Collet Setting Kit for Well Operations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing setting tool/plug systems for well operations require screws for attachment, which can lead to incorrect connections, wear out, and reduce the useful life of the components.
Innovation Solution
A setting kit with a collet that automatically engages and locks onto a plug by pushing the collet onto the plug, eliminating the need for screws and ensuring a secure, one-way connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to attach the setting kit to the plug, then the connection can be secured, but the screws can lead to incorrect connections, wear out, and reduce the useful life of the components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screws entirely from the connection system between the setting kit and plug. Instead, it uses a tapered bore interface where the plug's external tapered surface mates with the setting kit's internal tapered bore, creating a screwless connection that eliminates wear and incorrect assembly issues while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered bore interface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the plug and setting kit. This intermediate connection method provides both guidance for correct alignment and secure mechanical attachment without requiring screws, thereby extending tool life while ensuring reliable connection.
2Strength
If screws are used for attachment, then the connection can be made secure, but the attachment process becomes more complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the screw attachment mechanism entirely, replacing it with a simplified tapered bore interface. This reduction in components decreases assembly complexity and removes the possibility of incorrect screw installation while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the tapered geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered bore interface provides self-aligning and self-securing properties. When the plug is inserted into the setting kit, the tapered surfaces automatically guide the components into correct alignment and create a secure mechanical lock without requiring external fasteners or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If screws are used to connect the setting kit to the plug, then the connection can be established, but the screw holes wear out and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screw holes from the design entirely, replacing them with a continuous tapered bore surface. This eliminates the wear problem associated with repeated screw insertion and removal, as the tapered interface distributes contact forces across a larger surface area and does not rely on localized hole engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection interface from discrete point contacts (screw holes) to a continuous surface contact (tapered bore). This parameter change from localized to distributed contact improves durability and reusability by preventing wear concentration at specific locations, allowing indefinite reuse of the setting kit.
Data Source
AI summary
A setting kit for connecting a plug to a setting tool includes a collet connecting part configured to be attached to an internal sleeve of the setting tool; and a collet configured to be attached with a first end to the collet connecting part and with a second end to the plug. The second end automatically connects to the plug by only pushing the second end onto the plug.