Patent attributes
A compliant keyway for an electric submersible pump (ESP) bearing sleeve is described. A compliant keyway system for an ESP bearing sleeve includes the ESP bearing sleeve coupled to an ESP shaft by an elongate key such that the ESP bearing sleeve is rotatable with the ESP shaft, the ESP bearing sleeve inward of a non-rotatable bushing, the elongate key seated on a first elongate side within a shaft keyway extending longitudinally along the ESP shaft, and the elongate key seated on a second elongate side within a sleeve keyway, an inner diameter of the ESP bearing sleeve including the sleeve keyway extending along a length of the bearing sleeve, the sleeve keyway including a keyway means for compliance with deflection of the elongate key seated within the sleeve keyway, and the elongate key transferring torque between the ESP shaft and the ESP bearing sleeve.