Downhole Packer Ring Assembly Using Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of assembling packer rings around a basepipe is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the use of set screws, requiring numerous fastening steps which can lead to mistakes in torque specification and installation.
Innovation Solution
A downhole packer ring apparatus comprising two ring members with end tabs that can be flexed to provide a uniform gripping force around the basepipe, using a tapered interior surface and locking structures to facilitate easy assembly and prevent separation, reducing the need for multiple fastening steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If set screws are used to fasten packer rings to the basepipe, then the rings can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to numerous fastening steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the set screws and multiple fastening steps from the assembly process. The packer ring is redesigned to engage with the basepipe through a simplified mechanism where the ring's geometry and elastic deformation provide the securing function without requiring separate fastening components, thereby eliminating time-consuming assembly steps while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The packer ring is designed to be self-securing through its elastic properties and geometric configuration. When installed, the ring automatically deforms elastically to engage with the basepipe and maintains secure attachment through its own elastic recovery force, without requiring external fastening operations or torque adjustments by the installer
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple set screws are used per ring, then uniform gripping force can be achieved, but the complexity and potential for installation errors increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates multiple set screws and complex fastening mechanisms, replacing them with a simplified single-piece ring design that achieves uniform gripping force through its elastic deformation characteristics rather than through multiple adjustable fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to achieving uniform gripping force from mechanical adjustment (multiple screws at specific torque) to material property utilization (elastic deformation). The ring's elastic modulus and geometric parameters are designed to provide uniform force distribution automatically when the ring is compressed onto the basepipe
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the rings can be attached to the basepipe, but the process requires extensive torque specifications and adjustments that are prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The packer ring is designed as a self-installing component that secures itself to the basepipe through elastic deformation. The installer simply needs to compress the ring onto the basepipe, and the ring's elastic properties automatically provide the securing force, eliminating the need for torque specifications, torque wrenches, and complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes all torque-related fastening operations from the installation process. The securing mechanism is changed from threaded fasteners requiring torque control to elastic deformation providing automatic securing, thereby dramatically simplifying the operation and eliminating sources of human error related to torque specification and application
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 apparatus allows for rapid and error-free assembly of packer rings, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the process by minimizing the chances of misinstallation and ensuring consistent gripping force without the need for extensive torque adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
end tabs (107) of the first ring member (102) are locatable in the end opening (124) of the second ring member (104) and pressable against the tapered interior surface (120) such that flexed portions (127) of the end tabs (107) engage with the basepipe (115)
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole packer ring apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member has an end with a plurality of separated end tabs. The first ring member has an opening with an inner diameter sized to encircle a basepipe of the wellbore. The second ring member has a tapered interior surface and an end with an opening having an inner diameter sized to encircle the basepipe and connect to the first ring member such that the end tabs of the first ring member are locatable in the end opening of the second ring member and pressable against the tapered interior surface such that flexed portions of the end tabs engage with the basepipe.