Back Reaming Joint with Fluid Release Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional boring joint couplings are vulnerable to severe torque loadings, longitudinal stresses, and abrasion, leading to premature wear and potential failure during drilling operations, which can result in costly repairs and tool loss.
Innovation Solution
A joint coupling design that includes a non-circular exterior surface and a sleeve with a fluid release passage to divert drilling fluid to the torque sleeve, providing protection against abrasion and extending the joint's lifespan by delivering a controlled amount of fluid during back reaming operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joint coupling is exposed to drilling fluid during back reaming, then protection against abrasion is improved, but the complexity of the joint structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint coupling is divided into functional segments: a torque transfer sleeve with non-circular exterior surfaces for torque transmission, and integrated fluid supply passages that segment the fluid delivery path to direct drilling fluid to specific wear zones. This segmentation allows targeted protection without requiring complete redesign of the entire joint structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint coupling structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the non-circular exterior surfaces of the sleeve provide both torque transfer and structural support, while the fluid supply passages serve both as structural elements and as delivery channels for protective drilling fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If drilling fluid is discharged to protect the joint coupling, then the lifespan of the joint is extended, but the fluid flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint coupling design allows drilling fluid to naturally flow through the supply passages and discharge at strategic locations based on gravity and pressure differential, without requiring active control mechanisms. The structure itself guides the fluid flow to where it is needed most, making the system self-regulating and reducing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply passages are designed to utilize hydraulic pressure from the drilling operation to automatically deliver fluid to the joint coupling. The pressure-driven flow eliminates the need for pumps, valves, or complex control systems, as the hydraulic environment of the drilling operation itself provides the driving force.
3Force
If the sleeve is designed with non-circular surfaces for torque transfer, then torque transmission is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates non-circular exterior surfaces with asymmetric profiles that engage with corresponding asymmetric features on the drill string components. This asymmetry provides mechanical interlocking for superior torque transfer, and the design accepts standard manufacturing tolerances by distributing stress across multiple contact points rather than requiring precision circular fits.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular surfaces incorporate curved and splined geometries that provide gradual engagement and distribute contact stresses along curved paths. This curvature design reduces stress concentrations and allows for easier manufacturing compared to sharp-edged asymmetric features, while maintaining effective torque transfer capability.
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 solution effectively protects the joint coupling from wear by using a controlled fluid discharge, enhancing its lifespan and reducing the risk of tool loss and costly repairs by maintaining secure threading and preventing fracture.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid release passage includes a radial port that extends from the first longitudinal fluid supply passage to a clearance between the sleeve and the first member
Implementation Method 2
A sleeve has a non circular profile on an inner surface thereof whereby the sleeve can be slidably mounted on the non circular exterior surfaces of the first and second members when such surfaces are brought into alignment by rotation of one member relative to the other, which sleeve is effective to pass torque from one member to the other by means of the non circular surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A joint according to the invention for connecting a pair of members rotatable about a common axis end to end. A sleeve has a non circular profile on an inner surface thereof whereby the sleeve can be slidably mounted on non circular exterior surfaces of the first and second members when such surfaces are brought into alignment by rotation of one member relative to the other in a manner effective to pass torque from one member to the other by means of the non circular surfaces. A fluid release passage includes a radial port that extends from the first longitudinal fluid supply passage to a clearance between the sleeve and the first member, which clearance communicates with a second clearance between the sleeve and the second member, which second clearance has a discharge opening.