Threaded Support Inspection Device for Tubular Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection devices for hydrocarbon well tubular components cannot be mounted stably on threaded components, especially for axially tightening self-locking threads, and cannot perform measurements along the median plane, leading to inaccurate positioning and measurement challenges.

Innovation Solution

A stable inspection device with a threaded support that cooperates with the tubular component's threading, featuring a longitudinal rail for precise longitudinal guidance and radial guide means for accurate radial positioning, using contact elements with angular displacement capabilities and confocal sensors for detailed profiling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional inspection devices with set squares and surface contact points are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be mounted stably on threaded tubular components and cannot perform accurate measurements along the median plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a threaded support as an intermediary element that cooperates with the threading of the tubular component. This threaded support serves as a mediator between the inspection device and the tubular component, enabling stable mounting and precise measurement positioning without directly contacting the threaded surface with rigid elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact-based positioning (set squares with surface contact points) with a threaded cooperation system. The threaded support engages with the threading through rotational engagement, substituting mechanical surface contact with threaded engagement to achieve both stability and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If inspection means are positioned accurately on axially tightening self-locking threads, then measurement precision is improved, but the difficulty of positioning and marking the inspection region increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread root width measurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning and marking difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded support acts as an intermediary that simplifies positioning. Instead of directly positioning inspection means on the threaded surface, the threaded support provides a stable platform with known geometric relationships, making it easier to mark and position inspection regions accurately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded support is first engaged and positioned on the tubular component before the inspection means are activated. This preliminary positioning action establishes a stable reference frame that simplifies subsequent marking and measurement operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a stable inspection device with threaded support and longitudinal rail is used, then mounting stability and measurement reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded support serves multiple functions: it provides mounting stability, enables longitudinal guidance through the rail, and facilitates precise positioning. By making this single element multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the threaded support with the longitudinal rail and guidance mechanisms into an integrated assembly. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining stability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2643656B1Method and device for inspecting a threading of a tubular connection used in the oil industry

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

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AI summary

The invention concerns a device for inspecting a threading (fc) of a tubular component for the exploration or working of hydrocarbon wells, the device comprising a threaded support (14) which can cooperate by makeup with the threading (fc) of the tubular component, means (12, fs) for blocking the advance of the threaded support (14) during makeup with the threading (fc) of the tubular component, a longitudinal rail (2) fixed to the means (12, fs) for blocking the advance of the threaded support (14) and extending in a direction belonging to a plane passing through the axis of the threading of the treaded support (14), means (9) for inspecting the treading of the tubular component (fc), and means (4) for longitudinal guidance in order to guide the means (9) for inspecting the treading in translation along the longitudinal rail (2). The invention also concerns methods using the device.