Variable stiffness downhole tool housing
US9631476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V1/523
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Various systems and methods for implementing and using a variable stiffness downhole tool housing include cylindrical segments positioned along a common axis, with a pair of segments each coupled to a bulkhead and positioned at either axial end of the tool housing. The housing also includes a flexible cylindrical sleeve, positioned along the common axis between two of the plurality of cylindrical segments, that includes a first and second region with an outer diameter no larger than a common segment inner diameter and a third region located between the first and second regions and with an outer diameter no larger than a common segment outer diameter (the first and second regions each at least partially inserted into an end of one segment). A stiffness controller controls the stiffness of the tool housing by controlling at least part of an axial force exerted between the two segments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.