Downhole Coupler Assembly with Saw Tooth Dog Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling subassemblies for tool strings in oil and gas exploration fail to withstand static and dynamic loads, including vibration and torsion, leading to potential decoupling during deployment in wells, especially in deep water environments with unconsolidated seabed conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly featuring interlocking mandrels with 'saw tooth dog clutch' interfaces and a turnbuckle mechanism, combined with a keyed latch ring and c-ring for secure engagement, which tolerates bending and vibration forces, and includes internal and external threads to maintain the integrity of the tool string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing coupling subassemblies are used to join tubing segments, then the tool string can be assembled and deployed, but the coupling fails to withstand static and dynamic loads including vibration and torsion, leading to potential decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling subassembly incorporates a turnbuckle mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment and accommodation of loads. The interlocking mandrels with saw tooth dog clutch interfaces provide dynamic engagement that adapts to varying static and dynamic loads including vibration and torsion, preventing decoupling while maintaining coupling integrity under changing operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling subassembly uses composite structural design combining interlocking mandrels, keyed latch rings, and c-rings made from materials with different mechanical properties. This composite approach creates a robust joint that distributes and withstands multiple types of loads simultaneously, enhancing both strength and reliability of the coupling connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool string navigates through tight well radii, then deployment flexibility is improved, but the coupling experiences increased bending forces that may cause decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mandrel design with saw tooth dog clutch interfaces provides dynamic load distribution that accommodates bending forces experienced during navigation through tight well radii. The keyed latch ring and c-ring mechanism allows controlled movement while maintaining engagement, enabling the tool string to navigate tight radii without decoupling
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling subassembly divides the connection into segmented components (interlocking mandrels, keyed latch ring, c-ring) that can independently accommodate different types of forces. This segmentation allows the coupling to handle bending forces during tight radius navigation while maintaining overall connection integrity and tool string assembly stability
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole coupling system for joining together two segments of a tool string includes two mandrels, each having an interlocking interface at an end that abuts the adjacent mandrel and to communicate torque from one mandrel to the next. Each of the mandrels includes a threaded exterior surface, with the threaded surfaces have opposing thread directions or differing thread pitches. The coupling includes mating internal threads. A plurality of axial grooves is formed in each of the interior surface of the coupling and the exterior surface of one of the mandrels. A keyed latch ring having a plurality of internal keys and a plurality of external keys is included to engage the axial grooves, thereby rotationally locking the coupling relative to the first mandrel and second mandrel.