Wellbore Cementing Tool Axial Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellbore drilling tools require rotation and tripping out of the drill string to lock in place, which can destabilize the drill string and is time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore cementing tool with an inner body and outer sleeve that locks in place without rotation, using biased locking members that engage with the drill string when a downhole obstacle is contacted, allowing cement injection through the drill string without requiring tool rotation or tripping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rotation is used to lock the tool in place, then the tool can be secured at the desired depth, but the drill string may be destabilized and threaded sections may be loosened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool securing reliabilityVSAvoiddrill string destabilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the tool to engage locking members with the drill string, the invention inverts the mechanism by using axial movement (lowering the tool) to trigger the locking action. The outer sleeve moves axially relative to the inner body, causing locking members to radially engage the drill string wall without any rotational motion of the tool assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the rotational mechanical locking system with an axial-mechanical system. The biasing mechanism (springs) and movable outer sleeve convert axial force into radial locking action, substituting the traditional rotation-based engagement with a push-based engagement that avoids destabilizing the drill string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If tripping out the drill string is performed to position the tool, then the tool can be deployed, but time is consumed and the operation may be unnecessary or undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool deployment capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is designed to perform multiple functions while remaining on the drill string: it can be deployed without tripping, locked in place using axial movement, and used for cementing operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for tripping out the drill string, which would otherwise be required for tool deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool self-locks when lowered to the desired depth by contacting the drill string wall, eliminating the need for external intervention or tripping operations. The biasing mechanism automatically engages the locking members when the outer sleeve contacts the drill string, allowing the tool to secure itself without removing it from the drill string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the outer sleeve is held in the first position, then the locking members are held in a disengaged position, but the tool cannot lock in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism controlVSAvoidtool positioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outer sleeve is designed to be movable relative to the inner body, transitioning from a first position (where locking members are disengaged) to a second position (where locking members engage the drill string). This dynamic design allows the tool to switch between deployable and locked states, providing both ease of operation and reliable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking members are pre-biased by springs to be in a ready-to-engage state. When the outer sleeve is moved to the second position, the pre-loaded biasing force immediately drives the locking members through the apertures to engage the drill string, ensuring rapid and reliable locking without requiring additional activation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables secure deployment and cementing within an in-place drill string without rotation, reducing the risk of destabilization and time consumption, while preventing backflow and allowing for efficient cement distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the inner body supporting outwardly-biased locking members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9441450B2Wellbore cementing tool

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 GRAINGER ROBERT

AI summary

A wellbore cementing tool configured for placement in a drill string, and method of using same. The tool is lowered on a hollow, small-diameter stem into the drill string and contacts the bit, such that the downward pressure on the tool causes a shear pin to shear, resulting in upward movement of an outer sleeve relative to the central body of the tool. The outer sleeve normally holds outwardly biased locking members in a retracted position, but when the outer sleeve is upwardly displaced, slots in the outer sleeve align with the locking members and allow the locking members to extend outwardly through the slots to engage the inner wall of the drill string thereby locking the tool in place. When in position, cement can be injected through the tool and the bit, circulating up the wellbore annulus. The tool does not require rotation to engage the drill string.