Wellbore Connector With Rotating Lug for Force and Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore connectors are time-consuming to connect and disconnect, and they lack the ability to efficiently transfer significant mechanical forces and electric power/signal simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A force transferring wellbore connector with a box part and pin part that can be easily rotated 90 degrees to engage and disengage, featuring lugs and locking shoulders for mechanical force transfer and a latching arrangement for secure connection, along with an electric connection arrangement for power and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional wellbore connector is used, then mechanical force transfer is achieved, but connection and disconnection time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic latching mechanism where the latching lever can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling quick transition between connected and disconnected states. The lug rotates between engaged and disengaged states relative to the locking shoulder, providing dynamic control over the connection state.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a box part, a pin part with lug, and a latching lever. This segmentation allows independent movement and engagement of each component, facilitating rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining structural integrity for force transfer.
2Force
If a simple connector design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to transfer significant mechanical force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the box part and pin part form a unified force transfer path, the lug integrates both positioning and locking functions, and the latching lever combines retention and release mechanisms. This merging maintains force transfer capability while controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes composite structural design combining rigid components (box part, pin part, locking shoulder) for force transfer with movable components (lug, latching lever) for operation. The structure复合izes mechanical strength with operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If a secure latching mechanism is added, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the rotation of the lug. When the pin part is inserted into the box part, the lug automatically engages with the locking shoulder through its own rotational movement, providing self-latching without requiring additional actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-component latching system, the invention inverts the approach by making the lug itself the latching element that rotates into engagement with the locking shoulder. This simplifies the latching mechanism while maintaining reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electric connection arrangement is integrated, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves multi-functionality by integrating mechanical force transfer, electrical power transmission, and signal communication within a single connector assembly. The box part and pin part serve both mechanical coupling and electrical connection functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection components are merged with the mechanical structure, where the box part and pin part provide both mechanical support and electrical pathways. This integration avoids adding separate electrical connection mechanisms, controlling the increase in complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A force transferring connector (400) having a box part (401). A pin section (408) enters the box part with a lug (411). The box part has a locking shoulder (415). When the pin section (408) is inside the cavity, the lug (411) rotates between a non-engaged and an engaged state. The connector (400) has an electric connection arrangement (470) guiding electric power and/or electric signals. The electric connection arrangement (470) is in a connected state when the pin section (408) is inserted into the receiving cavity (405) and in a non-connected state when the pin section (408) is not inserted into the receiving cavity (405).