Angled Contact Surface for Downhole Tool Sleeve Impact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools, such as underreamers, experience high plastic deformation due to impact with stationary components, leading to reliability issues and inhibited function.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a third sleeve with an angled contact surface and axial slots or pins to absorb impact energy, reducing deformation by distributing the force and using shear elements to control movement, allowing for controlled expansion and retraction of cutter blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sleeve moves axially to obstruct or allow fluid flow, then the underreamer can transition between retracted and expanded states, but the impact between the sleeve and stationary component causes high plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning element is positioned between the movable sleeve and the stationary component to absorb impact energy during axial movement. This cushioning element deforms elastically or plastically to reduce the peak forces transmitted to the sleeve, thereby preventing high plastic deformation and improving the reliability of impacting components.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary component (cushioning element) is introduced between the sleeve and the stationary component to mediate the impact interaction. This intermediary element absorbs and dissipates impact energy, reducing the direct transmission of high forces to the sleeve and preventing catastrophic deformation.
2Strength
If the contact surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then the structure is simple, but the impact force concentrates on a small area causing high deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface geometry is changed from a simple perpendicular (one-dimensional) surface to an angled or contoured (multi-dimensional) surface. This angular orientation distributes the impact force across a larger area and redirects some of the impact energy, reducing the concentration of stress on any single point of the sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the contact surface is changed from perpendicular (0°) to an angled configuration (e.g., 15°-45°). This parameter change modifies the force distribution characteristics, spreading the impact load over a larger area and reducing the peak stress that causes plastic deformation in the sleeve.
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 reduces plastic deformation and enhances the reliability of downhole tools by absorbing impact energy at strategic points, preventing damage to critical components and ensuring consistent tool operation.
Implementation Method 1
The resulting impact between the sleeve and the shoulder, however, may subject portions of the sleeve to a high plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
fluid flows through the opening and exerts a hydraulic force on a piston, causing the piston to move the cutter blocks into the expanded state
Implementation Method 3
One or more shear elements coupling the first sleeve to the body may deform or shear in response to the increased pressure of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes a body having a bore extending at least partially therethrough. A component is disposed within the bore and arranged and designed to move axially from a first position to a second position within the bore. An axial end portion of the component has a first contact surface that is oriented at an angle from about 1° to about 45° with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the component.