Communicative Coupler Pivot Shaft Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas production industry faces inefficiencies in drilling operations due to the need for lengthy processes when coupling or decoupling drill pipe tubulars, which can disrupt the integrity of electromagnetic connections between communicative couplers and wired drill pipe, leading to increased nonproductive time and potential damage during relative movement.
Innovation Solution
A communicative coupler design featuring a hub with a coil for electromagnetic communication, a pivotally coupled shaft with a ball joint, and a connector assembly that allows for angular and lateral misalignment, ensuring a reliable connection between the coupler and tubular members, even during movement, through a mechanical connector that restricts or permits relative movement based on orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communicative coupler uses a fixed rigid connection to maintain electromagnetic connection integrity, then connection reliability is improved, but the device cannot accommodate relative movement between the WDP and elev ator, causing operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed rigid connection with a dynamic positioning assembly that includes a shaft pivotally coupled to the hub and a positioning member that can laterally offset. This allows the communicative coupler to adapt to relative movement between the WDP and elevator while maintaining electromagnetic connection integrity through flexible positioning capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the communicative coupler allows lateral offset of the shaft from the hub axis to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly dynamically adjusts the shaft position laterally from the hub axis to accommodate misalignment during WDP movement, while the pivotally coupled connection maintains stability by allowing controlled movement within defined parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary between the hub and shaft, mediating the relationship by providing lateral offset capability while maintaining the electromagnetic connection. This intermediary component absorbs the misalignment stresses and prevents direct transmission of instability to the connection.
3Reliability
If lengthy processes are used for coupling or decoupling drill pipe tubulars to ensure proper alignment, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased nonproductive time
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for lengthy alignment processes during coupling or decoupling operations. The shaft can laterally offset to accommodate misalignment automatically, reducing the time required for these operations while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assembly provides self-alignment capabilities through its lateral offset mechanism, allowing the system to automatically compensate for misalignment without requiring extended manual intervention or complex alignment procedures, thereby improving productivity.
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 solution enables efficient and reliable electromagnetic communication between the coupler and tubular members, reducing nonproductive time and maintaining connection integrity during drilling operations, even when the tubulars are misaligned or moving, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
a coil disposed in the hub for electromagnetically communicating with a coil of the tubular member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A communicative coupler for a tubular member including a hub having a longitudinal hub axis and a chamber disposed therein, a coil disposed in the hub for electromagnetically communicating with a coil of the tubular member, a shaft having a longitudinal shaft axis, a first end, and a second end, wherein the second end of the shaft is pivotally coupled to the hub, and a positioning assembly disposed in the chamber of the hub that engages the second end of the shaft, and wherein the positioning assembly is configured to allow the longitudinal shaft axis to become laterally offset from the longitudinal hub axis.