Hydrostatically Actuated Bottom-Hole Assembly for Shock Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling systems face issues with shock amplification and reduced component lifespan due to inadequate anchoring mechanisms, which can lead to fatigue cracks and accelerated failure of internal components under bending or torsional loading.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatically-actuatable assembly system that includes piston bodies exposed to hydrostatic pressure, interacting with passive structures to secure the central body relative to the outer body, reducing lateral shock and vibration through a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional through-bolts are used to mount internal components to the collar, then the components are securely anchored, but stress concentration occurs creating weak spots prone to fatigue cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from the collar structure itself and relocates it to separate anchor mounts that attach to the collar's outer surface. This removes the stress concentration problem from the collar while maintaining secure anchoring through the anchor mounts' engagement with the collar's external features.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor mounts serve as intermediary elements between the collar and the internal components. They distribute and transfer loads without creating stress concentrations in the collar, acting as a mediating structure that preserves collar integrity while providing secure mounting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking nut is used to apply axial pressure on internal components, then the components are locked against thermal expansion, but the configuration restricts thermal expansion differences between collar and components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the thermal management function by providing separate anchor mounts for each internal component. Each mount can independently accommodate thermal expansion of its associated component while maintaining stable positioning, allowing differential thermal expansion between the collar and various internal components made of different materials.
3Ease of operation
If spacer mounts with radial clearance are used to support internal components, then assembly and disassembly is facilitated, but shock amplification occurs due to lateral shock transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical shock transmission path of traditional spacer mounts with a hydrostatic bearing system. The hydrostatic bearing uses fluid pressure to support the internal components, eliminating direct mechanical contact and the associated shock amplification while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
4Reliability
If internal components are constrained within collars to minimize damage risk, then protection from shock and vibration is improved, but shock amplification occurs when lateral shock is transmitted to the internal assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hydrostatic bearing system that uses hydraulic pressure to support internal components within the collar. This fluid-based support mechanism isolates the internal assembly from lateral shock and vibration transmitted through the collar, preventing shock amplification while maintaining protection and constraint.
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 system effectively dampens lateral shock and vibration, prolonging the life of internal components by minimizing stress concentrations and enhancing the stability of the drilling assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piston body exposed to hydrostatic pressure; exposing the piston body to hydrostatic pressure such that the piston body causes the at least one hydrostatically-actuatable assembly to contact an inner surface of the outer body
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively dampens lateral shock and vibration, prolonging the life of internal components by minimizing stress concentrations and enhancing the stability of the drilling assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
A system, such as a bottom hole assembly, having a central body (18), at least one hydrostatically-actuatable assembly (50) configured to extend radially outward from the central body (18), the hydrostatically-actuatable assembly (50) having at least one piston body (76) exposed to hydrostatic pressure; a plurality of passive structures (54), each of which is: configured to extend radially outward from the central body (18); and circumferentially spaced from the at least one hydrostatically-actuatable assembly (50) and another one of the plurality of passive structures.