Adjustable Winged Centering Tool for Varying Pipe Diameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current centering tools require multiple tools for different well diameters, necessitating prior knowledge of the diameter range and carrying appropriate tools, which is inefficient and limiting for operations in varying inner diameters.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical centering tool with six synchronously and steplessly adjustable, radially outward protruding wings, featuring a split tool body with longitudinal grooves and lock mandrels to securely position the wings, allowing for adjustment and use in pipes of varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple centering tools are used for different well diameters, then each tool is optimized for its specific diameter, but the device complexity and the quantity of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering tool is designed with adjustable wings that can be positioned at different radial distances from the central axis, allowing a single tool to function for multiple well diameters. The tool body includes a plurality of wings that can be independently adjusted and locked in various positions, enabling the same tool to adapt to different inner diameters of wells or pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering tool features dynamically adjustable wings that can be moved radially outward or inward and locked at different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the tool to change its outer diameter configuration to match different well diameters, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple centering tools are carried for different diameter ranges, then coverage of all possible diameters is ensured, but the weight and volume of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single centering tool with adjustable wings can cover multiple diameter ranges, replacing the need to carry multiple specialized tools. The wings can be adjusted to different radial positions to accommodate various well diameters, significantly reducing the total weight and volume of equipment that needs to be transported and stored.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-wing centering tools are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying inner diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centering tool incorporates wings that can be adjusted radially and locked at different positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the tool to adapt to varying inner diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on a cylindrical tool body with longitudinal grooves for wing movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into a tool body and separate adjustable wings that can be independently positioned. The longitudinal grooves in the tool body allow the wings to move and be locked at different radial distances, providing adaptability while keeping the base structure simple and easy to manufacture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable wings are added to the centering tool, then adaptability to varying diameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable wings are equipped with guiding lugs that travel in longitudinal grooves of the tool body, allowing smooth radial movement. Lock mandrels with safety nuts provide a simple yet effective locking mechanism that secures the wings at desired positions without requiring complex adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: wings with guiding lugs, longitudinal grooves in the tool body, and lock mandrels with safety nuts. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall system complexity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adjustable centering tool (1) for use in pipes of varying inner diameter, said centering tool (1) being provided with a number of identical and steplessly adjustable, radially protruding wings (2) having guiding lugs (2') and chamfered end faces (2"). The invention is characterized in that the wings (2), having been set, are retained by an upper lock mandrel (3) with a safety pin (4) and a lower lock mandrel (5) with a safety nut (6), the outer circumference of a cylindrical tool body (7) being fitted with longitudinal grooves (8) having sloped terminations (8X) cooperating with the wing dimensions, the chamfered end faces (2") of the wings (2), and the guiding lugs (2'), respectively.