Abstract: A downhole tool component may be deployed in a wellbore such that a flexible portion of the tool component is constrained to a first range of motion. By applying a force to the flexible portion, a flexible carrier material applied around the flexible portion of the tool component may be compressed and collapsible objects carried by the carrier material to be collapsed to permit the flexible portion to move through a second range of motion greater than the first range of motion. Cement in the wellbore may constrain movement of the flexible portion, and an elastomeric sheet may be compressed, and glass spheres carried by the elastomeric sheet may be crushed to create voids through which the flexible portion may move. Closure of a barrier valve may be effected by the operation of an actuator assembly that relies on movement of the flexible portion through the second range of motion.

Abstract: A downhole tool component may be deployed in a wellbore such that a flexible portion of the tool component is constrained to a first range of motion. By applying a force to the flexible portion, a flexible carrier material applied around the flexible portion of the tool component may be compressed and collapsible objects carried by the carrier material to be collapsed to permit the flexible portion to move through a second range of motion greater than the first range of motion. Cement in the wellbore may constrain movement of the flexible portion, and an elastomeric sheet may be compressed, and glass spheres carried by the elastomeric sheet may be crushed to create voids through which the flexible portion may move. Closure of a barrier valve may be effected by the operation of an actuator assembly that relies on movement of the flexible portion through the second range of motion.