Threaded Tubular End Protector With Anti-Unscrewing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protectors for threaded tubular components in oil and gas well drilling are insufficient in protecting the functional surfaces from mechanical shocks and can become partially or completely unscrewed during handling, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A reusable protector with a detachable threaded ring and a main body that provides additional torque through thread interference, allowing secure mounting and easy inspection, and featuring a design that prevents unintentional unscrewing, with adaptable and replaceable components for various connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protector is screwed onto the connection to protect functional surfaces, then protection against mechanical damage and contamination is improved, but the protector can become partially or completely unscrewed during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking element can move between engaged and disengaged positions. The locking element responds to axial forces by moving to engage with the protector body, providing automatic stabilization during handling while allowing intentional removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned to engage with the protector body before any unscrewing occurs. This preliminary engagement prevents the protector from becoming loose during handling by counteracting the unscrewing force before it can take effect
2Stability of the object's composition
If a protector is designed to be securely attached to prevent unscrewing, then attachment stability is improved, but assembly and disassembly operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is divided into distinct functional elements: the protector body, the locking element, and the threaded connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity in assembly and disassembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages with the protector body through axial movement without requiring additional fastening operations. The system self-locks during normal assembly, eliminating the need for complex securing mechanisms while maintaining attachment stability
3Reliability
If the entire protector is replaced for maintenance, then reliability is improved, but cost and time for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection is designed as a separate, replaceable element that can be independently serviced. This allows maintenance personnel to replace only the threaded connection rather than the entire protector assembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection is designed as a consumable or serviceable component that can be replaced while the main protector body is retained and reused. This approach recovers the value of the protector body and reduces waste, lowering both maintenance costs and environmental impact
Data Source
AI summary
A protector for protecting a male or female threaded end of a tubular component for drilling, for the exploitation of hydrocarbon wells, for transporting oil and gas, for transporting or storing hydrogen, for capturing carbon or geothermal energy, the male or female threaded end being provided with at least one external or internal thread, the protector includes a main body that is intended to receive the male or female threaded end, the main body having a peripheral side wall extending in an axial direction, wherein a housing is provided in a thickness of the peripheral side wall, said housing extending around the peripheral side wall, at least one threaded ring detachably housed in said housing, the threaded ring having a thread that is intended to be screwed onto the external or internal thread of the male or female threaded end.