Annular Wet Connect for Orientation-Free Downhole Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet connects in the downhole industry require precise orientation of components for electrical or hydraulic connections, limiting their efficiency and flexibility in downhole environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of an orientationless wet connect system that utilizes an annular connector providing 360-degree connectivity, allowing components to be connected without alignment, featuring a manifold with pressure compensation and insulated conductors for electrical or hydraulic connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wet connects are used, then electrical or hydraulic connections can be made, but precise orientation of components is required which limits efficiency and flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection operationVSAvoidcomponent orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an annular connector geometry that provides 360-degree connectivity, allowing the connector to interface with the mating connector from any angular orientation. This curved/annular design eliminates the need for precise linear alignment, enabling operators to connect components without worrying about exact orientation while maintaining reliable electrical and hydraulic connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If orientationless connection is implemented, then flexibility and efficiency are improved, but connector complexity increases due to annular design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection efficiencyVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single annular connector structure. The connector simultaneously provides electrical connection pathways, hydraulic fluid pathways, and mechanical coupling, all within one unified annular geometry. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms while maintaining connection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular connector is designed to perform multiple functions: establishing electrical contact between conductors, enabling hydraulic fluid flow between manifolds, and providing mechanical support and alignment. This multi-functional design allows a single component to achieve orientationless connection across multiple connection types without requiring additional complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260015915A1Wet connect, method, and system

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A wet connect, including a first component having a first signal conductor, a first connector operably connected to the first signal conductor, a second component having a second signal conductor, and a mating connector operably connected to the second signal conductor. A method for wet connecting components including running a second component into connection with a first component without orienting the second component to the first component. A wellbore system, including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, a wet connect, disposed within or as a part of the string.