Resettable Latch Assembly for Feed-Through Line Reconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular assemblies face challenges in repeatedly connecting and disconnecting energy transfer lines in boreholes without damaging them, particularly due to one-time engagement mechanisms or limited load capacity of collet designs, necessitating complex rotational movements.
Innovation Solution
A resettable latch assembly that allows multiple latches and releases with straight upward and downward tubing movement, using translational motion to engage and disengage, thereby protecting energy transfer lines and enabling repeated connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one-time engagement mechanisms or limited load capacity collet designs are used, then the connection is secure, but the energy transfer lines are damaged due to repeated connecting and disconnecting
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly employs a dynamic resetting mechanism where the latch can transition between locked and unlocked states through translational movement. The resilient means allows the latch to flex and return to its initial position, enabling multiple engagement cycles without damage to energy transfer lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly recovers its initial position after each engagement cycle through the resilient means. This recovery mechanism allows the same latch to be reused multiple times without permanent deformation or damage, eliminating the need for one-time engagement mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If rotational movements are used to engage and disengage, then the connection can be made, but the energy transfer lines are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rotational movement to engage and disengage the latch, the invention inverts the approach by using translational (linear) movement. The latch moves along the axis of the tubular member to lock and unlock, which is gentler on the energy transfer lines and avoids the damaging effects of rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional rotational mechanical engagement system with a translational mechanical system. This substitution changes the mode of operation from rotation to linear movement, reducing stress and damage to the energy transfer lines during connection and disconnection.
3Reliability
If multiple latches and releases are performed to confirm feed through connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly incorporates self-indicating features that automatically show whether the latch is properly engaged and whether the feed through connection is confirmed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple manual verification steps, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If straight upward and downward tubing movement is used, then the energy transfer lines are protected, but the latching capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with multi-functionality to handle various latching requirements while maintaining the protective translational movement. The resilient means and adjustable latch geometry allow it to adapt to different engagement scenarios, providing both protection and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, in one aspect, embodiments relate to a resettable latch assembly for latching downhole to a mating mandrel; that comprises a mandrel, a latch collet disposed on the mandrel, wherein the latch collet is radially flexible with respect to the mating mandrel, and an energy transfer line extending a length of the mandrel; wherein the resettable latch assembly is latchable, releasable, and relatchable to the mating mandrel with translational movement.