Expandable Slip Ring Segmented Design for Tubular Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip ring designs for tubular expansion are too flexible, leading to structural integrity issues during storage and deployment, and result in irregular expansion characteristics that compromise the quality and capacity of the attachment to surrounding tubulars.
Innovation Solution
An expandable slip ring with elongated axially oriented openings and narrow segments that break predictably as a swage advances, maintaining structural integrity and uniform expansion, featuring external serrations and notches to enhance grip and control expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a flexible open undulating slip ring design is used, then the resistance to expansion force is minimized, but the structural integrity during storage and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring is divided into multiple axially oriented elements connected at opposed ends, creating a segmented structure with controlled flexibility. This segmentation allows the ring to expand in a predictable manner while maintaining overall structural integrity during storage and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the slip ring are designed with different properties - the connections between elements provide structural integrity while the gaps between elements provide flexibility. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of expansion.
2Force
If a flexible open undulating slip ring design is used, then the expansion force resistance is reduced, but the expansion uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the slip ring into spaced axially oriented elements with consistent spacing and geometry, the expansion process becomes uniform and predictable. Each element expands simultaneously, ensuring symmetrical contact with the surrounding tubular.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip ring transitions from an asymmetric flexible undulating shape to a symmetric expanded shape during deployment. The initial asymmetric flexible design gives way to a symmetric structure during expansion, ensuring uniform contact forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cylindrical open undulating slip ring structure is used, then the flexibility is maximized, but the support capacity after expansion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring transitions dynamically from a flexible undulating state during storage to a rigid expanded state during deployment. The structure adapts its properties - flexible when needed for handling, rigid when needed for support.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the slip ring change during deployment - the gaps between elements close, the elements straighten, and the overall structure transforms from flexible to rigid, increasing support capacity while maintaining adaptability.
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 design enhances structural integrity during storage and deployment while achieving uniform expansion, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight connection with improved support capacity without significantly increasing expansion force.
Implementation Method 1
the narrow segments or tabs expand and can break but the ring is still held to its shape as the expansion progresses
Implementation Method 2
As the smaller tubular is expanded, the slip ring is expanded as well until the slip ring contacts the surrounding tubular
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable slip ring is used to secure attachment of an expanded tubular to a surrounding tubular. It features elongated generally axially oriented openings separated by narrow segments. As a swage is advanced within a tubular that has the slip ring outside it the narrow segments or tabs expand and can break but the ring is still held to its shape as the expansion progresses due to the integrity of other tabs that can subsequently break as the swage advances within the tubular that is surrounded by the slip ring. The integrity of the slip ring is enhanced for storage and run in while the expansion characteristics are more uniform as the ring retains some structural integrity during much of the expansion process.