Automated locking joint in a welbore tool string

摘要

An automated locking joint can include a first member, a second member, a joint, a locking structure, and a positioning device. The joint can connect the first member with the second member. The second member can be pivotable about the joint relative to the first member. The locking structure can be positionable between a lock position that prevents pivoting of the second member about the joint and an unlock position that allows pivoting of the second member about the joint. The positioning device can automatically move the locking structure from the lock position to the unlock position or from the unlock position to the lock position.

主权项

1. An automated locking joint, comprising:
a first member; a second member; a joint that connects the first member with the second member, the second member pivotable about the joint relative to the first member between an aligned position in which the first member and second member are axially aligned and a pivoted position in which the second member is positioned pivoted away from the aligned position; and a locking structure automatically positionable between a lock position and an unlock position with respect to the joint based, at least in part, on a change in a pressure condition, the lock position preventing pivoting of the second member about the joint from the aligned position to the pivoted position and the unlock position allowing pivoting of the second member about the joint, the second member being pivotable to the aligned position while the locking structure remains in the unlocked position; wherein at least one of the first member or the second member is configured for operable coupling with a downhole assembly for facilitating operation of the downhole assembly.