Constant Velocity Joint Torque Transmission Eccentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole drilling motors are limited in the torque they can deliver, which restricts the efficiency of drilling operations in oil and gas wells due to the conventional joint connections that fail to effectively transfer eccentric rotation to the drill bit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a constant velocity joint with multiple intermediary members, featuring tongues and grooves, allows for the transfer of torque between the downhole motor and the drill bit by accommodating eccentricity between axes, enabling efficient torque transmission and alignment flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional joint connections are used to transfer power from the motor to the drill bit, then the structure is simple, but the torque delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connection is divided into multiple segments including a first joint member, a second joint member, and an intermediary member positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of torque transmission and eccentricity accommodation, thereby increasing overall torque delivery capability while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary member is introduced between the first and second joint members to facilitate torque transfer and accommodate eccentricity between the motor output shaft and the drill bit. This intermediary component acts as a mediator that enables efficient torque transmission while handling misalignment, thus improving torque delivery without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire joint system
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional joint connections are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the ability to accommodate eccentricity and various borehole configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connection employs a constant velocity joint mechanism that dynamically accommodates eccentricity between the motor output shaft and the drill bit. The intermediary member is designed to flexibly handle angular misalignment and eccentric positions, allowing the system to adapt to various borehole configurations (vertical, inclined, horizontal) while maintaining efficient torque transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The joint connection design incorporates universal features that enable it to function effectively in multiple borehole configurations. The intermediary member and constant velocity joint mechanism provide multi-functional capability to handle different orientations and eccentricities, making the system universally applicable across various drilling scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a constant velocity joint assembly for use in transmitting torque. The constant velocity joint assembly includes members that are connected in series via tongue-and-groove connections in a swivel joint pattern that allows for transferring torque between two skew lines, and further provide freedom of movement such that rotation about one longitudinal axis can be transformed into rotation about another longitudinal axis that is not aligned with the first longitudinal axis. Thus, the members of the constant velocity joint assembly do not necessarily need to share a common longitudinal axis.