Automated Tool String Assembly With Integrated Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Assembling a tool string for hydrocarbon extraction is a dangerous and time-consuming operation that can result in accidents and damage to the tool strings during storage.

Innovation Solution

A system for automated assembly of a tool string, comprising a pod with a magazine, tool string assembler, conveyor, ramp, and ejector sled, which automates the assembly and storage process, ensuring safety and protection from environmental damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual assembly of tool string is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but safety risks and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the tool string assembly process is performed automatically by the system components (conveyor, assembler, magazine) without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual assembly of tool string is performed, then adaptability is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system enables continuous movement of tool string components through the assembly area, eliminating idle time between operations. The automated assembler continuously couples components without interruption, and the magazine continuously supplies parts, maintaining constant productive action throughout the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Components are pre-positioned in the magazine and conveyor system before assembly begins. The conveyor is pre-configured with the correct sequence and positioning for each component, allowing the assembly process to start immediately without time-consuming setup or adjustment during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If tool strings are stored externally, then accessibility is improved, but risk of damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidstorage system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage function is merged with the assembly system by integrating the magazine and conveyor into a single unified unit. Completed tool strings are stored on the conveyor itself, combining storage and assembly functions in one location, which protects the tool strings while maintaining system compactness and reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250277432A1System for automated assembly of a tool string

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 DYNAENERGETICS EURO GMBH

AI summary

A system for automated assembly of a tool string may include a pod defining a pod interior, a magazine provided in the pod interior and configured to hold a plurality of perforating guns, a tool string assembler provided in the pod interior and configured to receive the perforating gun and couple the perforating gun to a mid-assembly tool string, a conveyor provided in the pod interior and configured to movably support the mid-assembly tool string, a ramp provided in the pod interior and configured to receive and store a completed tool string from the conveyor, and an ejector sled provided in the pod interior and configured to eject the completed tool string through a tool string ejection port to an exterior of the pod.