US 9,169,634 B2 · System and methods for actuating reversibly expandable structures

Abstract

An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A reversibly expandable structure for transferring a force to a body in a wellbore, comprising:

an enclosed mechanical linkage including a plurality of pivotally joined kinematics modules reversibly expandable between expanded and collapsed configurations;
an actuator coupled with at least one of the plurality of pivotally joined kinematics modules, the actuator being configured to provide an actuation force which varies a diameter of the enclosed mechanical linkage and adjusts the at least one of the plurality of pivotally joined kinematics modules between open and closed configurations, adjustment of the at least one pivotally joined kinematics module inducing adjustment of the enclosed mechanical linkage between expanded and collapsed configurations, wherein variation of the diameter of the enclosed mechanical linkage produces a force acting upon the body in the wellbore;
and
wherein the expanded configuration is a hollow closed loop.

1 more element

A method for transferring a force to a body, comprising:

providing an enclosed mechanical linkage including a plurality of pivotally joined kinematics modules, the enclosed mechanical linkage actuatable between collapsed and expanded states;
applying an actuation force to at least one of the plurality of pivotally joined kinematics module, the applied actuation force varying a diameter of the enclosed mechanical linkage;
and
positioning at least a portion of the enclosed mechanical linkage with respect to the body, wherein variation of the diameter of the enclosed mechanical linkage produces a force acting upon the body;
inserting the enclosed mechanical linkage into a wellbore;
and
positioning a sealing body between an external surface of the enclosed mechanical linkage and an adjacent surface of the wellbore, wherein the force acting upon the sealing body urges the sealing body against the adjacent surface of the wellbore for sealing an aperture in the adjacent surface of the wellbore.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and methods for actuating reversibly expandable structures

Life of this patent

System and methods for actuating reversibly expandable structures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23