Annular Device for Radial Displacements in Drilling Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling tool steering devices face challenges in achieving accurate radial displacements and stress control, particularly in high-pressure and vibration-prone environments, with existing solutions being complex, costly, and prone to fragility or requiring complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional system utilizing two swivelling rings with nested ball joint connections and integrated actuators, along with a guide ring and push rods, allows for controlled radial displacements and stresses, featuring a compact, robust design suitable for steerable drilling applications, with optional sensors for precise control and reversible or irreversible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hydraulic radial or tangential jacks are used, then the design is simple and reversible, but they operate at high pressure with short travel and are difficult to instrument for accurate position control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a master indicator connected to the swivelling ring and a slave indicator connected to the housing. This intermediary mechanism translates the radial displacement into measurable angular positions, enabling accurate position control without complicating the overall hydraulic jack design. The indicators provide precise measurement while the hydraulic system maintains its simplicity and reversibility.
2Force
If inflatable cushions are used, then high load and expansion capacity are achieved with low operating pressures, but they are fragile at high temperature and lack rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using elastomeric materials specifically designed for high-temperature resistance. The elastomeric bearing and elastomeric seal elements are selected to maintain their mechanical properties and elasticity at elevated temperatures, thereby achieving both high load capacity and temperature resistance. This parameter change in material selection resolves the contradiction between load capacity and thermal reliability.
3Measurement precision
If double eccentric systems are used, then very great stresses are generated and multiple positions are achieved with great accuracy, but the design is irreversible and requires complex control systems with two clutches or two independent motor drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control mechanism where a single motor drive through a reduction gear automatically controls both the swivelling ring and the housing positions. The mechanical linkage and gear system ensure that the positions are achieved with great accuracy without requiring complex electronic control systems or multiple independent motor drives. The system self-regulates the positioning through its mechanical design.
4Force
If wedge systems are used, then high stresses are generated, but the implementation is extremely delicate in an annular space and they are by nature better suited to a unidirectional mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanical linkage system that allows the wedge mechanism to operate in both directions. The linkage between the motor drive, reduction gear, swivelling ring, and housing enables the system to generate high stresses while adapting to bidirectional movement requirements. The dynamic design allows the same mechanism to handle both unidirectional and bidirectional operations effectively.
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
The system provides accurate, reversible, and robust radial displacement and stress control, capable of operating in harsh conditions, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining high performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
two swivelling rings and a frame producing two nested ball joint connections (a) and (b), with respective centres A and B
Implementation Method 2
each actuator being connected to the swivelling ring with centre A by a push rod, also called a compression rod
Data Source
AI summary
An annular device generates essentially radial displacements of a shaft disposed within the device includes a frame, a swiveling ring and in internal ring with which the shaft is associated. Actuators and guide rods within the housing cause the swiveling ring to rotate relative to the frame and the internal ring to be displaced radially such that a shaft associated with the internal ring is radially displaced. The device is useful for drilling trajectory control devices.