Coiled Spring Subterranean Tool Actuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuation systems for subterranean tools do not effectively utilize the change in shape of springs as they relax to provide rotational movement and radial extension for securing strings or actuating members, nor do they harness the stored potential energy for load-bearing and gripping functions.

Innovation Solution

A coiled spring is axially extended and its diameter reduced for initial deployment, then released to increase in diameter and shorten in length, inducing rotational movement and radial expansion to secure tubulars together, with residual energy providing additional grip force, and axial shrinkage used in conjunction with rotational movement to actuate slips and lock positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a coiled spring is axially extended and diameter reduced for deployment, then the spring can be inserted into the tool, but the spring cannot provide rotational movement or radial expansion for securing tubulars

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring axial dimensionVSAvoidspring functional capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is pre-compressed and stored in a compact state within the tool body before deployment. This preliminary action allows the spring to be easily inserted while maintaining the potential energy needed for subsequent gripping and rotational functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring transitions from a static compressed state during insertion to a dynamic expanding state during operation. This dynamic transformation enables the spring to provide both radial expansion for gripping and rotational movement for actuating the gripping members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the spring is released to increase diameter and shorten length, then the spring can contact and support tubulars, but the tool structure becomes more complex to accommodate the movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring contact forceVSAvoidtool structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides radial expansion for gripping, axial shortening for actuation, and rotational movement for directional control. This merging eliminates the need for separate gripping mechanisms, actuators, and rotation devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a gripping element, an actuating mechanism, and a rotational drive. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions for securing tubulars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the spring is used solely for axial support, then the structure remains simple, but rotational movement and radial extension for securing strings cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation system complexityVSAvoidgripping and rotational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring's own elastic deformation and rotational unwinding provide the driving force for gripping and actuation. The spring serves itself as both the energy storage device and the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for external motors, hydraulics, or complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring exploits changes in its physical parameters (radial dimension, axial dimension, and rotational angle) during decompression to achieve multiple functions. As the spring expands radially and shortens axially, it simultaneously rotates, providing gripping force, actuation, and directional control without additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables effective securing and gripping of tubulars through rotational and axial movements, enhancing load-bearing capacity and ensuring secure engagement of slips, while allowing for directional control of the gripping mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The rotational force from unwinding the spring can drive a slip or other support member radially outwardly into contact with the surrounding tubular

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional spring energy: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9624744B2Apparatus for subterranean tool actuation using stored torsional spring energy

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A coiled spring is extended axially and its outside diameter is reduced for the run in position of a tool preferably a liner hanger. Upon release of the stored potential energy the diameter of the spring grows so that contact of the surrounding tubular is made by the spring to at least in part support one string to another. Alternatively, the rotational force from unwinding the spring can drive a slip or other support member radially outwardly into contact with the surrounding tubular and if desired lock the gripping position between the tubulars. Unexpended potential energy of the unwinding spring can also be a residual force to hold the expanded spring to the surrounding tubular. The axial shrinkage of the coiled spring can also be deployed in actuation of the slip in conjunction with rotational movement to advance the slip radially for a grip of the surrounding tubular.