Wedge Pin Preload for Downhole Tool Shock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools in wellbore operations face challenges in protecting sensitive equipment from shock, vibrations, and other disturbances, which can lead to damage or loosening of internal components.
Innovation Solution
A wedge pin is used in the downhole tool to apply a preload in at least two directions, such as axial and torsional, to secure the internal components and resist shock and vibration forces. The wedge pin can be compressed or deformed to control the preload, and it is designed to work with a preload cap to ensure secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the downhole tool uses sensitive equipment for imaging or analysis, then the tool can perform precise wellbore tasks, but the sensitive equipment is vulnerable to shock, vibrations, and disturbances that can cause damage or loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge pin applies a preliminary preload force to the internal component in the opposite direction of expected shock and vibration forces. This pre-applied counteracting force creates a clamping effect that prevents the sensitive equipment from moving or loosening when subjected to axial and torsional disturbances during wellbore operations
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge pin is installed and configured to apply preload before the tool encounters shock or vibration conditions. By establishing the preload in advance, the system ensures that sensitive equipment is already secured and protected before harmful forces are applied, preventing damage rather than responding to it
2Reliability
If the downhole tool applies preload to secure internal components, then the components are protected from loosening, but the preload must be precisely controlled to avoid damaging the components
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge pin's geometry parameters (angle, dimensions) are specifically designed to transform the installation force into a controlled preload. By changing the geometric parameters of the wedge pin, the system achieves precise control over the magnitude and distribution of the preload force applied to internal components, ensuring protection without damage
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 wedge pin effectively reduces or mitigates damage to internal components by providing a secure preload that resists axial and torsional movements, thereby protecting sensitive equipment from shock and vibration in wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge pin can be compressed or deformed to control an amount of preload applied to the downhole tool
Implementation Method 2
The wedge pin can apply an axial preload, a torsional preload, or a combination thereof on the downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
A system can be used to control shock applied to a downhole tool. The system can include an internal component, an outer component, and a wedge pin. The internal component can be positioned in the downhole tool. The internal component can include an axial shoulder and an angled seating surface. The outer component can be positioned in the downhole tool. The outer component can include (i) an opening sized to receive a preload cap, and (ii) a flange positionable to contact the axial shoulder. The wedge pin can be positioned in the opening and abutting the angled seating surface to apply a preload to the internal component and the outer component in response to the preload cap being positioned in the opening.