Angled Valve Removal Tool With Flexible Joint Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve removal tools require a straight-line, robust assembly for high torque applications, which is impractical in confined spaces due to size restrictions and access limitations, especially when dealing with high-pressure wellheads.
Innovation Solution
An angled valve removal tool with a flexible joint assembly that allows actuation at an angle to the centerline of an isolation valve bore, featuring a housing with a tapered and enlarged bore, and a flexible joint assembly with articular segments to accommodate changing angles, enabling torque application without binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a straight-line, robust assembly is used for high torque applications, then sufficient torque can be applied for valve removal, but the tool becomes impractical in confined spaces due to size restrictions and access limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by introducing a flexible joint assembly with articular segments that allow the tool to change its configuration from a rigid straight-line assembly to an angled configuration. This enables the tool to adapt to confined spaces while maintaining the capability to deliver high torque for valve removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the tool into multiple articular segments that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tool to bend and angle itself to reach isolated valves in confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity for torque application.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible joint assembly is used to access confined spaces, then the tool can reach isolated valves, but the joint assembly may bind or kink under high torque conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by carefully controlling the bore dimensions of the transition elbow relative to the articular segments. The bore is sized with specific clearances that allow the segments to articulate freely under torque loads without binding or kinking, while still providing sufficient support for reliable torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Intermediary principle by introducing a transition elbow with a tapered and enlarged bore as an intermediary component between the actuator portion and the installation portion. This transition elbow serves as a mediator that accommodates the angular changes of the articular segments while maintaining smooth torque transmission without causing binding.
3Ease of operation
If the transition elbow bore is enlarged to allow free movement of articular segments, then the segments can change angles without binding, but the segments may kink during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by precisely controlling the bore dimensions of the transition elbow. The bore is enlarged enough to allow free articulation of the articular segments without binding, but not so large that the segments can kink during rotation. This optimal dimensional parameter ensures both flexibility and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an angled oil field valve removal tool that can be actuated through a flexible joint assembly at an angle to a centerline of an isolation valve bore coupled to a wellhead while still allowing aligned movement with the isolation valve bore and wellhead bore for installation of a valve removal plug into and removal from the wellhead bore. The angled VR tool provides a housing having an actuator portion with a bore coupled with an angled transition elbow with a tapered and enlarged bore that is coupled with an aligned installation portion having a bore that can be coupled to the valve attached to the wellhead. The flexible joint assembly having a shaft and a set of articular segments is configured to slide flexibly through the changing angles of the bores of the actuator portion, transition elbow, and installation portion in the housing.