Downhole Tool Radial Projection Actuator Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole operational tools face limitations in projecting tool parts radially due to space constraints and the need for a fail-safe mechanism, which restricts their extension distance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A downhole operational tool design featuring a projection actuator with a hydraulic piston and a retraction actuator using a spring element arranged outside the actuator housing, connected by a bendable elongated element, allowing for longer projection distances without occupying additional space within the tool body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the spring element is arranged inside the actuator housing, then the retraction mechanism is compact, but the projection distance is limited due to space occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is moved from the radial dimension (inside the actuator housing) to the axial dimension (outside the actuator housing along the tool body axis). This dimensional transition allows the spring to provide full retraction force without occupying radial space that would limit tool part projection distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is extracted from the actuator housing and repositioned outside the tool body along the axial direction. This extraction eliminates the space conflict between the spring and the tool part projection space, enabling both long projection distance and effective retraction force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is decentralised in the well, then operational flexibility is improved, but the radial projection distance remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the spring mechanism to the axial dimension outside the tool body, the design enables longer radial projection of tool parts while maintaining decentralised tool positioning in the well, thus achieving both operational flexibility and sufficient projection distance.
3Force
If hydraulic means are used for projection, then projection force is sufficient, but the hydraulic components occupy space that limits projection distance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is extracted from the hydraulic actuator housing and positioned externally along the axial direction. This allows the hydraulic system to maintain sufficient projection force while the spring provides retraction force without occupying space within the actuator housing, thereby enabling greater tool part projection distance.
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
Enables tool parts to project at least 25% of the tool diameter, enhancing operational reach and functionality by providing a high retraction force without spatial limitations, suitable for tasks like drilling and machining in confined well environments.
Implementation Method 1
a projection actuator configured to project the tool part from the tool body by means of hydraulics
Implementation Method 2
a retraction actuator comprising a spring element configured to retract the tool part into the tool body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole operational tool for moving a tool part between a retracted position and a projected position in a well. The downhole operational tool comprises a tool body having an axial extension; the tool part being movable perpendicularly to the axial extension between the retracted position and the projected position; a projection actuator configured to project the tool part from the tool body by means of hydraulics, the projection actuator comprising an actuator housing and a projection piston configured to slide inside the actuator housing, the tool part being connected with the projection piston; and a retraction actuator comprising a spring element configured to retract the tool part into the tool body, the retraction actuator being connected with the projection piston so that when the projection actuator projects the tool part, the spring element is compressed. The spring element is arranged outside the actuator housing.