Downhole Radial Force Assembly With Rolling Arm Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial force generators in the hydrocarbon industry are limited in radial extension and force delivery, particularly in narrow well restrictions, and often have complex designs that are prone to wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A radial force tool assembly with a tool body, actuator, and arm members featuring curvatures following involute gears, allowing for a longer radial extension and equal force transmission across various angles through a rolling motion, minimizing friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the radial force generator is projected at a small angle in relation to the axial extension, then the radial extension can be achieved, but the force delivery is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rolling motion mechanisms instead of linear sliding contacts. The arm members feature curved engagement surfaces that roll against each other during extension, reducing friction and enabling effective force transmission even at small projection angles while achieving the required radial extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial force generator is divided into multiple arm members that can be independently projected. This segmentation allows each arm member to contribute to the total radial force, overcoming the limitation of small projection angles by distributing the force generation across multiple elements rather than relying on a single large-angle projection.
2Length of stationary object
If the design is enhanced to provide a longer radial extension, then the extension capability is improved, but the design becomes very complex with many parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The arm members serve both as structural elements for radial extension and as force transmission elements through their curved surfaces. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to designs that use distinct mechanisms for extension and force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm members are designed to perform multiple functions: providing radial extension, transmitting axial force to radial force, and self-aligning through their curved engagement surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms and reduces overall design complexity while achieving long radial extension.
3Force
If the radial force generator has many parts to overcome limited force, then the force transmission is improved, but the parts may get stuck or worn out
Solution Approach 1:
The curved engagement surfaces of the arm members enable rolling motion instead of sliding contact. This rolling action significantly reduces friction and wear between parts, improving durability and reliability. The curved geometry also ensures smooth motion transitions and reduces the likelihood of parts getting stuck during operation.
4Length of moving object
If the radial force generator enters a narrow restriction, then the tool can be positioned downhole, but the radial extension space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into a compact body with multiple separable arm members that can be projected radially outward. This segmentation allows the main tool body to remain compact for navigating narrow restrictions, while individual arm members can be extended to provide the necessary radial force generation space once positioned in the larger borehole section.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a compact axial configuration during navigation to a radial configuration during operation. The arm members are stored in a retracted state along the axial dimension for passing through narrow restrictions, then projected in the radial dimension to provide sufficient extension space for force generation in the larger borehole section.
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 assembly provides sufficient anchoring and centralizing force in narrow well restrictions with reduced wear, maintaining consistent force transmission regardless of arm position, enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first end faces has a curvature so that when the first force-transmitting member moves towards the front, the first end face of the first rear arm member rolls on the first face, projecting the first rear arm member radially outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A radial force tool assembly has a first force-transmitting member with a first end with a first face and a second face, a first rear arm member having a first end face abutting the first face and a second end face, and a second rear arm member having a first end face abutting the second face and a second end face. The first end faces are curved so that when the first force-transmitting member moves towards the front, the first end face of the first rear arm member rolls on the first face, projecting the first rear arm member radially outwards in a first radial direction, and the first end face of the second rear arm member rolls on the second face, projecting the second rear arm member radially outwards in a second radial direction opposite the first direction while projecting the first and second rear arm members.