Wellbore Connection Mechanism with Internal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport assemblies for wellbore equipment face issues with secure connections, especially in high-temperature, high-pressure environments and debris-laden fluids, which can lead to unintended disengagement and equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism with internally mounted locking components, featuring a cam surface and spring-loaded locking pin that automatically engages and locks when the components are fully connected, preventing disengagement and protecting against debris ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the transport assembly (using bolts or screws), then the connection can be initially secured, but debris circulating in the well can become entrained within the connection mechanism leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is received within a cavity formed in the flange, nesting the locking mechanism inside the component rather than on the outer surface. This protects the connection mechanism from debris while maintaining secure locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is extracted from the external surface and placed internally within the cavity, removing it from the harmful environment of circulating debris while preserving its locking function
2Ease of operation
If the transport assembly sections are connected together, then the assembly can support and move equipment through the wellbore, but unintended release could lead to substantial downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is automatically actuated by the cam surface when components are brought together, performing the locking action preliminarily during the assembly process itself. This ensures security is established before the assembly is fully operational
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is self-actuating through the spring-loaded locking member that automatically engages with the cam surface during assembly. The mechanism serves itself by using the assembly motion to trigger the locking action without external intervention
3Reliability
If a locking member is used to prevent disengagement, then connection security is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member combines multiple functions into a single component: it is spring-loaded for automatic engagement, cam-actuated for secure locking, and recessed for protection. This merging reduces overall complexity while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple purposes: it provides the locking action, acts as a cam follower, and is protected by the cavity structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall mechanism
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 mechanism provides a secure, debris-resistant connection that maintains integrity under harsh wellbore conditions, reducing downtime and equipment failure risks by ensuring the connection remains locked until intentionally released.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first or second components comprising a locking member which is moveable between a first state and a second state, the other of the first or second components comprising means for initially moving the locking member from the first to the second state as the first and second components are initially drawn together and means for returning the locking member to the first state once the first and second components are fully engaged together
Implementation Method 2
the means for moving the locking member from the first to the second state comprises a cam surface on the other of the first or second components
Data Source
AI summary
A connection mechanism (4) comprises first and second components (6, 8) which can be selectively coupled together, one of the first or second components comprises a locking member (25) which is moveable between a first state and a second state, the other of the first or second component comprises means (16) for initially moving the locking member from the first to the second state as the first and second components are initially drawn together and means (19) for returning the locking member to the first state once the first and second components are fully engaged together to prevent disengagement of the first and second components.