Releasable Locking Assembly for Downhole Tool Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the resource recovery industry, there is a challenge in positioning tools that require fixed positioning for a period followed by movement, where changes in tool function can inadvertently affect other tools, leading to operational inefficiencies in wellbore systems.

Innovation Solution

A releasable locking assembly with a housing, a body defining multiple flow bores, a locking segment with non-concentric radii surfaces for enhanced engagement, and a support member that moves between locking and unlocking positions to allow tensile loads without disengaging the seal assembly, enabling secure operation and retrieval of downhole tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tool is fixed in position for a period of time, then stability and reliability are improved, but the ability to move or retrieve the tool later deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of fixed positioningVSAvoidability to move or retrieve tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic retrievable state through the support member mechanism. The support member can be moved to different positions to either engage and lock the tool in place or disengage to allow retrieval, making the system adaptable to both stable operation and tool recovery phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly is divided into separable components including the locking segment, support member, and engagement features. This segmentation allows the tool to be securely locked during operation while enabling easy disengagement and retrieval when needed, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and movable adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If changes in tool function are made to enable retrieval, then adaptability is improved, but harmful effects on other tools or system stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool retrieval capabilityVSAvoidundesirable effects on other tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and retrieval functions are extracted into a separate, dedicated locking assembly that operates independently from the main tool functions. This isolation ensures that retrieval operations can be performed without affecting other tools or system components, eliminating harmful side effects while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the locking segment and the tool body. By using this intermediate component to transmit forces and control engagement, the system enables retrieval operations without directly impacting other tools or causing undesirable effects on system stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a locking mechanism is designed for secure engagement, then strength and reliability are improved, but ease of operation for retrieval deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement strengthVSAvoidease of retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism uses a dynamic support member that can be easily repositioned between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the support member maintains strong engagement, but when retrieval is needed, it can be quickly moved to disengage the locking segment, providing both strength and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complex operations to unlock, the system is designed so that the default state maintains strong engagement through simple support member positioning, and retrieval is achieved by inverting the action - simply moving the support member to its alternative position. This inversion simplifies the retrieval operation while maintaining strong locking when engaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11499385B2Releasable locking assembly, system, and method

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A releasable locking assembly including a housing, a body defining a longitudinally extending flow bore having a first end and a second end disposed within the housing, a window defined through a radial wall of the body, a locking segment having an outer convex surface of a first radius defined by distance from a first axis, and an inner concave surface of a second radius defined by distance from a second axis different than the first axis, the locking segment disposed at least in part in the window, and a support member disposed within the body and moveable between a position where the support member drives the locking segment into engagement with the housing and a position where the support member unsupports the locking segment with regard to engagement with the housing.