Detonator Positioning Device for Perforating Gun Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of perforating gun assemblies is complicated by the need for manual, physical connection of multiple wires to a wired detonator, which can lead to errors, safety issues, and damage to the wires.
Innovation Solution
A detonator positioning device that allows for the placement of a wireless detonator with a single wire connection within a perforating gun assembly, eliminating the need for manual wiring and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiring connection is used for detonator assembly, then electrical connection can be established, but assembly complexity increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manual wiring operation from the assembly process by introducing a pre-assembled detonator unit that comes with wires already connected. This removes the hazardous and complex manual wiring step from the field assembly process, while maintaining electrical connectivity through the pre-established connections within the protected detonator housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring and electrical connections are performed in advance during detonator manufacturing, before the detonator reaches the field. The detonator unit is pre-assembled with all electrical connections tested and secured, so that during gun assembly, operators simply insert the complete unit without needing to perform complex wiring operations.
2Reliability
If manual wire connection is performed during assembly, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but wire damage and connection errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a complete detonator unit that includes the detonator, housing, and all electrical connections as one integrated component. This segmentation allows the complex wiring work to be done in a controlled manufacturing environment rather than during field assembly, improving both connection reliability and assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The detonator housing acts as an intermediary that protects and pre-organizes all electrical connections. Instead of connecting wires directly during assembly, the housing provides a structured interface with pre-established connections, reducing the risk of wire damage and connection errors.
3Reliability
If wired detonator with multiple wires is used, then electrical signal transmission is enabled, but assembly time and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wires and their connections are merged into a single integrated detonator unit. Instead of handling multiple separate wire connections during assembly, the unit combines all electrical pathways within its housing, allowing operators to install one component rather than assemble multiple electrical connections, thereby improving assembly speed while maintaining signal transmission reliability.
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 solution simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for manual wire connection, reducing the risk of errors and safety hazards, and ensuring reliable electrical contact through spring-contact connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-contact, electrically contactable line-in portion adapted for electrically contacting a contact-initiating pin
Data Source
AI summary
A detonator positioning device for use with a detonator in a perforating gun assembly is described. The detonator positioning device is configured for electrically contactably forming an electrical connection within the perforating gun housing by contact. The detonator positioning device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The central bore is adapted for receiving one or more electrically contactable components of a detonator. The detonator positioning device aligns at least one of the one or more electrically contactable components to form an electrical connection with a bulkhead assembly.