Expandable structure for deployment in a well
First Claim
1. An expandable structure for deployment in a well, the structure comprisinga plurality of pivotally jointed linked modules configured for dynamically defining an outer diameter of the structure based on an inner diameter of the well upon deployment, andone of a compliant material layer and a plurality of structural compliant members disposed about the plurality of linked modules to interface a wall of the well upon the deployment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An expandable structure for passive deployment in a well. The structure may be locked in a position determined by the inner dimensions of the well in which it is deployed. Practical uses for the structure may include production tubing or a host of other devices for affixing downhole with a final diameter as determined by the inner diameter of the well. Additionally, the structure may be configured for advancement to a targeted well location while in a collapsed state. Thus, upon deployment, subsequent structures may be advanced through the expanded/deployed structure. As such, affixed structures may be deployed downhole in both top-down and bottom-up fashions without concern over a prior deployed structure obstructing subsequent structure deployment downhole thereof.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An expandable structure for deployment in a well, the structure comprising
a plurality of pivotally jointed linked modules configured for dynamically defining an outer diameter of the structure based on an inner diameter of the well upon deployment, and one of a compliant material layer and a plurality of structural compliant members disposed about the plurality of linked modules to interface a wall of the well upon the deployment.
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20. An expandable structure comprising:
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a plurality of linked modules configured to transition the structure between a collapsed state for mobility and an expanded state for deployment in a well, wherein a module of the plurality comprises a forward member jointed to a rearward member about a central pivot and wherein the forward member of each of the modules is linked to a rearward member of an adjacent module through an outer abutting pivot and wherein an arm of each forward member of each of the modules is linked to an arm of each rearward member of an adjacent module through an inner arm pivot; and at least one locking mechanism of the module to ensure maintenance of at least a minimum state of expansion for the structure upon the deployment. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method of deploying an expandable structure in a well, the method comprising:
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advancing the structure in a collapsed state to a location in the well; passively expanding a plurality of pivotally jointed linked modules for transitioning of the structure to an expanded state at the location, a level of expansion for the expanded state defined by the well thereat; and performing at least one wellbore operation, wherein the expandable structure enables performing the wellbore operation in a top-down operation or a bottom-up operation. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification