Annular Wet Connector Axial Alignment Circumferential Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wet connectors for downhole electrical and signal circuits require rotational alignment and may not ensure continuous contact over 360 degrees, and often include protruding components that can break or be damaged during deployment.

Innovation Solution

A wet connector design featuring circumferential conductive bands on both the male and female components, which are protected by removable sleeves until connection, allowing for axial alignment and continuous contact without rotation, with seals to prevent fluid ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rotational alignment is required for connection, then precise contact alignment can be achieved, but connection complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact alignment precisionVSAvoidconnection operational ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact structure is segmented into multiple circumferential bands distributed around the connector perimeter. Each band independently provides electrical contact, eliminating the need for precise rotational alignment. The male and female connectors each have multiple bands that make contact simultaneously when axially aligned, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-point or single-line contact interface to a distributed circumferential contact interface. By arranging contacts in multiple bands around the circumference rather than requiring rotational alignment of a single contact point, the system achieves both precise contact alignment and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If projecting components are used to ensure contact, then contact reliability can be improved, but mechanical strength and durability decrease due to break-off risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the problematic projecting components from the design and replaces them with circumferential bands that are integrally formed with the connector body. The bands are embedded within the connector structure rather than projecting outward, eliminating the risk of break-off while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the distributed band configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector integrates multiple materials and structures: conductive bands for electrical contact, protective non-conductive coatings for corrosion resistance, and structural support materials. This composite approach ensures both contact reliability and mechanical strength without requiring fragile projecting components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If contacts are exposed during run-in, then connection can be made, but contacts are vulnerable to well fluids and mechanical harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidcontact exposure to well fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses flexible protective coatings or thin film barriers that cover the contact bands during run-in operations. These protective layers prevent exposure to well fluids and mechanical harm while allowing the bands to make electrical contact when the connectors are mated. The protective covering is designed to be present during operation but not interfere with the electrical connection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Ensures reliable and continuous electrical contact over a wide angle without rotational orientation and protects contacts from well fluids and mechanical damage during deployment, providing a more robust and efficient connection.

Implementation Method 1

The bands are preferably cylindrically shaped on their respective supporting connection half to make easy and reliable contact when the connection halves are advanced together without need for rotation to get the desired contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Seals surround the connected contacts after makeup to keep out well fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

The contacts can be covered for run in to protect them from well fluids and mechanical harm during run in and until the connection is made

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Protection:

Data Source

PatentUS7644755B2Annular electrical wet connect

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A connector is made up downhole and can connect electrical signal or power circuits. The male component features one or more circumferential bands on the exterior and the female component features like bands on its interior. The bands are preferably covered with removable sleeves until the connection is made up. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeves push each other out of the way as the connection is made up. The bands are preferably cylindrically shaped on their respective supporting connection half to make easy and reliable contact when the connection halves are advanced together without need for rotation to get the desired contact. Seals surround the connected contacts after makeup to keep out well fluids.