Lateral Locating Assembly Angular Deflection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilateral well systems require additional downhole tools like whipstocks or deflectors for accessing lateral wellbores, increasing the complexity and number of trips required for wellbore intervention.

Innovation Solution

A lateral locating assembly with a housing, piston, and mandrel that rotates and translates angularly to create a deflection tip, allowing direct access to lateral wellbores without the need for additional tools, using a rotating transmission sleeve and fluid or hydraulic power to position the deflection tip for efficient wellbore access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional downhole tools like whipstocks or deflectors are used to access lateral wellbores, then the ability to reach lateral wellbores is improved, but the device complexity and number of trips required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access lateral wellboresVSAvoidnumber of downhole tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of whipstocks, deflectors, and locating assemblies into a single integrated lateral locating assembly. The housing contains a piston that drives a mandrel to rotate and translate a deflection tip, eliminating the need for multiple separate downhole tools while maintaining the ability to access lateral wellbores.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral locating assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: it can deflect into lateral wellbores, locate window positions, and guide subsequent tools. This universal device replaces several specialized tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional downhole tools are deployed for lateral wellbore access, then lateral wellbore accessibility is improved, but the number of trips required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral wellbore accessibilityVSAvoidnumber of trips required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral locating assembly performs preliminary actions by first running in the main wellbore to locate the window position, then deflecting into the lateral wellbore in a single continuous operation. This preliminary positioning and deflection is accomplished before deploying additional tools, eliminating the need for multiple trips to establish lateral access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly uses a dynamic piston-driven mechanism that allows the deflection tip to rotate and translate angularly during a single trip. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the tool to adapt to different lateral wellbore angles and positions without requiring additional trips or tool changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional whipstocks or deflectors are used, then lateral wellbore access is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral wellbore access capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of lateral wellbore access from the complex system of multiple separate tools (whipstocks, deflectors, locating assemblies) and consolidates it into a single streamlined device. This extraction of the core function eliminates unnecessary components and operations, improving operational efficiency while maintaining access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables efficient and direct access to lateral wellbores, reducing the need for additional downhole tools and minimizing trips, thereby simplifying the wellbore intervention process and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A rotating transmission sleeve may be coupled between the piston and the mandrel. The rotating transmission sleeve may include a helical channel, the helical channel engaging a protrusion on the piston such that the helical channel follows the protrusion and rotates the rotating transmission sleeve as the piston moves from the first position to the second position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11466544B2Lateral locating assembly for lateral intervention

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Provided, in one aspect, is a lateral locating assembly. The lateral locating assembly may include, in one aspect, a housing, as well as a piston positioned within the housing. The lateral locating assembly according to this aspect may further include a mandrel extending from a distal end of the housing, the mandrel configured to rotate and translate angularly in response to the piston moving from a first position to a second position, and a deflection tip coupled with a distal end of the mandrel, the deflection tip configured to rotate and angularly translate with the mandrel relative to the housing.