Fluid-Actuated Releasable Locking Mechanism for Downhole Tool Line Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms for downhole tools on coiled tubing strings risk unintended shearing or bursting, making them difficult to reuse and requiring part replacement, which complicates line removal during cutting operations.

Innovation Solution

A releasable locking mechanism with a movable holding device and a fluid-actuated locking device that engages and disengages without shearing or bursting, allowing for safe and repeatable line release using fluid pressure to move a sleeve and operate the locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a shearable or burstable device is used to release the line, then the line can be released from the locked state, but the apparatus may be damaged and cannot be reused without part replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline release capabilityVSAvoidapparatus reusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the shearable/burstable mechanical system with a fluid-pressure-actuated system. A piston moved by fluid pressure in a cylinder selectively engages or disengages the locking mechanism, allowing controlled release without shearing or bursting components. This substitution eliminates the damage issue while maintaining release functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter from mechanical force (shearing/bursting) to fluid pressure. By controlling fluid pressure in the cylinder, the system achieves reversible engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism, enabling repeated use without component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a shearable or burstable device is used to release the line, then the line can be removed from the wellbore, but part replacement is required for reuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline removal capabilityVSAvoidapparatus maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables full recovery and reuse of the apparatus without discarding any parts. The fluid-pressure-actuated mechanism allows the same components to be used repeatedly for line engagement and disengagement, eliminating the need for part replacement and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If the line is locked securely in position, then the risk of disconnection is reduced, but the line cannot be easily removed during cutting operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline connection securityVSAvoidline removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic locking mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The piston, moved by fluid pressure, selectively engages the locking teeth to secure the line during normal operation, and can be actuated to disengage when removal is needed, providing both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fluid pressure as an intermediary mechanism to control the locking state. By applying fluid pressure to the piston, the system can transition between locked and unlocked states, providing a controlled and reliable method for both securing and removing the line without direct mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 secure line connection and repeatable release without damaging the apparatus, facilitating safe removal of lines from downhole tools during operations like cutting, and allowing for reuse without part replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the sleeve is movable by application of fluid pressure in the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12084923B2Tube wire anchor and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 TARGET INTERVENTION

AI summary

An apparatus and downhole tool having a releasable locking mechanism for holding a line reliably connected to a tool in a wellbore for providing communication with and/or power to the tool, the releasable locking mechanism has: a movable holding device that can be in a locked state for holding the line reliably connected to the downhole tool or in a released state for allowing release of the line from the tool; and a movable locking device that can be in a locking state wherein the movable locking device engages with the movable holding device in a manner that restricts movement of the movable holding device, thereby locking the movable holding device in its locked state, or that can be in a releasing state for releasing the movable holding device to its released state.