Packer Assembly Interlock Feature Limits Expansion Ring Rocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packer systems in resource exploration and recovery face failures due to shearing of back-up rings, which is exacerbated by twisting or rocking of expansion rings, leading to inadequate support and potential packer failure.

Innovation Solution

A packer assembly with a support ring featuring a step portion and step feature that interlocks with the expansion ring, preventing rocking and enhancing the buttressing effect to limit axial extrusion and maintain contact area with the back-up ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a support ring and expansion ring are employed to limit back-up ring shear, then the packer's resistance to shear force is improved, but twisting or rocking of the expansion ring occurs which reduces the buttressing effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to shear forceVSAvoidrocking of expansion ring

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring includes an asymmetric step feature that interfaces with a corresponding step portion on the expansion ring. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical interlock that prevents symmetric rocking motion while maintaining the buttressing function against shear forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The step feature and step portion create a mechanical interlock in the radial dimension that constrains the expansion ring's rocking motion. This adds a dimensional constraint that prevents the expansion ring from tilting or rocking while maintaining axial and radial support functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the expansion ring is allowed to expand radially outwardly, then the packer element can be activated, but the expansion ring is prone to twisting which detracts from the buttressing effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial expansion capabilityVSAvoidtwisting of expansion ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric step feature on the support ring creates a geometric constraint that allows radial expansion while preventing twisting motion. The interlock geometry is designed to permit radial movement but restrict rotational or tilting movements that would cause twisting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The step feature and step portion are pre-configured in a locked position that maintains proper alignment during expansion. This preliminary mechanical interlock prevents twisting from occurring during the expansion process by constraining the expansion ring's degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11142978B2Packer assembly including an interlock feature

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A packer assembly includes a tubular having a surface, a gauge ring provided on the surface, a back-up ring positioned adjacent the gauge ring, a packer element arranged adjacent to the back-up ring, an expansion ring arranged adjacent to the gauge ring, the expansion ring including a step portion, and a support ring arranged axially between the back-up ring and the expansion ring. The support ring includes a step feature. The step portion and the step feature are selectively engaged with expansion of the packer element to form an interlock feature that substantially limits rocking of the expansion ring.