Lock Ring Tabs for Threaded Connection Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing threaded components, such as set screws, often require costly alterations and can fail under torque forces, leading to unintended loosening or detachment of downhole electric line tools during operation.
Innovation Solution
A lock ring system with radially extending locking tabs that can be selectively bent to fit into notches on connected components, preventing relative rotation and ensuring secure engagement without the need for set screws or other damaging alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If set screws are used to secure threaded components, then the components are secured against unwanted rotation, but the components require costly alterations and detailed machining of bores
Solution Approach 1:
A lock ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second components. The lock ring has locking tabs that engage with notches on both components, preventing relative rotation without requiring modifications to the original threaded components. This mediator approach solves the contradiction by providing secure locking while avoiding costly alterations to the primary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into a separate lock ring component with multiple locking tabs, rather than modifying the threaded components themselves. Each locking tab can independently engage with notches on the components, distributing the locking function across multiple discrete elements. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be added without altering the original components.
2Reliability
If set screws are used to prevent unwanted rotation, then components are secured, but the set screws can inadvertently unscrew and create a fish downhole
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring serves as a mediator that distributes the locking function across multiple locking tabs engaging with notches on both components. This multi-point engagement system is more reliable than a single set screw, as the failure of one locking tab does not compromise the entire locking system. The lock ring itself remains secured by the distributed engagement, preventing it from becoming a loose foreign object.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tabs are designed to engage with notches on both the first and second components simultaneously, creating a redundant locking system. This prior cushioning approach ensures that even if one locking tab fails to engage properly, the other tabs maintain the locking function, preventing the lock ring from becoming loose and creating a fish downhole.
3Reliability
If conventional locking means are used, then components are secured against loosening, but substantial alterations to components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is a standalone intermediary component that provides the locking function without requiring modifications to the first or second components. The locking tabs engage with notches that can be added to the components, but the core locking mechanism resides in the lock ring itself. This approach reduces device complexity by keeping the locking function separate from the primary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the threaded components and placed into a separate lock ring component. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to be designed and manufactured independently, then applied to the components without substantial alterations. The lock ring takes out the complexity of the locking system from the primary components.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock ring to secure threaded components from inadvertent unscrewing, loosening or disassembling from each other. The lock ring can be constructed of relatively thin and pliable material. The lock ring has a central bore or hole and defines inner and outer ring surfaces. A plurality of locking tabs (including at least one bendable tab) extends outwardly from the outer ring surface, while at least one stand-off or spacer tab extends inwardly from the inner ring surface. Certain locking tabs can be bent or otherwise repositioned so that that they are received in aligned recesses in the threaded components. The lock ring can be installed between threaded components (such as, for example, wireline or electric line tools) and thereby prevents adjacent threaded components from unwanted or inadvertent rotation relative to each other.