Over-the-Line Modular Weight Bar for Wireline Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-line (OTL) weight bars require disconnection and reconnection of the wireline or cable to the cable head for installation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A modular weight bar design with a longitudinal slot and slot closure bar that allows attachment to a tool string without disconnecting the wireline, using male and female threads and locking pins for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional OTL weight bar installation method is used, then the wireline or cable must be disconnected and reconnected to the cable head, but this process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bar is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled and installed separately. The longitudinal slot allows the weight bar to be segmented into a main body and a closure bar portion, enabling installation without complete disconnection of the wireline system.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal slot in the weight bar allows the closure bar to be inserted and nested within the slot, creating a compact structure that can be installed through the existing cable head opening without requiring full disassembly of the wireline connection.
2Productivity
If traditional OTL weight bar installation method is used, then the wireline or cable must be disconnected and reconnected to the cable head, but this introduces opportunity for errors or malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bar is pre-assembled with the longitudinal slot and closure bar mechanism before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that the installation process simply requires sliding the pre-assembled unit into place, eliminating on-site assembly errors and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal slot acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the installation of the closure bar without requiring disconnection of the wireline. The slot provides a guided path that ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of installation errors.
3Ease of operation
If modular weight bar design with longitudinal slot is used, then attachment can be achieved without disconnecting wireline, but additional components like slot closure bar and retainers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The closure bar and retainers are merged into a single integrated component that slides through the longitudinal slot and locks into position. This combination reduces the number of separate parts that need to be handled during installation, simplifying the operation despite the added structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers are designed to automatically engage and lock the closure bar in place once it is inserted through the longitudinal slot. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional manual fastening operations, making the installation process convenient despite the increased structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system and apparatus for applying and removing weight from a tool string over an installed wireline, including a weight section having a longitudinal slot and a removable closure bar.