Torque Member with Internal Fluid Channels for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools face challenges in supplying hydraulic fluid to moving parts due to the risk of external hoses getting torn or stuck, making it difficult to maintain a reliable and robust hydraulic system in harsh well environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of internal fluid channels within a torque member that rotates to move an arm assembly, allowing hydraulic fluid to be supplied directly to the arm assembly, thereby reducing the risk of hose damage and enhancing sealing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external hydraulic hoses are used to supply fluid to moving parts, then design freedom is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of hoses getting torn or stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque member and hydraulic fluid supply function into a single integrated component. The torque member includes internal fluid channels that supply hydraulic fluid to the arm assembly, eliminating the need for separate external hoses. This merging of mechanical torque transmission and hydraulic fluid supply resolves the contradiction by providing both design freedom and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque to move the arm assembly and supplies hydraulic fluid to the arm assembly through internal channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for external hoses while maintaining reliability in harsh downhole environments.
2Ease of manufacture
If external hydraulic hoses are used, then ease of installation is improved, but sealing properties deteriorate due to increased leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid channels are integrated within the torque member structure, creating a sealed internal pathway for fluid supply. This eliminates external connection points and potential leakage sources, improving sealing properties while the channels are formed during manufacturing of the torque member, maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If internal fluid channels are used within the torque member, then reliability is improved by eliminating external hoses, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channels are integrated within the existing torque member structure rather than adding separate components. The channels are formed as part of the torque member manufacturing process, combining mechanical strength and fluid supply functions in a single component, which improves reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
This solution provides a more robust hydraulic circuit that ensures reliable fluid supply to moving parts, reducing the risk of leakage and improving the overall reliability of downhole tools by eliminating the need for external hoses.
Implementation Method 1
a piston chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool, and a piston member arranged inside the piston chamber and movable in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool
Implementation Method 2
the torque member may comprise a first fluid channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from a pump to the arm assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction includes a tool housing; an arm assembly movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing; and an arm activation assembly arranged in the tool housing for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position. The arm activation assembly has a piston chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool, and a piston member arranged inside the piston chamber and movable in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool. The arm activation assembly further includes a torque member with a first fluid channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from a pump to the arm assembly, the torque member being connected with the arm assembly. The torque member is rotated by the movement of the piston member, whereby the arm assembly is moved.