Downhole Tool String Orienting Collar With Gap-Free Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for orienting downhole tools in tool strings are unreliable due to dependence on small, thin threaded rings, which can lead to gaps in the tool string, compromise seals, and create points of weakness.

Innovation Solution

An orienting tool with a main body and collar, each connectable to and disconnectable from tool sets, allows for selective orientation and locking of tool sets relative to each other, using a locking ring that is not threadably engaged to secure the desired orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a small, thin threaded ring is used to secure the orientation of downhole tools, then the tool orientation can be adjusted, but the connection becomes unreliable and creates gaps in the tool string

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool orientation adjustmentVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The orienting tool is divided into separate components: a body portion with external threads that engages the upper tool, and a collar with internal threads that engages the lower tool. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a reliable overall connection, eliminating the need for a single thin ring to perform all functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The orienting tool acts as an intermediary device between the upper and lower tool strings. Rather than using a thin ring to directly connect them, the orienting tool provides a substantial intermediate structure with threaded engagements on both ends, creating a reliable connection while allowing orientation adjustment through its rotatable collar design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a small, thin threaded ring is used to secure tool orientation, then orientation can be set, but gaps are created in the tool string outer diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool orientation adjustmentVSAvoidgaps trapping debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the orienting tool into a body portion and a collar that can be independently rotated, the design allows the collar to be adjusted for orientation while the body portion maintains continuous engagement with the upper tool. This eliminates gaps in the outer diameter while preserving orientation adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If backing up the threaded connection is used to orient lower tools, then orientation can be achieved, but seals may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool orientationVSAvoidseal compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of the orienting tool allows orientation to be achieved by rotating the collar relative to the body, rather than by backing up threaded connections. The collar can be rotated to the desired orientation and then locked in place, eliminating the need to compromise seals during the orientation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If a top sub with male threads is used for engagement, then connection can be made, but a point of weakness is created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The orienting tool uses separate threaded engagements: the body portion has external threads that engage the upper tool, while the collar has internal threads that engage the lower tool. This segmentation allows both connections to be optimized and eliminates the weakness associated with a single pin connection having male threads at the downhole end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a pin connection with male threads at the downhole end, the orienting tool inverts the arrangement by providing a box connection with female threads in the collar for engagement with the lower tool string. This inversion creates a more reliable connection by eliminating the point of weakness associated with male thread connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12320211B1Systems and apparatus for orienting one or more tools in a tool string and methods of manufacture, assembly and use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 SWM INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

An orienting tool includes a main body and collar, each connectable and disconnectable to at least one among a first set of interconnected tools and a second set of interconnected tools. In a setup configuration, at least one among the main body and collar, along with a respective tool set connected thereto, are rotatable relative to the other. In an operating configuration, a locking ring allows the main body to be rotationally locked to the collar.