Threaded Setting Sleeve for Reduced-Backlash Sealing/Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing and anchoring tools suffer from backlash or set back issues in body lock rings, leading to reduced setting force and relaxation of sealing elements, particularly in large size tools, affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A sealing/anchoring assembly that employs an internally threaded setting sleeve coupled with a rotary motor, allowing the sleeve to rotate and axially translate along the mandrel to radially expand sealing/anchoring elements, eliminating backlash by using a threaded connection that locks in place without axial set back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a body lock ring is used in conventional sealing tools, then the sealing elements can be retained and compressed, but backlash or set back occurs leading to reduced setting force and relaxation of sealing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional body lock ring mechanical system with a threaded setting sleeve mechanism that engages with external threads on the mandrel. This substitution eliminates backlash by using a threaded connection that maintains continuous contact and prevents axial set back, thereby maintaining consistent setting force on the sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: an internally threaded setting sleeve that rotates independently, external threads on the mandrel for engagement, and a separate locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the threaded connection preventing backlash while the locking mechanism secures the position.
2Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to eliminate backlash, then setting force consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional threaded components
Solution Approach 1:
The setting sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotating component driven by the rotary motor, engages with the threaded mandrel to convert rotation to axial motion, and provides the compression force to the sealing elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the setting mechanism with the mandrel by integrating external threads directly onto the mandrel surface. This merging eliminates the need for a separate threaded adapter or coupling component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the backlash-free threaded connection.
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 solution effectively prevents backlash, maintaining consistent setting force and enhancing the performance of sealing and anchoring elements by utilizing a rotary motor and internally threaded setting sleeve mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing/anchoring assembly that employs an internally threaded setting sleeve coupled with a rotary motor
Implementation Method 2
the internally threaded setting sleeve configured to employ its internal threads to rotate and axially translate along the mandrel
Implementation Method 3
move the sealing/anchoring element between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sealing/anchoring assembly, a well system, and a method. The sealing/anchoring assembly, in one aspect, includes a mandrel, a sealing/anchoring element positioned about the mandrel, and a setting sleeve coupled with a first end of the sealing/anchoring element. The sealing/anchoring assembly, in one aspect, further includes an internally threaded setting sleeve coupled with a second end of the sealing/anchoring element, the internally threaded setting sleeve configured to employ its internal threads to rotate and axially translate along the mandrel to move the sealing/anchoring element between a radially retracted state a radially expanded state.