Threaded Connection Assembly With Tapered Splines Against Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary shouldered connections (RSCs) face issues such as unintentional loosening, high torque requirements, need for heavy equipment, thread damage, and inefficiency in torque transfer due to frictional resistance, leading to potential accidents and reduced component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connection assembly with bi-directional torque transfer using axially-tapered spline pairs and a coupling ring that moves between free and seated positions, enabling torque transfer through mechanical advantage and preventing relative rotation, while providing a fluid seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RSCs use frictional resistance between mating shoulders to transfer torque, then torque transfer is achieved, but high torque levels are required and unintentional loosening can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based torque transfer mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system using a coupling device having a first engagement feature that engages with a second engagement feature. This mechanical engagement provides positive torque transfer without relying on friction, eliminating the risk of unintentional loosening while requiring lower torque levels for connection and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary element between the first and second components. It features a first engagement feature that interfaces with the first component and a second engagement feature that interfaces with the second component, mediating the torque transfer between them through mechanical interlocking rather than direct frictional contact between the original mating shoulders.
2Ease of operation
If conventional RSCs rely on heavy equipment like power tongs to make up and break out connections, then connections can be assembled and disassembled, but significant surface damage occurs and components are more susceptible to metal fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for heavy power tong equipment with a simplified mechanical system. The coupling device incorporates features that allow connection to be made by simply threading the components together, and breakout is achieved by rotating the coupling device itself, eliminating the need for high-torque gripping equipment that causes surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to perform its own function of facilitating connection and disconnection without requiring external heavy equipment. The first and second engagement features are configured to work together with the threading mechanism, allowing the connection assembly to be self-sufficient and eliminating the harmful effects of external gripping tools.
3Reliability
If conventional RSCs apply high torque to make up connections, then connections are secured, but thread damage (galling) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-torque friction-based securing mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system. The engagement features provide positive locking through geometric interlocking rather than friction, securing the connection at lower torque levels and preventing thread galling and damage.
4Productivity
If conventional RSCs use small annular contact area between shoulders, then connections are compact, but torque transfer efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based torque transfer through small annular contact areas with a mechanical interlocking system. The engagement features transfer torque through direct mechanical contact and geometric interlocking, achieving high torque transfer efficiency without requiring large contact areas, thus maintaining compact dimensions.
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 assembly reduces the torque needed for connection makeup and breakout, prevents unintentional loosening, and enhances torque and axial load rating, offering improved safety and efficiency compared to conventional RSCs.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded connection assembly with bi-directional torque transfer using axially-tapered spline pairs and a coupling ring that moves between free and seated positions, enabling torque transfer through mechanical advantage
Implementation Method 2
Common RSCs rely on frictional resistance, between the mating shoulders and between the two components' matingly engaged threads, to transfer torque between the components
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly enabling torque transfer between coaxially-aligned components includes: an upper component carrying an upper spline; a lower component threadedly engageable with the upper component and carrying a lower spline: a coupling ring having first and second splines; and means for axially moving the coupling ring, relative to the upper and lower components, between a free position in which the coupling ring is freely rotatable relative to the connected upper and lower components, and a seated position in which the coupling ring is rotationally coupled to the upper component by engagement of the first coupling ring spline with the upper spline, and rotationally coupled to the lower component by engagement of the second coupling ring spline with the lower spline. The upper and lower splines have different numbers of evenly-spaced spline ridges, which on at least one of the upper spline and the lower spline are axially tapered.