Interlocking Wedge Ring Structure for Gap-Free Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expanding and collapsing apparatuses in hydrocarbon exploration and production suffer from extrusion gaps and uneven surfaces, leading to reduced surface area for engagement, limited force and pressure rating, and difficulty in reliably collapsing back to original configurations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsing apparatus comprising a ring structure formed by wedges with interlocking profiles, allowing smooth expansion and collapse without gaps, facilitated by a biasing mechanism, ensuring continuous engagement surfaces for enhanced force and pressure rating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If segmented metallic rings are used to form anti-extrusion structures, then the device can be manufactured and assembled, but extrusion gaps are created between segments during expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then expanded together. The segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of the anti-extrusion ring while maintaining structural integrity when expanded, as the segments interlock to form a continuous barrier.
2Reliability
If multi-layered rings with offset segments are used, then extrusion gaps are blocked, but the structure becomes more complex and spatially inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple layers offset in the circumferential direction, the invention uses segments that interlock in the axial direction. This dimensional shift allows gap blocking without requiring multiple circumferential layers, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If circumferentially lapped segments are used, then extrusion gaps are avoided, but uneven or stepped faces are created reducing engagement surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The segments are designed with specific local geometries including tapered surfaces and interlocking features that ensure smooth, continuous engagement surfaces when expanded. This local quality optimization allows gap elimination while maintaining maximum surface area for engagement with the sealing element.
4Ease of operation
If radially expanding structures are circumferentially distributed at discrete locations, then the device can be collapsed, but surface area for contact is reduced limiting force and pressure rating
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete expanding structures are merged into a continuous segmented ring structure. This combination maintains the collapsing capability while providing continuous circumferential contact surface area, thereby maximizing the force and pressure rating without sacrificing operational ease.
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 apparatus provides a seamless, robust engagement surface capable of withstanding higher axial forces and pressures, with improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced extrusion gaps, enabling reliable operation and increased operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The elements are in the general form of a wedge, and the wedges are assembled together in a circumferentially overlapping fashion to form the ring structure
Implementation Method 2
facilitated by a biasing mechanism, ensuring continuous engagement surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus (10) and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements (12) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines an inner ring surface configured to be presented to a surface of an object (19) arranged internally to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, connection systems, flow barriers and packers.