Collet Thread Protector for Tool-Free Sucker Rod End Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread protectors for sucker rods are time-consuming to install and require hand tools, and they often rely on the rod's threads for anchoring, which can lead to damage during storage and transportation, increasing maintenance costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
A threadless thread protector using a collet with protrusions and a sleeve that compresses to engage with the thread relief of the sucker rod, allowing for quick installation and removal without relying on the rod's threads, using an O-ring for sealing and an interference fit for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used, then the rod ends are protected from damage and corrosion, but the installation process is time-consuming and requires hand tools
Solution Approach 1:
The thread protector is divided into multiple collet segments that can be independently compressed and expanded. This segmentation allows the protector to be installed by compressing the segments onto the rod end and then expanding them to lock in place, eliminating the need for screwing operations and hand tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet segments are designed to be dynamically compressible and expandable. During installation, the segments are compressed to fit over the rod end, then expanded to engage with the thread relief and lock in place. This dynamic behavior enables quick, tool-free installation while maintaining secure protection.
2Reliability
If traditional thread protectors are used, then the rod ends are protected from damage, but the rod's threads are relied upon for anchoring which can lead to thread damage during storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is extracted from the rod's threads and transferred to the thread relief feature. The collet segments engage with the thread relief rather than the external threads, preserving the threads for their original purpose while using the thread relief as the anchoring mechanism. This separation eliminates the risk of thread damage during installation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread relief acts as an intermediary feature between the rod end and the collet segments. Instead of directly engaging the external threads, the collet segments interface with the thread relief, which serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact and potential damage to the rod's external threads during handling and storage.
3Manufacturing precision
If hand tools are used to install thread protectors, then proper installation is achieved, but maintenance costs and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thread protector is designed to be self-installing without requiring external hand tools. The collet segments are compressed onto the rod end and then expand to automatically lock in place through engagement with the thread relief. This self-service capability maintains proper installation precision while eliminating the time and cost associated with tool usage and professional installation services.
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
Enables rapid and secure protection of sucker rod threads without damaging them, reducing maintenance costs and delays, and providing a fluid-tight seal to prevent corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is movable from a first position to a second position, the second position compressing the plurality of collet segments such that the protrusion engages with the thread relief of the sucker rod or drill pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A thread protector for use on a sucker rod or a drill pipe has a collet with a plurality of collet segments in which each of the plurality of collet segments has a protrusion adjacent an end thereof, and a sleeve overlying the collet and movable between a first position and a second position. The second position compresses the plurality of collet segments such that the protrusion engages with the thread relief of the sucker rod or drill pipe. This retains the sleeve and the plurality of collet segments over the threaded end of the pipe so as to protect the threaded end of the pipe. The sleeve is movable to the first position such that the protrusions of the plurality of collet segments release from the thread relief so as to allow the thread protector to be removed from the threaded end of the pipe.