Helical Spring Bolt Centralizer for Borehole Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for centralizing bolts or casings in boreholes are complex, costly, and obstruct the annular space, leading to inefficient filling with resin, grout, or cement. Additionally, they fail to retain bolts in upwardly oriented or inclined boreholes during insertion.

Innovation Solution

A spring-based support device with a mounting portion forming a coil of a helical spring that surrounds the bolt or pipe, and interacting portions that extend to interact with the borehole wall for centralization and retention, without obstructing the annular space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing centralizing devices are used, then bolts or casings can be centralized in boreholes, but the devices are complex, costly, and obstruct the annular space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralization of bolt/casingVSAvoidcomplexity of centralizing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible wire form structure that can deform and adapt to the borehole geometry while maintaining centralization function. The wire form acts as a flexible shell that surrounds the bolt or casing, providing centralization without the rigid complexity of existing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The wire form is configured with curved interacting portions that extend radially outward to engage with the borehole wall. This curvature allows the device to effectively centralize the bolt or casing by creating a balanced radial support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Manufacturing precision

If existing centralizing devices are used, then bolts or casings can be centralized, but they substantially obstruct the annular space between the bolt or casing and the borehole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralization of bolt/casingVSAvoidannular space availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wire form structure uses thin wire elements that provide centralization function while occupying minimal volume. The flexible nature allows the wire to conform to the annular space without substantially blocking the flow path for resin, grout, or cement slurry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The wire form is divided into multiple segments including a mounting portion and multiple interacting portions. This segmentation allows the device to provide centralization at multiple points along the bolt or casing without creating continuous obstruction in the annular space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If existing devices are used, then bolts can be centralized, but they do not retain bolts in upwardly oriented or inclined boreholes during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralization of boltVSAvoidretention of bolt in upward borehole

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wire form structure provides mechanical support that counteracts the weight of the bolt in upwardly oriented or inclined boreholes. The interacting portions engage with the borehole wall to provide upward support force that prevents the bolt from sliding out due to gravity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible wire form can adapt its configuration to provide both centralization and retention functions. When engaged with the borehole wall in upwardly oriented holes, the flexible structure deforms to create mechanical interlocking that retains the bolt during insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device provides a simple, cost-effective solution for centralizing bolts or pipes in boreholes without obstructing the annular space, allowing for efficient filling and retaining the bolt in upwardly oriented or inclined boreholes during insertion.

Implementation Method 1

A mounting portion is adapted for being placed at a predetermined location between a first end and a second end of the bolt or pipe. The mounting portion forms at least a coil of a helical spring adapted for surrounding a respective section of the bolt or pipe.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A first interacting portion extends from a first end of the mounting portion. The first interacting portion is adapted for interacting with a wall of the borehole for centralizing the bolt or pipe within the borehole.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250146367A1Spring-based support device for anchoring and/or centralizing a bolt or pipe in a borehole

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 S3 GRP LTD

AI summary

A device for supporting a bolt or pipe in a borehole. A mounting portion is adapted for being placed at a predetermined location between a first end and a second end of the bolt or pipe. The mounting portion forms at least a coil of a helical spring adapted for surrounding a respective section of the bolt or pipe. A first interacting portion extends from a first end of the mounting portion. The first interacting portion is adapted for interacting with a wall of the borehole for centralizing the bolt or pipe within the borehole.