Self-orienting Swivel for Downhole Tool Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective manipulation and orientation of downhole tools in downhole environments, particularly to facilitate their movement through wellbores, as existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms for rotation and positioning in harsh subsurface conditions.

Innovation Solution

A self-orienting swivel system comprising a top sub, a bottom sub, and a bearing assembly, which includes a bearing housing, bearings, and a lock member, allowing for rotational movement between the sub components, enabling the downhole tool to rotate and orient itself within the wellbore.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a swivel mechanism is added to enable rotation and positioning of downhole tools, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a top sub with receptacle, a bottom sub with bearing end, and a bearing assembly with housing, bearings, and lock member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying assembly and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly is nested within the swivel structure, with the bearing housing positioned inside the top sub, the bearings nested within the bearing housing passage, and the lock member positioned within the bearing assembly. This nesting reduces overall device complexity by integrating multiple functions into a compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a bearing assembly with lock member is used to enable rotational movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly enables dynamic rotational movement between the top sub and bottom sub while maintaining reliable connection. The bearings allow controlled rotation, and the lock member provides secure positioning when rotation is not needed, creating a system that adapts to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the top sub and bottom sub, facilitating reliable rotational movement. The lock member serves as an intermediary element that secures the bearing assembly in place while allowing controlled rotation during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the lock member is made fixedly connectable about the bearing end to secure rotation, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of the object's compositionVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member is pre-positioned within the bearing assembly during manufacturing, with its outer surface shaped to receive the bearing end. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and stability while simplifying the final assembly process, as the lock member only needs to be secured in its predetermined location rather than requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 self-orienting swivel system enhances the reliability and operability of downhole tools by enabling efficient rotation and positioning, reducing the need for redundant components, and improving operational efficiency while maintaining accuracy and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

The bearings are rotatably positioned in the passage of the bearing housing between the bottom sub and an inner surface of the bearing housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240344415A1Downhole tool with self- orienting swivel and method of using same

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 GR ENERGY SERVICES MANAGEMENT LP

AI summary

A self-orienting swivel of a downhole tool and method. The swivel includes a top sub, a bottom sub, and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, bearings, and a lock member. The bearing housing has an uphole end operatively connectable to a second end of the top sub and a passage therethrough shaped to receive a bearing end of the bottom sub. The bearings are rotatably positioned in the passage of the bearing housing between the bottom sub and an inner surface of the bearing housing. The lock member is positioned in the passage of the bearing housing, and is fixedly connectable about the bottom sub. The lock member is receivably positionable in a receptacle of the top sub and rotatably movable therein whereby the bottom sub is rotatably positioned about the top sub.