Collet and Pin Assembly for Downhole Tool Internal Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole tools face challenges in securely positioning internal assemblies without using threads or bolts, which can lead to damage from free movement within the tool body.

Innovation Solution

A collet with circumferentially-offset fingers and a collet pin with outer threads are used to securely position the internal assembly within the tool body, utilizing protrusions and recesses for axial stability and threaded engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threads or bolts are used to secure the internal assembly, then the internal assembly is firmly fixed to the body, but the internal assembly cannot be secured when threading or bolting is not feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidapplicability to non-threaded components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collet acts as an intermediary component between the body and the internal assembly. It provides a secure mechanical connection through friction and geometric interlocking (protrusions in recesses) without requiring threads or bolts on the internal assembly itself, thus enabling securing of non-threaded components while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional threaded mechanical fastening system with a friction-based mechanical system. The collet uses circumferential friction contact and geometric interlocking (protrusions fitting into recesses) to secure the internal assembly, eliminating the need for threads or bolts on the internal assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the internal assembly is allowed to move freely within the body, then installation is simpler, but the internal assembly may be damaged from free movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddamage from free movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collet is pre-configured with protrusions that fit into recesses in the body, establishing the secure connection position before the internal assembly is fully installed. This preliminary geometric interlocking prevents damage during installation while maintaining relative simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a collet with multiple circumferentially-offset fingers is used, then the internal assembly is securely positioned, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning securityVSAvoidcollet structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collet is segmented into multiple circumferentially-offset fingers that can independently engage with the internal assembly. This segmentation provides secure positioning through distributed contact points while allowing the collet to be formed from a single piece of material, balancing complexity with performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 collet and collet pin system effectively secures the internal assembly in place, preventing damage and ensuring proper alignment for drilling operations while allowing fluid flow through the tool.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the fingers includes a protrusion that extends radially-outward and is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recess formed in an inner surface of the body to secure the collet in place with respect to the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The collet pin includes outer threads on an outer surface thereof that are configured to engage the inner threads of the collet to secure the collet pin in place with respect to the collet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded Fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The collet pin is configured to contact the internal assembly to secure the internal assembly in place within the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Contact: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11905773B2Securing an internal assembly within a tool

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A tool includes an internal assembly configured to be positioned at least partially within a body. The tool also includes a collet configured to be positioned at least partially within the body and axially-adjacent to the internal assembly. The collet includes a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially-offset from one another. At least one of the fingers includes a protrusion that extends radially-outward and is configured to be positioned at least partially within a recess formed in an inner surface of the body to secure the collet in place with respect to the body. The tool also includes a collet pin configured to be positioned at least partially within the body, axially-adjacent to the internal assembly, and at least partially within the collet. The collet pin is configured to contact the internal assembly to secure the internal assembly in place within the body.