Friction Thread Lock Wedge Mechanism for High Torque Drilling Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole drilling connections face challenges in withstanding high torque without increasing the size of the threaded connections, as excessive torque can lead to stripping or damage of the threaded segments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating wedges with needle rollers or sprags that distribute the torque load, allowing the connection to handle higher torques by lodging the rollers or sprags within the wedges, which are radially constrained, thereby reducing the stress on the shoulder and preventing relative motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size of threaded connections is increased to withstand higher torque, then the torque capacity is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional segments: threaded connections for basic joining, wedge elements for torque distribution, and friction surfaces for load sharing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high torque capacity without increasing overall connection size
Solution Approach 2:
Wedge elements and friction surfaces act as intermediaries between the applied torque and the threaded connection. These intermediaries distribute the torque load across multiple contact points, preventing direct transmission of high torque to the threaded segments and thereby protecting them from stripping while maintaining compact dimensions
2Strength
If higher torque is applied to tighten connections, then the connection strength is improved, but the threaded segments may be stripped or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Friction surfaces and wedge elements are positioned beforehand to cushion and distribute the torque load before it reaches the threaded segments. This protective mechanism is built into the connection design, ensuring that even when high torque is applied, the threaded segments are shielded from excessive stress that could cause stripping or damage
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic system where wedge elements can move and friction surfaces can engage/disengage based on applied load. This dynamic behavior allows the connection to adapt to varying torque levels, providing enhanced protection against overload while maintaining strong connections under normal operating conditions
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 solution effectively increases the torque capacity of the connections without enlarging the components, preventing connection failure and maintaining structural integrity by distributing the torque load across the wedging elements.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wedges, each comprising a tapered portion extending between a groove and a shallower wedge tip
Implementation Method 2
Friction Based Thread Lock For High Torque Carrying Connections
Data Source
AI summary
Device for allowing downhole drilling tubing to withstand greater torques. There is provided a tube segment that can experience a higher torque without the need for increasing the tube or thread size. Certain examples provide for a roller or sprag configuration positioned with respect to the tube segment that allows the tube segment to withstand higher torques.