Unclosed Loop Wear Insert for Dual-Pipe Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

The direct contact between the external shoulder of the inner pipe member and the internal shoulder of the outer pipe member in dual-member drill strings leads to wear over time, reducing the efficiency and longevity of the drilling operation.

Innovation Solution

An insert with a shape of an unclosed loop, made from wear-resistant composite material, is positioned within the external groove of the inner pipe member, contacting the internal shoulder of the outer pipe member to absorb wear, thereby reducing friction and extending the joint's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If direct contact between external shoulder of inner pipe member and internal shoulder of outer pipe member is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but wear occurs over time reducing efficiency and longevity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structureVSAvoidjoint longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A wear ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the external shoulder of the inner pipe member and the internal shoulder of the outer pipe member. The wear ring absorbs wear through its sacrificial material, preventing direct contact between the pipe member shoulders and thereby eliminating wear while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wear-resistant composite material insert is added to absorb wear, then joint longevity is extended, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint longevityVSAvoidjoint structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wear ring is designed as a sacrificial component made of wear-resistant composite material that is intended to wear down over time. This disposable element protects the more expensive and critical pipe members from wear, extending joint longevity while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If wear ring with unclosed loop shape is used, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidring structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wear ring is designed with an unclosed loop shape rather than a complete circle. This segmentation allows the wear ring to be easily installed by expanding it through the pipe member and then contracting it into place, significantly improving installation ease while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the wear-resistant material and strategic placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11753874B2Insert for use with dual-member pipe joint

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 CHARLES MACHINE WORKS INC

AI summary

An insert for installation on an inner pipe member of a dual-pipe member assembly. The insert is interposed between an external shoulder formed on the inner pipe member and an internal shoulder formed in an outer pipe member. Shoulder-to-shoulder impacts between pipe members results in wear to the insert, rather than to either pipe member. The insert has the shape of an unclosed loop and is positioned within an endless external groove formed in the inner pipe member.