Compact Valve Actuator Mechanism for Downhole Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flapper valves in the resource exploration and recovery industry are typically lengthy, limiting their placement and increasing installation and maintenance costs due to their size.
Innovation Solution
An actuator mechanism with a housing, hinge, and valve member that allows for compact operation without a flow sleeve, utilizing a piston-actuated hinge system with a biasing element to transition the valve between open and closed configurations, reducing the overall length and complexity of the valve assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flow sleeve actuation mechanism is used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the valve becomes lengthy and difficult to place in downhole systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flow sleeve component traditionally used for actuation and replaces it with a hinge-based mechanism. This extraction of the unnecessary flow sleeve reduces the overall valve length while maintaining the essential opening and closing functionality through the hinge and actuator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flow sleeve that moves linearly to open/close the valve, the patent inverts the approach by using a hinge mechanism with rotational movement. The actuator applies force to the hinge, causing the valve member to rotate between open and closed positions, fundamentally changing the actuation paradigm from linear to rotational motion.
2Length of moving object
If the valve length is reduced for easier placement, then installation costs decrease, but the actuation mechanism becomes more compact and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the hinge mechanism: it serves as both the rotational joint for valve movement and the mounting point for the actuator. The hinge integrates the support structure, the rotational axis, and the actuation interface, reducing the number of separate components needed and managing the complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism performs multiple functions: it supports the valve member, enables rotational movement, provides a mounting surface for the actuator, and facilitates the transition between open and closed states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing complexity through versatile design.
3Length of moving object
If a compact actuator mechanism is used, then valve placement and maintenance become easier, but the biasing system must be integrated into a smaller space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the actuator and biasing system within the existing valve housing chamber. The actuator is positioned within the chamber, and the biasing element is integrated into the same space, creating a nested arrangement where components are housed efficiently within the available volume, maximizing space utilization in the compact design.
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 compact actuator mechanism enables easier placement and maintenance, reducing operational costs and installation challenges while maintaining reliable fluid control.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator arranged in the chamber and selectively biased against the hinge to transition the valve member between an open configuration and a closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator mechanism for a valve system includes a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface defining an opening and a chamber extending partially about the housing between the outer surface and the inner surface. A hinge is mounted to the housing. The hinge is exposed at the chamber. A valve member is fixedly connected to the hinge. The valve member is selectively positionable across the opening. An actuator is arranged in the chamber and selectively biased against the hinge to transition the valve member between an open configuration and a closed configuration.