Symmetrical Anchor Tool for Downhole Sticking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole anchor tools face issues with anchors becoming stuck due to tilting under longitudinal forces, inefficient force distribution, and dirt accumulation in chamfered recesses, leading to tool malfunction and stuck situations.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrically designed anchor tool with four anchors positioned in recesses orthogonal and parallel to the center axis, using hydraulic movement and sealing grooves to prevent dirt entry, and a resilient mechanism for self-retraction, ensuring balanced force application and preventing anchor sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the anchor is placed in a recess and moved outwards for anchoring, then the anchor can effectively resist torsional forces, but the anchor becomes tilted under longitudinal forces and gets stuck in the inclined position
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is designed with an asymmetric profile featuring a larger opening at the distal end and a smaller opening at the proximal end. This asymmetric geometry allows the anchor to be easily inserted in the outward direction while preventing it from being pushed back into the tilted position under longitudinal forces, thus resolving the contradiction between anchoring strength and retraction reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor and recess are designed with curved surfaces that facilitate smooth insertion while the geometric configuration creates a mechanical interference that prevents reverse movement. The curved profile of the recess matches the anchor shape to guide insertion but blocks retraction when tilted, maintaining both anchoring effectiveness and retraction reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If the recess edge is chamfered to mount the anchor, then the anchor can be properly positioned, but dirt accumulates in the chamfered slot and causes the anchor to get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered edge design is completely removed from the recess geometry. Instead of using a chamfered transition, the recess employs a smooth curved profile that eliminates the slot where dirt could accumulate, thus removing the source of the harmful effect while maintaining ease of anchor mounting through the curved geometric guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The recess uses a curved, rounded profile instead of sharp edges or chamfers. This curved geometry provides smooth anchor mounting while eliminating crevices and slots that would trap dirt, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and preventing dirt accumulation
3Device complexity
If a single anchor is used for anchoring, then the structure is simple, but the force distribution is inefficient and the tool cannot be stably positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The single anchor is divided into multiple segments (first, second, third, and fourth anchors) positioned at different locations around the tool. This segmentation allows each anchor to bear a portion of the load, improving overall anchoring efficiency and stability while distributing forces more effectively across the tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple anchors are combined to work together as an integrated anchoring system. The anchors are positioned and coordinated to provide combined support, merging their individual capabilities to achieve stable tool positioning and efficient force distribution that a single anchor cannot provide
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 tool achieves stable and efficient anchoring with balanced force distribution, reduces the risk of anchor sticking, and maintains a clean surface by eliminating the need for chamfering, allowing for reliable operation and self-retraction even without external power.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid may be pumped into the recess for forcing the anchor to move out of the recess for anchoring the tool to its surroundings
Implementation Method 2
a resilient means may be provided within the cavity between an inside of the opening of the cavity and the retaining means and may be compressed during movement of the anchor out of the recess
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor tool for anchoring a downhole tool within a casing, a well, or any other downhole, hollow space. The tool has a longitudinal tool body with a center axis extending through the tool body in the center of the body, a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess in the tool body; and a first anchor, a second anchor, a third anchor, and a fourth anchor. The first anchor is provided in the first recess, and so forth, and the anchors are outwards movable in the recesses for anchoring the tool. Each anchor provided in the recesses extends through the tool body transverse to and across the center axis and the anchors and the corresponding recesses are situated in the tool body for providing a symmetrical anchoring of the anchor tool.