Actuation Device for Well Tools Using Threaded Shaft and Ramp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulically actuated well tools lack control over setting diameter and force, allowing only full deployment or retraction, limiting their operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with a tubular body, a rotatable threaded shaft, and an axial actuator with a ramp portion and threaded neck, enabling precise and controlled movement of keys for deployment and retraction, using a worm gear mechanism for continuous and controllable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hydraulic actuation is used, then the tool can be deployed or retracted, but control over setting diameter and force is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic actuation system with a mechanical actuation system comprising a threaded shaft, actuator, and ramp portion. This mechanical substitution enables precise control over key deployment while eliminating the need for complex hydraulic valves and fluid management systems, thereby improving operational control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a threaded shaft with adjustable pitch and an actuator with a ramp portion to enable continuous adjustment of the deployment parameter (key extension distance). By changing the mechanical parameters of the threading and ramp geometry, the system achieves variable setting diameter and force control, allowing operation across a range of conditions rather than fixed positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full deployment or retraction is used, then the tool achieves maximum effect, but operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, binary deployment state into a dynamic, continuous adjustment capability. The threaded shaft combined with the ramp portion creates a mechanical system that can be positioned at any point along its range, enabling the tool to adapt to varying well conditions. This dynamic positioning system provides both operational flexibility and precise control over key extension distance.
3Measurement precision
If conventional hydraulic tools are used, then deployment is achieved, but precise positioning control is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation function into distinct mechanical components: the threaded shaft for fine positional adjustment, the actuator for force application, and the ramp portion for motion transformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving precise positioning control while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation device for well operations can include a tubular body including a plurality of key slots, a threaded shaft disposed within the tubular body that rotates relative to the tubular body and is fixed axially relative to the tubular body, an actuator disposed within the tubular member that moves axially relative to the tubular body, wherein the actuator includes a ramp portion and a threaded neck portion that engages with the threaded shaft such that when the threaded shaft rotates, the actuator moves axially relative to the tubular body, and a plurality of keys, each disposed in one of the plurality of key slots and in operative communication with the ramp portion such that as the actuator moves axially relative to the tubular body, each key is urged radially outwardly from the tubular body.