Linear Wave Spring Radial Compression Downhole Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing downhole tools to a housing require high insertion and removal forces, making it time-consuming and expensive to access and service the tools during drilling operations due to the need for specialized equipment and high longitudinal forces to compress linear wave springs.
Innovation Solution
The use of linear wave springs with an unstressed height equal to or less than the annular gap between the housing and the chassis allows for easier installation and removal by reducing the insertion force, while compressing these springs applies a radial force to secure the chassis to the housing, improving shock and vibration transmissibility and operational lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional linear wave springs are used with high insertion force, then the chassis is securely held in the housing, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the linear wave spring from its conventional design to a custom design where the unstressed height is specifically equal to or less than the annular gap between the housing and chassis. This parameter change allows the spring to be compressed radially rather than longitudinally, significantly reducing the insertion force required while maintaining secure holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional compression direction of linear wave springs. Instead of compressing the spring longitudinally along its axis (conventional method), the invention compresses the spring radially perpendicular to its axis. This inversion of the compression direction is what enables the reduction of insertion force while maintaining securing capability
2Reliability
If conventional linear wave springs require high longitudinal forces, then secure attachment is achieved, but specialized equipment and high costs are required for service access
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the unstressed height parameter of the linear wave spring to be equal to or less than the annular gap, the patent enables the spring to function effectively with radial compression. This parameter change maintains attachment security while allowing service access using standard equipment rather than specialized high-force equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The linear wave spring acts as an intermediary element that transfers and transforms the compression force from longitudinal (during installation) to radial (during operation). This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve secure attachment without requiring sustained high longitudinal forces, facilitating easier service access
3Force
If the unstressed height of linear wave springs is reduced to match the annular gap, then insertion force is reduced, but the spring compression mechanism must change from longitudinal to radial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the compression mechanism by applying radial compression instead of longitudinal compression to the linear wave spring. This inversion simplifies the installation process by reducing insertion force while the spring's wave structure naturally handles the radial compression through its geometric properties
Solution Approach 2:
The linear wave spring's curved wave structure allows it to accommodate radial compression effectively. The curved geometry of the waves enables the spring to compress radially while maintaining its load-bearing capacity, transforming the compression direction without requiring complex additional mechanisms
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 solution reduces the insertion force required for downhole tool installation and removal, enhances the operational lifetime and performance of the tool by improving shock and vibration protection, and saves time and money by allowing on-site access and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a compression member at a second end of the linear wave spring applies a compressive force to the linear wave spring
Implementation Method 2
The shock and vibration are transmitted to the chassis through the housing. The mechanism for securing the downhole tools to the housing determines how the shock, vibration, and other loads are transmitted to the downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a downhole tool to a housing includes a plurality of linear wave springs placed around a chassis. The linear wave strings have an unstressed height that is less than or equal to an annular gap. This reduces the insertion force required to insert the chassis into the housing. The linear wave springs are compressed to increase the amount of radial force applied to the chassis and the housing.