Retrievable Tool Split Housing Ratchet Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean tools with ratchet lock mechanisms require complex methods or damage to the tool to release and remove, such as milling or cutting, due to the inability to unlock the locked position without compromising the tool's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A split housing design that springs outward into a recess, utilizing stored energy to disengage the gripping teeth from the lock ring, allowing for safe removal without additional components or internal support systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet lock mechanism is used to hold the set position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the locked position cannot be unlocked without damaging the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable parts: a stationary portion and a movable portion. The movable portion can be displaced axially to move the gripping teeth away from the lock ring, enabling release without damage. This segmentation allows the tool to transition between locked and released states while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing movable portion is designed to be dynamically displaceable along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability allows the gripping teeth to engage and disengage from the lock ring as needed, providing both secure locking when engaged and easy release when displaced, thus resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and ease of operation.
2Strength
If the housing is made as a single rigid piece, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the complexity of integrating the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a stationary portion and a movable portion that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This approach maintains the structural strength of each individual component while simplifying manufacturing, as each part can be produced independently using standard machining processes without requiring complex integrated release mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If additional components are added to enable release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable housing portion serves dual functions: it provides the gripping teeth for locking and simultaneously acts as the release mechanism when displaced. This self-service approach enables easy release through simple axial movement without requiring additional components such as springs, cam mechanisms, or external actuating devices, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving ease of operation.
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
Enables the tool to be released and removed from a subterranean location to the surface without damage, simplifying the release process and eliminating the need for complex internal mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The housing has the ability to use the locked in spring force to get into the recess far enough so that the gripping teeth on the housing retreat sufficiently from the lock ring
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable locking system for a subterranean tool uses a split housing for a body lock ring that in one mode is retained for its normal locking function by a setting sleeve. The setting sleeve holds the potential energy in the housing that would otherwise cause the housing to grow radially and away from a locking function. The locking is defeated as a surrounding setting sleeve with a recess is moved to juxtapose the recess with the segmented housing allowing the housing to spring into the recess and away from lock ring engagement that previously maintained the locked position. The tool can be released and removed to a surface location.