Tool Catcher System Radial Ring Segments Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead systems face challenges in preventing unintended insertion of tools into wells during the fracturing process, which can lead to equipment damage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A tool catcher system comprising a housing with radially moving ring segments, a spring plate, and an actuator system that selectively couples and uncouples with tools to block their insertion into the well, utilizing a combination of mechanical and actuator-driven mechanisms to capture and release tools safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool catcher system is implemented to prevent unintended tool insertion, then safety and equipment protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool catcher system is divided into multiple independent ring segments that can move individually. Each segment can engage or disengage from the tool independently, allowing the system to capture tools through distributed mechanical action rather than a single complex locking mechanism. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring plate automatically biases the ring segments into engagement positions without requiring external actuation for normal operation. The system uses its own stored elastic energy to maintain the safety function, reducing the need for complex external control systems while ensuring tools are automatically captured when inserted.
2Reliability
If radially moving ring segments are used to capture tools, then tool retention reliability is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring plate acts as a counterbalancing element that provides continuous radial biasing force to the ring segments. This elastic counterforce automatically positions the segments to engage tools, replacing the need for complex mechanical linkages, actuators, or control systems that would otherwise be required to maintain segment positioning and ensure reliable tool retention.
3Ease of operation
If an actuator system is added to release tools, then operational control is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently installed or removed from the tool catcher system. This modular extraction approach allows the basic passive spring-loaded capture mechanism to remain simple, while adding controlled release capability only when needed for specific operations, thereby minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system serves as an intermediary element that temporarily interfaces with the ring segments to provide controlled release motion. It does not permanently integrate with or permanently alter the basic spring-plate segment structure, allowing it to add release functionality while maintaining the simplicity of the core capture mechanism for when the actuator is not in use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ring segments are used to selectively couple and uncouple tools, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array of ring segments is designed to work collectively as a universal interface that can engage various tool types and sizes. The same basic segment structure and spring plate mechanism handle all tool capture and release operations, providing adaptability across different tool configurations without requiring specialized mechanisms for each tool type, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 tool catcher system effectively prevents tool insertion into the well, ensuring safe retraction and reducing equipment wear, while allowing controlled release for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the spring plate in a second direction opposite the first direction to capture the tool.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool catcher system that includes a housing. The housing defines a bore that receives a tool. The tool catcher system includes a plurality of ring segments that move radially inward and radially outward to selectively couple to and uncouple from the tool. A spring plate supports the plurality of ring segments. An actuator plate couples to the spring plate. A plurality of shafts couple the actuator plate to the spring plate. An actuator system moves the actuator plate and the spring plate in a first direction to release the tool.