Resettable Backup Segments With Frustoconical Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional backup members in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries experience plastic deformation during the setting process, making it difficult to reliably reset them for repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A backup system comprising a gage ring with a frustoconical surface and groove, segments with overlap fingers and receptors, and a retainer member, allowing for reliable resetting and multiple uses by guiding segments radially outward and inward without jamming, using a wedge ring and retainer member to maintain position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional backup members are used in the setting process, then sealing contact is achieved, but plastic deformation occurs making reset unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset reliabilityVSAvoidresistance to plastic deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The backup member is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment contains sealing elements that can engage with the tubular, and the segments are retained by a retainer member that allows radial movement. This segmentation enables the backup to be reset by moving segments radially inward without permanent deformation, resolving the contradiction between achieving sealing contact and maintaining reset reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backup member transitions from a static, permanently deformed structure to a dynamic system where segments can move radially outward for setting and radially inward for resetting. The retainer member with its specific geometry allows controlled radial movement of segments, enabling the backup to dynamically adjust its position and maintain reliability across multiple set-reset cycles without plastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If segments are guided radially outward for setting, then sealing contact is achieved, but jamming may occur during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing contact reliabilityVSAvoidsegment movement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The segment movement is constrained to a specific radial dimension, guided by the frustoconical surface and groove geometry. The groove in the frustoconical surface provides a defined path for segment movement, ensuring segments move smoothly radially outward for setting and radially inward for resetting without jamming, while still achieving reliable sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a retainer member is used to maintain segment position, then sealing contact is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment position stabilityVSAvoidbackup structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer member serves multiple functions: it retains the segments, guides their radial movement, and maintains the backup's structural integrity. The frustoconical surface with groove provides both the guiding mechanism and the retention force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, minimizing device complexity while maintaining segment position stability for reliable sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230250702A1Resettable backup and system

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A backup comprising a gage ring having frustoconical surface and a groove in the frustoconical surface. The backup further includes a segment having a nose engaged with the groove, the segment having an element portion with an overlap finger and a finger receptor and a gage portion with an overlap finger and a finger receptor. A wedge ring is in contact with the segment and a retainer member is disposed to retain the segment. A method for using the backup and a system are included.