to the coring bit through axial movement enabled by the threaded connection. The inner tubular body can rotate and move axially within the outer tubular body, permitting real-time positioning adjustments to compensate for thermal expansion differences between materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection converts rotational movement into axial displacement, allowing precise control of the barrel's axial position. By rotating the inner tubular body, the axial distance between the coring bit and barrel can be adjusted to maintain proper alignment despite temperature-induced thermal expansion variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connector allows axial movement to compensate for thermal expansion, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection serves multiple functions: it provides the adjustment mechanism for axial movement, acts as a locking mechanism when positioned and secured, and maintains the structural connection between the outer and inner tubular bodies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment and locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tubular body is nested within the outer tubular body, with the locking sleeve positioned within the inner tubular body. This nested arrangement allows the adjustment and locking mechanisms to be integrated within the existing structural framework, minimizing additional complexity while enabling the required axial movement and positioning capabilities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the position after adjustment, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sleeve utilizes the existing threaded connection and locking profiles to secure the barrel position. The locking profile on the inner tubular body engages with the locking sleeve, which is itself engaged within the outer tubular body's threaded connection. This self-contained locking system uses the adjustment mechanism's own components rather than requiring entirely separate locking elements.
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
This solution effectively adjusts and stabilizes the position of the tool relative to the drill string, accommodating temperature changes and ensuring accurate core sampling by allowing axial movement and secure locking, thus addressing thermal expansion issues.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded connection between the inner surface of the outer tubular body and the outer surface of the inner tubular body, the threaded connection causing axial movement of the inner tubular body relative to the outer tubular body as the inner tubular body rotates relative to the outer tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
A length-adjustable connector for a downhole tool has an outer tubular body with an inner bore and a first locking profile accessible from the inner bore. A rotatable inner tubular body having a second locking profile is within the outer tubular body. The connector also has a threaded connection between the outer and- inner tubular bodies that causes axial movement of the inner tubular body relative to the outer tubular body as the inner tubular body rotates, and a locking sleeve having first and second ends sized to engage the first and second locking profiles respectively. The locking sleeve prevents relative rotation of the tubular bodies when engaged with the locking profiles. A connector is carried by the inner tubular body that extends axially away from the locking sleeve, and moves axially relative to the outer tubular body as the inner tubular body is rotated.