Downhole Anchor Mechanism Combining Wedge and Toggle Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toggle and wedge-based anchoring mechanisms are inadequate for a wide range of wellbore sizes, particularly at small diameters, leading to insufficient anchoring forces and operation failures.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring mechanism that integrates both wedge and toggle principles, transitioning between the two to provide high radial forces across varying wellbore sizes, utilizing a telescoping arm system with a wedge hub and fixed toggle arms to ensure sufficient anchoring at all diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a toggle mechanism is used for anchoring, then the device can accommodate a wide range of wellbore sizes, but insufficient anchoring forces are generated at small pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toggle mechanism and wedge mechanism into a single integrated anchoring system. The toggle mechanism provides adaptability across different wellbore sizes, while the wedge mechanism compensates for insufficient anchoring force at small diameters by generating additional radial expansion force through its geometric advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system applies different mechanisms locally based on wellbore diameter conditions. The wedge mechanism is specifically engaged when operating at small pipe diameters where the toggle mechanism alone produces insufficient force, while the toggle mechanism handles larger diameter applications.
2Force
If a wedge mechanism is used for anchoring, then sufficiently high anchoring forces can be achieved at small pipe diameters, but the radial expansion range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system merges the wedge mechanism's force-generating capability with the toggle mechanism's extensive radial expansion range. The toggle mechanism's linkage system allows the anchor to expand from small to large diameters, while the wedge mechanism ensures sufficient anchoring force is maintained throughout the expansion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined anchoring mechanism serves multiple functions: the toggle mechanism provides both adaptability to different diameters and structural support, while the wedge mechanism provides force multiplication. Together, they create a universal anchoring system that handles both small and large wellbore sizes effectively.
3Device complexity
If only a toggle mechanism is used, then the structure remains simple, but anchoring forces become insufficient at small diameters leading to operation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wedge mechanism into the toggle mechanism structure in a way that adds force-generating capability without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The wedge is positioned within the existing toggle linkage, sharing structural elements and space.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the geometric constraints of the toggle mechanism at small diameters (which produce insufficient force) into an opportunity to introduce the wedge mechanism. The wedge's geometric advantage compensates for the toggle's mechanical disadvantage, turning a failure condition into a successful operation.
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 combined mechanism achieves substantially high radial forces at all wellbore sizes, overcoming the limitations of traditional designs by maintaining effective anchoring regardless of wellbore diameter.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge hub disposed about the tubular housing, wherein at least one of the hub or wedge hub is slidably disposed about the tubular housing
Implementation Method 2
one or more telescoping arms and one or more fixed toggle arms, wherein a first end of the one or more telescoping arms is coupled to one of the hub or the wedge hub
Implementation Method 3
radial forces by the anchor pad generates enough friction against a wellbore to prevent sliding at the contact points between the anchor pad and the surface of the wall
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an anchoring mechanism, a method for anchoring a downhole tool, and a well system. The anchoring mechanism, in one aspect, includes a tubular housing, a hub disposed about to the tubular housing, and a wedge hub disposed about the tubular housing, wherein at least one of the hub or wedge hub is slidably disposed about the tubular housing. The anchoring mechanism, according to this aspect, further includes one or more telescoping arms and one or more fixed toggle arms, wherein a first end of the one or more telescoping arms is coupled to one of the hub or the wedge hub, a first end of the one or more fixed toggle arms is coupled to an other of the wedge hub or the hub, and a second end of the one or more telescoping arms and a second end of the one or more fixed toggle arms are coupled to an anchor pad, the anchor pad configured to radially extend to engage an inner surface of a wellbore tubular.