Adjustable Shoulder Threaded Connections for High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections in the oil and gas industry face challenges in achieving high torque strength under torsional loads due to design constraints, and methods like thread locking compounds or higher strength materials are either difficult to disassemble or costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A tubular threaded connection design featuring a torque apparatus with multiple torque members and adjustable shoulders that increase torque capacity by forming multiple torque-loading interfaces, allowing for flexible positioning and enhanced contact surfaces without exceeding design constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thread locking compound is applied to increase torque capacity, then the grip between mating threaded components increases, but the connection becomes very difficult to disassemble and requires heating that can damage equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical thread locking compounds with a mechanical solution featuring a shouldered torque member that creates friction-based torque resistance through controlled engagement surfaces. This mechanical system achieves torque capacity enhancement without the disassembly difficulties caused by chemical locking compounds.
2Strength
If higher strength materials are used for threaded components, then torque capacity increases, but cost increases and availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes geometric parameters rather than material properties to achieve higher torque capacity. The shouldered torque member with specific dimensional relationships (shoulder diameter, engagement length, thread pitch) provides mechanical advantage that achieves strength enhancement without requiring expensive high-strength materials.
3Strength
If double shoulder type design is used to increase torque capacity, then torque strength increases, but precise dimensional tolerances are required among fixed outer pin face to outer box face interface and fixed inner pin face to inner box face interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable shouldered torque member that can be adjusted axially along the threaded connection. This adjustability allows the torque member to accommodate variations in dimensional tolerances while maintaining optimal torque engagement, eliminating the need for extremely precise fixed dimensional tolerances required by conventional double shoulder designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shouldered torque member automatically positions itself to achieve optimal torque engagement through its movable design. The member self-adjusts to compensate for dimensional variations in the pin and box components, providing consistent torque strength without requiring precise pre-manufacturing of all interface dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular threaded connection includes a threaded sub-assembly having a first tubular member, a first torque member threadingly received on the first tubular member, and a second torque member threadingly received on the first tubular member. In forming the threaded sub-assembly, the first torque member is torqued relative to the second torque member. Furthermore, the sub-assembly is configured to receive a second tubular member for torqueing against the sub-assembly.