Expanding Ring Structure With Tangential Sliding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expanding and collapsing apparatuses in the field of hydrocarbon exploration and production are limited by expansion ratios and often create extrusion gaps, uneven surfaces, and are spatially inefficient, which affect the maximum force and pressure rating.
Innovation Solution
A ring structure composed of elements with non-parallel contact surfaces that converge inwardly and are tangentially connected, allowing for sliding movement between expanded and collapsed conditions, with structural elements that move axially and radially to form a conical shape, providing a continuous support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If segmented metallic rings are used to form expanding structures, then the ring can be collapsed to a smaller volume, but spaces are formed between segments during expansion creating extrusion gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding structure is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other during expansion and collapse. The segments are connected through sliding interfaces that maintain continuous contact, preventing gaps while enabling volume reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension to the segment arrangement by using tapered surfaces that converge inwardly. This dimensional change allows segments to interlock in a way that prevents radial gap formation while maintaining collapsibility through axial movement.
2Reliability
If circumferentially lapped segments are used to avoid extrusion gaps, then a continuous support surface is achieved, but the ring creates uneven or stepped faces and is spatially inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved, tapered contact surfaces between segments that converge toward the centerline. This curvature ensures that the outer face of the expanded ring remains smooth and uniform, eliminating stepped surfaces while maintaining continuous segment contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The segment geometry is designed with specific taper angles and curved contact surfaces that change the interaction parameters between segments. This allows the segments to maintain continuous contact for gap prevention while their outer surfaces form a uniform cylindrical shape when expanded.
3Volume of moving object
If discrete circumferential distribution of expanding structures is used, then the structure can collapse efficiently, but the surface area available to contact auxiliary engagement surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple segments into a unified expanding structure where the segments work together to form a continuous outer surface. This combination maintains the collapsed efficiency of segmented structures while providing the increased contact surface area of continuous structures.
Solution Approach 2:
By using tapered surfaces that converge inwardly rather than parallel surfaces, the patent effectively uses the radial dimension to increase the outer diameter and contact surface area when expanded, while the axial dimension allows efficient collapse.
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 apparatus achieves higher expansion ratios with a continuous support surface, reducing extrusion gaps and enhancing the maximum force and pressure rating.
Implementation Method 1
the said ring elements are operable to move between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding movement with respect to one another which is movement tangential to the circle with the first contact surface of each element sliding on the second contact surface of an adjacent element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides an expanding and collapsing apparatus and methods of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (52) assembled together to form a ring structure (54) around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. At least one set of structural elements (56) each having a first end and a second end are operable to move between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition by movement of the first end in an axial direction, and by movement of the second end in a radial dimension. At least one set of elements is operable to be moved by sliding with respect to one another in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. In another aspect, the plurality of elements (82) comprises at least one set of structural elements (86) extending longitudinally on the apparatus and operable to slide with respect to one another, wherein the sliding movement in a selected plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is tangential to a circle in the selected plane and concentric with the longitudinal axis. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.