Wellbore Positioning Tool Leveling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning tools for wellbore tools, such as tongs, face challenges in maintaining stability and preventing tilting during transfer and operation due to the size and weight of the equipment, leading to a need for a tool with leveling or stabilizing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A positioning tool with a retractable arm assembly and a leveling assembly that includes a pivotably connected leveling arm and link, which absorbs tension or compression to maintain the tool's orientation, preventing tilting and ensuring stability through rigid structures and adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a positioning tool is used to move wellbore tools, then tool transfer capability is improved, but tool stability deteriorates due to swinging and tilting during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a leveling assembly with leveling arms and leveling links that function as counterbalancing mechanisms. These components generate opposing forces to counteract the swinging and tilting movements of the tong during tool transfer operations, thereby maintaining tool stability while preserving operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the positioning tool structure and the tong. It mediates the unstable movements by introducing leveling arms and links that absorb and distribute the forces causing tilting, providing a stable platform for tool operations
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structures are used to prevent tilting, then tool stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling assembly is segmented into multiple independent components including leveling arms, leveling links, and connection joints. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing the complexity burden of the complete stabilization system
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using fixed rigid structures, the patent employs dynamic leveling arms and links that can pivot and adjust their positions. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and tool positions while maintaining stability, avoiding the need for overly complex fixed structural solutions
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
The solution effectively limits tilting to within ±0.5 degrees over the full horizontal stroke, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs, avoiding hydrocarbonizing issues, and providing more design flexibility by reacting in both tension and compression, thus enhancing the stability and accuracy of tool positioning.
Implementation Method 1
one or the leveling arm and the leveling link is connected to the second arm
Implementation Method 2
absorbs tension or compression to maintain the tool's orientation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for positioning a tool at a well site. The positioning tool includes a retractable arm assembly having a tool adaptor and a leveling assembly. The leveling assembly includes a rigid leveling link pivotably coupled to a tool adaptor. The leveling assembly is coupled to the last two arms in the retractably assembly and uses the relative movement of the last two arms to level and stabilize the tool adaptor and the tool attached thereto.