Expandable Reamer Spacer Adjustment Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expandable reamer tools require time-consuming and resource-intensive adjustments to change the expansion distance, often necessitating disassembly and replacement of the spring retainer, which limits operational efficiency in wellbore drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a spacer system that allows for quick adjustment of the expansion distance of the expandable block by inserting spacers with varying sizing plates between the expandable block and the spring retainer, enabling modification of the expansion distance without altering or replacing the spring retainer, thus facilitating faster and more versatile diameter changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the spring retainer is replaced to change expansion distance, then the expansion distance can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion distance adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring retainer assembly is segmented into modular components: a reusable spring retainer body and interchangeable spacers with different thicknesses. By dividing the adjustment mechanism into these segments, the system allows rapid configuration changes by simply swapping spacers rather than replacing the entire spring retainer assembly, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spacers are introduced as intermediary elements between the expandable block and the spring retainer body. These spacers act as mediators that define the expansion distance without requiring modification of the spring retainer itself. The intermediary spacer allows flexible adjustment of expansion parameters while the spring retainer remains intact and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spring retainer is replaced to change expansion distance, then the expansion distance can be adjusted, but the complexity of disassembly and reassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion distance adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into a permanent spring retainer body and interchangeable spacers. This segmentation simplifies the adjustment procedure by reducing the scope of disassembly - only the spacer needs to be removed and replaced, not the entire spring retainer assembly. The segmented design maintains adaptability while reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spacers are pre-configured with specific thicknesses to correspond to desired expansion distances. This preliminary preparation of adjustment elements allows operators to select the appropriate spacer without performing complex calculations or modifications during field operations, thereby simplifying the adjustment procedure while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spring retainer is replaced to change expansion distance, then the expansion distance can be adjusted, but material costs increase due to replacement parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion distance adjustmentVSAvoidmaterial consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a durable, reusable spring retainer body and consumable spacers. This segmentation allows the expensive spring retainer components to be preserved and reused across multiple adjustments, while only inexpensive spacers are consumed. The segmented architecture maintains adaptability through spacer interchangeability while significantly reducing material costs compared to full spring retainer replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spacers are designed as inexpensive, disposable components that can be easily replaced. By making the adjustment element (spacer) cheap and the structural element (spring retainer body) expensive and reusable, the system minimizes material consumption costs. The disposable spacer absorbs the wear and replacement costs, preserving the main spring retainer assembly for continued use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This approach allows for rapid and efficient adjustment of the expansion distance, reducing the time and resources required for reconfiguring the expandable tool, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing material costs by enabling on-site modifications without disassembly or resealing.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient member is configured to bias the expandable block to the retracted configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12110743B2Adjustable reamer

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

During extension, the reamer block of an expandable reamer pushes on an upper plate. Extension is limited by contact with a spring retainer. To adjust the maximum extension of the expandable reamer, a spacer is placed between the expandable block and the spring retainer. The spacer reduces the amount of longitudinal travel of the expandable reamer, thereby reducing the extension of the expandable reamer.