Radial Spring Latch for Fluid-Tight Sealing in Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current slotted sleeve mechanisms used in drilling and production operations lack the ability to form a fluid-tight seal and are prone to debris accumulation, requiring high operational forces and separate shear elements for initiation.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded extension and retraction apparatus with an inner and outer sleeve, featuring radial detents and a ring detent engaging member, which creates a higher locking force and fluid-tight seal through a ratchet-like motion, allowing for step-wise extension and retraction with adjustable force requirements based on detent and material properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If slotted sleeve mechanisms are used for positioning and connection, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the locking force is insufficient and fluid-tight sealing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple radial detents distributed around the circumference of the sleeve, each providing independent locking engagement. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve high cumulative locking force through multiple engagement points while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite structural features combining rigid detent elements with elastic deformable regions in the sleeve wall. The rigid detents provide precise positioning and high locking force, while the elastic regions allow for controlled deformation during engagement and disengagement, creating a composite structure that achieves both strength and operational simplicity
2Reliability
If slotted sleeve mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to form a fluid-tight seal is lost and debris accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates an elastic deformable region that acts as a flexible sealing element. When the radial detents engage with the outer sleeve, the elastic region deforms to conform to the mating surface, creating a fluid-tight seal. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents fluid leakage and debris accumulation while maintaining a relatively simple sleeve structure without requiring separate sealing components
3Strength
If high locking force is required, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the force required to operate the mechanism increases and separate shear elements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism utilizes dynamic elastic deformation of the sleeve wall during operation. During engagement, the elastic region deforms to allow detent insertion, then springs back to provide high locking force. During disengagement, the elastic deformation absorbs the release force, allowing easy operation. This dynamic behavior enables high locking force during operation while requiring minimal force for actuation, eliminating the need for separate shear elements
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sleeve needs to be operated during drilling and completion operations, then the adaptability to oil field applications is improved, but the mechanism must withstand high forces and produce reliable sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with non-uniform local properties: rigid regions provide structural strength and precise detent positioning, while localized elastic deformable regions provide sealing capability and operational flexibility. This local differentiation allows the single sleeve structure to simultaneously withstand high forces, provide reliable sealing, and operate reliably in demanding oil field drilling and completion applications
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 apparatus achieves a stiffer locking force and forms a fluid-tight seal, reducing fluid intermixing and debris accumulation, while allowing for flexible operation with adjustable force requirements, suitable for oil field applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve detents or bumps require radial expansion or contraction to activate as does the detent engaging member disposed on the inner surface at or near the distal end of the outer sleeve, where a force required to expand or contract the detents and detent engaging member depend on spring rates of radial detents and the radial detent engaging member
Implementation Method 2
The present invention provides a locking apparatus which utilizes a natural spring constant of a protrusion or a hoop or ring engaging a grooved surface to create a latching force of a desired magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
New locking connector assemblies and telescoping extension/retraction assemblies are disclosed that operate on the natural spring rate constraints of radial protrusions or radially constrained rings as they interact with engaging members to provide the locking force and permit the connector and extension retraction assemblies to be engage and disengaged or extended and retracted.