Downhole Tool Interlocking Section with Reduced Backlash Lock Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole tools for oil and gas wellbores face limitations in radial expansion of slip systems, high backlash in lock ring ratchet mechanisms, and accidental actuation during deployment, leading to reliability issues and potential catastrophic failures.

Innovation Solution

A lock ring with a reduced backlash mechanism and an expandable slip system that uses a cone member expansion device for greater radial movement, along with a setting section that is locked until actuated, to address these issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional mechanical slips are used in a wedge shaped recess, then the slip system can be actuated, but the radial expansion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial expansionVSAvoidwedge shaped recess constraint

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slip system is divided into multiple independent slips that can be actuated separately or in sequence. Each slip operates within its own engagement groove rather than a shared wedge recess, allowing greater cumulative radial expansion capability while maintaining mechanical simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a single-wedge recess geometry to multiple engagement grooves arranged circumferentially. This dimensional reconfiguration allows slips to expand radially in multiple directions simultaneously, achieving greater overall radial expansion without increasing the complexity of individual slip mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a conventional lock ring ratchet mechanism is used, then one way locking is provided, but high backlash occurs due to high pitch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone way lockingVSAvoidbacklash

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet mechanism pitch is reduced from conventional high pitch to a finer pitch, directly decreasing the backlash distance. This parameter change maintains the one-way locking function while significantly improving positioning precision and reducing the relaxation distance when actuation pressure is removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional lock ring length is increased to spread load, then burst or collapse resistance improves, but space limitations are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburst or collapse resistanceVSAvoidlock ring length

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lock ring is constructed from high-strength materials that provide superior burst and collapse resistance without requiring increased dimensions. This material selection allows the lock ring to maintain its compact size while achieving the necessary strength to withstand downhole pressures and loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If conventional mechanical actuation mechanisms are used, then setting can be achieved, but accidental actuation occurs during running in the hole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting capabilityVSAvoidaccidental actuation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The setting mechanism incorporates a protective feature that prevents accidental actuation during running in the hole by requiring a specific activation condition. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the slips and lock ring only engage when intentionally activated, eliminating premature setting while preserving ease of operation when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution provides a higher expansion slip system, reduces backlash, and prevents accidental actuation, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of downhole tools by ensuring secure anchoring and controlled operation.

Implementation Method 1

an expandable slip system that uses a cone member expansion device for greater radial movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through cone geometry: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

lock rings that operate on a ratchet mechanism principle to provide a one way locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS10280715B2Interlocking and setting section for a downhole tool

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to an interlock and setting section for a downhole tool system, the interlock and setting section comprising: a shifting profile located within a throughbore of the downhole tool system, wherein the shifting profile is capable of being coupled to by a shifting tool in the throughbore of the downhole tool system, in order to move the shifting profile with respect to the downhole tool system; a load connector member coupled to the shifting profile and further coupled to a load setting member arranged to deliver a load to a tool as required; wherein there is further provided a selective locking mechanism to selectively lock at least the load setting member to at least one of the downhole tool system and the shifting profile.