Cable-Driven Cartridge Adapter for Downhole Tool Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The insertion and extraction of electronics cartridges in downhole tools, such as logging tools, require substantial force due to compressed elastomer shock absorbers, leading to the need for large and expensive tooling that is often specific to each application.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an insertion tool with a frame, cartridge adapter, and cable system that facilitates the insertion and extraction of electronics cartridges into a corresponding housing, utilizing a cable winch to apply axial forces and allowing for rerouting of the cable for extraction, enabling efficient and adaptable operation across various tool sizes and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional insertion tools are used to overcome the substantial insertion force from elastomer shock absorbers, then the insertion operation can be completed, but the tooling becomes very large, expensive, and tool-specific

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidtooling size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion tool is divided into separate functional modules: a frame structure, a cable system with independent tensioning capability, and a cartridge adapter. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the tool to handle substantial insertion forces without requiring a monolithic, oversized device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge adapter is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate different cartridge configurations and shock absorber geometries. The cable system can be rerouted for both insertion and extraction operations, making the tool multi-functional and reducing the need for multiple specialized tools, thereby decreasing overall tooling cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If elastomer shock absorbers are used to cushion the electronics cartridge, then shock protection is improved, but the insertion and extraction forces become substantial requiring large tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock protectionVSAvoidinsertion and extraction force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge adapter serves as an intermediary between the cable system and the electronics cartridge. It provides a mechanical interface that translates the linear cable tension into the axial force needed to compress the elastomer shock absorbers during insertion, and to extract the cartridge during removal. This intermediary mechanism allows precise force application without requiring oversized tooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical insertion mechanisms with a cable-driven system. The cable system, when tensioned, creates the necessary axial force to overcome the elastomer shock absorber resistance. This substitution of mechanical leverage with cable tension allows for a more compact and lighter tool design while maintaining the ability to handle substantial insertion forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides a space-efficient and easy-to-use solution for inserting and extracting electronics cartridges, reducing the need for large and expensive tooling while accommodating different sizes and applications, thereby simplifying the process and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The electronics cartridge may use elastomer shock absorbers that are compressed when the electronics cartridge is inserted into the steel housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When a cable of the cable system is pulled by, for example, a cable winch, the cartridge adapter is moved in a direction which forces the insertion of the electronics cartridge into the corresponding cartridge housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10377609B2System and methodology for electronic cartridge insertion and/or extraction

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates the insertion and/or extraction of an electronics cartridge with respect to a corresponding cartridge housing which may be used in a downhole tool, such as a logging tool. An insertion tool comprises a frame to which the cartridge housing may be coupled to enable insertion of a corresponding electronics cartridge. The insertion tool comprises a cartridge adapter which may be selectively engaged with the electronics cartridge. Additionally, the insertion tool comprises a cable system which may be mounted on the frame and coupled with the cartridge adapter. When a cable of the cable system is pulled by, for example, a cable winch, the cartridge adapter is moved in a direction which forces the insertion of the electronics cartridge into the corresponding cartridge housing. In some embodiments, the cable may be rerouted in the cable system to enable extraction of the electronics cartridge from the cartridge housing.