Wellbore Pipe End Protector With Elastic Ring Auto-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore pipe protection devices are cumbersome to install and remove, and lack an efficient mechanism for secure attachment during transportation and storage, necessitating a simpler and cheaper design with automatic locking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore pipe protection device featuring a circumferential inner recess with a shallowing portion, solid and hollow elastic rings, and a manually operable annular release tool that allows for automatic locking and unlocking, enabling easy installation and secure attachment to the pipe end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a wellbore pipe protection device is designed with a simple structure for easier installation and removal, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the secure attachment capability during transportation and storage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device automatically locks onto the pipe end through elastic rings that engage with the pipe surface when mounted, and automatically locks in place during transportation without requiring additional manual operations. The device serves itself by using the elastic deformation of the rings to provide both mounting assistance and secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic rings change their physical state from a relaxed configuration during manual mounting to a compressed/deformed configuration that provides secure attachment. The parameter change in the elastic ring deformation enables the transition from easy installation to reliable securement without increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a wellbore pipe protection device uses manual operations for installation and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and speed of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rings perform the locking function automatically when the protection device is mounted on the pipe end, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while significantly increasing installation speed.
3Reliability
If a wellbore pipe protection device incorporates an automatic locking mechanism, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rings function as flexible elements that provide automatic locking through their deformable nature. These thin-walled elastic structures engage with the pipe end and maintain secure attachment through elastic memory, achieving reliable locking without complex mechanical mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If a wellbore pipe protection device uses elastic rings for automatic locking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rings are simple flexible components that provide automatic locking functionality. Their elastic properties enable them to deform during mounting and then spring back to secure the protection device, improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity compared to rigid mechanical locking systems.
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 device ensures secure attachment to the wellbore pipe end without manual force, allowing easy installation and removal by activating the release tool, thus providing a simpler and cost-effective protection solution.
Implementation Method 1
the protection device further comprises a solid elastic ring and a hollow elastic ring, each of which is extending around said central axis, and each of which is received in the circumferential inner recess
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore pipe protection device (1) for protecting a wellbore pipe end (2) comprises a circumferential protection wall (3), having a circumferential inner recess (11), which contains a solid elastic ring (15) and a hollow clastic ring (16). In a locked mounted condition of the protection device to a wellbore pipe end, at least part of the solid elastic ring (15) is extending in a shallowing circumferential recess portion (12) of the inner recess (11). The protection device further comprises an annular release tool (17). The invention provides for automatical locking of a manually mounted protection device and at the same time allows for a simple design of a wellbore pipe protection device, so that the protection device can be produced cheaper.