Downhole Cable Anchoring Assembly with Deformable Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring systems for downhole tools often cause thinning of insulation layers when securing fiber optic cables, which can lead to electrical shorts due to crimping, and fail to independently secure the inner metal tube and electrical conductor without restricting their movement.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring assembly comprising a head and tail with non-conductive throughbores and a deformable inner anchor that secures a hybrid cable with optical fibers and electrical conductors without crimping the outer metal tube, allowing independent movement of the inner components and preventing shorts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crimping anchoring systems are used to secure fiber optic cables, then the cable is anchored to the downhole tool, but the insulation layer is thinned and electrical shorts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive anchor as an intermediary component between the cable and the downhole tool. This anchor secures the cable without direct metal-to-metal contact, preventing the crimping action that causes insulation thinning and subsequent electrical shorts, thereby maintaining insulation integrity while achieving reliable anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the conductive material from the anchoring mechanism itself, separating the anchoring function from the electrical connection function. By using a non-conductive anchor for securing the cable and relying on dedicated electrical contacts for power and data transmission, the system eliminates the harmful interaction between anchoring pressure and insulation layers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer metal tube is crimped to anchor the cable, then the cable is secured, but the inner components cannot move independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anchoring function from the cable structure by using a separate non-conductive anchor component. This anchor independently secures the outer metal tube while allowing the inner components (optical fibers and electrical conductors) to move freely within their respective spaces, as the anchoring action is isolated to the outer tube and does not transmit constraining forces to the inner components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single cable structure is used for both optical fibers and electrical conductors, then communication and power are integrated, but the components restrict each other's movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing separate anchoring spaces and pathways for optical fibers and electrical conductors within the hybrid cable structure. The non-conductive anchor secures the outer metal tube without transmitting constraining forces to the inner components, allowing each component type to move independently within its designated space, thus maintaining both hybrid functionality and component movement freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring assembly for securing a cable having both an optical fiber and an electrical conductor in order to provide a conductive pathway to a downhole tool. The anchoring assembly has a head and tail each having a throughbore with anchor receiving portions. An anchor with a deformable portion maybe inserted into the anchor receiving portions and the head and tail drawn together about the anchor. The anchor receiving portions have a narrowing diameter, which, upon abutment with the anchor causes the deformable portion of the anchor to deflect inward and secure a cable inserted therein. A conductive body is provided in the head or tail for coupling with the cable and providing a conductive pathway to a downhole tool.