Hydrocarbon Well Threaded Connection With Integrated Anti-Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing threaded connections for hydrocarbon wells are susceptible to damage due to forces applied during rotational make-up and break-out, particularly affecting anti-rotation devices with separate connection components.

Innovation Solution

The anti-rotation device is integrated into a single piece of material, combining a ratchet part and spring part, eliminating separate connection components to enhance robustness and reduce susceptibility to damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate connection components are used in the anti-rotation device, then the device allows relative rotation during make-up and prevents rotation during break-out, but the device is susceptible to damage from applied forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage resistanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ratchet part and spring part into a single integrally formed anti-rotation member. This merging eliminates separate connection components between the ratchet and spring, creating a unified structure that distributes forces throughout the entire component. The integral construction prevents damage at connection interfaces while maintaining the anti-rotation function of allowing make-up rotation and preventing break-out rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If multiple separate components are used in the anti-rotation device, then the device can perform anti-rotation function, but the material connection between components is weak and susceptible to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial connection strengthVSAvoidnumber of connection components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-rotation member is formed as a single integral piece where the ratchet part and spring part are seamlessly connected without separate fasteners or joints. This eliminates weak connection points that could deform under shear stress from break-out torque, while the homogeneous material structure provides uniform strength throughout the component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate connection components are used to connect the ratchet part and spring part, then the anti-rotation device can be assembled, but the connection components are susceptible to shear stress and material deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to shear stressVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet part and spring part are manufactured as a single integral component, eliminating separate connection components that would be subject to shear stress. The integral construction distributes shear forces throughout the entire anti-rotation member, preventing localized stress concentration and material deformation at connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design provides a more durable anti-rotation mechanism that withstands high break-out torques by distributing forces effectively through the integrated structure, minimizing material stress and preventing component damage.

Implementation Method 1

Spring means are provided which allows radial movement of the first ratchet part in radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the threaded connection when first ratchet teeth slide along second ratchet teeth during relative rotation between the pin and the box in the make-up rotation direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4330509B1Threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TENARIS CONNECTIONS BV
  • EP4330509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4330509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4330509B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Threaded connection for exploration and production of a hydrocarbon well, said threaded connection comprising a pin comprising an outer pin surface provided with an external thread, a box comprising an inner box surface provided with an internal thread for mating with the external thread during rotational make-up of the threaded connection, and an anti-rotation device to allow relative rotation between the pin and the box in a make-up rotation direction and prevent relative rotation between the pin and the box in an opposite break-out rotation direction, wherein the pin and the box extend along a longitudinal axis, the anti-rotation device comprises a releasably mounted first anti-rotation member which is arranged in a first radial recess provided in one of the outer pin surface of the pin and the inner box surface of the box, and a second anti-rotation member provided at the other of the outer pin surface of the pin and the inner box surface of the box.