Annular HF Coupler for Drill Stem Signal Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill string couplers experience wear and signal degradation due to mechanical stress, deformation, and interference, leading to unreliable data transmission from downhole measurements to the surface.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-frequency (HF) couplers with a central conductor, supplemental conductor, and dielectric means, where the supplemental conductors form a shielding around the central conductors, and are isolated by insulating supports to absorb deformations and maintain signal integrity under mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional contact couplers are used for data transmission between drill string components, then data transfer can be achieved, but the couplers are subject to wear and cannot guarantee sufficient service life under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact couplers with high-frequency electromagnetic couplers that use electromagnetic fields for signal transmission. The HF coupler includes a central conductor, supplemental conductor, and dielectric means that create an electromagnetic field for data transfer without mechanical contact, eliminating wear on contact surfaces while maintaining reliability under drill string mechanical stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between drill string components for data transmission. The HF coupler uses electromagnetic coupling through the drill string wall rather than direct mechanical contact, allowing signals to pass through the intermediate barrier of the drill string structure without physical contact between mating surfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional couplers are used in drill string components, then connection between components is achieved, but the couplers are sensitive to large deformations including expansion, tension, compression, bending, torsion and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The HF coupler employs a nested structure where the central conductor is surrounded by dielectric means, which is in turn surrounded by the supplemental conductor. This concentric arrangement allows the coupler to accommodate mechanical deformations of the drill string while maintaining the integrity of the electromagnetic field for signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the HF coupler with specific geometric parameters including the ratio of radial thickness to longitudinal thickness of the central conductor (10% to 40%), and the dimensions of the dielectric means and supplemental conductor, optimized to maintain electromagnetic coupling effectiveness under various mechanical stress conditions including tension, compression, and bending
3Loss of information
If simple conductor configuration is used in coupler, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic field confinement and signal quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The HF coupler applies local quality by providing electromagnetic shielding specifically around the central conductor using the supplemental conductor and dielectric means. This localized shielding structure improves signal quality and electromagnetic field confinement at the critical coupling interface without unnecessarily complicating the overall coupler design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with a central conductor made of conductive material, surrounded by dielectric means (insulating material), and further surrounded by a supplemental conductor. This composite structure of different materials provides both electromagnetic field confinement for signal quality and mechanical flexibility to accommodate drill string deformations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances data transmission quality and reliability by reducing wear and interference, ensuring consistent signal transmission even under high mechanical stress and deformation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric means, the dielectric means being annular and disposed between said central and supplemental conductors, said central and supplemental conductors being isolated from each other
Implementation Method 2
The supplemental conductors surround the central conductors. In the mounted state, the supplemental conductors form a shielding for the central conductors
Implementation Method 3
The central conductors of the first and second couplers are in electrical contact, in the coupled state
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of contact or capacitive HF couplers for drill stem components. Each of the first and second couplers includes a central conductor, a supplemental conductor, and an annular dielectric mechanism. The dielectric mechanism is disposed between the conductors. The conductors are isolated from each other. The supplemental conductor includes two electrical contact surfaces. The central conductor includes an electrical contact surface or electrode such that the couplers are capacitive. The central conductors of the first and second couplers interact electrically in the coupled state. The supplemental conductors of the first and second couplers are in electrical contact in the coupled state. The supplemental conductors surround the central conductors. In the mounted state, the supplemental conductors form a shielding for the central conductors.