Downhole Wireline Gear Channel for Power and Fluid Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole wireline tools face limitations in power efficiency and wear due to the need for multiple functions with limited space, requiring complex gear systems that compromise efficiency and increase wear, especially when handling different rotational speeds and hydraulic fluid distribution.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pericyclic gear, such as a wobbling or nutating bevel gear, which allows for efficient transmission of both electric and hydraulic power through a central channel, reducing rotational speed and minimizing wear while maintaining tool efficiency, and incorporating a vibration-generating unit to enhance drilling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gears are used to change rotational speed for different functions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions by directly coupling different operational tool parts to its shaft, eliminating the need for separate gear systems for each function. The motor shaft itself serves as a universal interface for various tools requiring different rotational speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear transmission system is completely removed from the design. Instead of using gears to modify rotational speed, the patent extracts the speed modification function and replaces it with direct motor-to-tool coupling, reducing mechanical complexity and wear points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic control sections are used for fluid distribution, then operational capability is improved, but device complexity and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex hydraulic control sections are replaced with a simplified direct fluid distribution system. The motor shaft and associated components serve as conduits for fluid distribution, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic control mechanisms and reducing energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tool functionality is expanded to perform multiple operations, then versatility is improved, but wear resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gear systems and hydraulic sections that cause wear are extracted from the design. The patent uses direct motor-to-tool coupling with simplified fluid distribution, removing the intermediate mechanical components that would otherwise be subject to wear from repeated operational cycles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radial and axial dimensions are increased to accommodate more components, then functionality is improved, but tool size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a compact integrated design. The motor shaft serves simultaneously as a rotational drive interface, a fluid distribution conduit, and a structural support element, eliminating the need for separate components that would increase radial and axial dimensions.
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 enhances the downhole wireline tool's ability to perform demanding operations without increasing radial and axial dimensions, improving power efficiency, reducing wear, and enabling effective operation in harder materials by providing efficient power transmission and vibration-assisted drilling.
Implementation Method 1
a pericyclic gear arranged between the electric motor and the operational tool part, the pericyclic gear being driven by the rotatable shaft of the electric motor for rotation of the operational tool part by an output rotatable shaft at a second rotational speed
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor powered by the wireline for rotating a rotatable shaft at a first rotational speed
Implementation Method 3
The downhole wireline tool may also comprise a pump unit driven by the electric motor at a first rotational speed for providing fluid power in the form of pressurised fluid to the operational tool part through the line extending through the channel
Implementation Method 4
incorporating a vibration-generating unit to enhance drilling capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole wireline tool for performing an operation downhole in a well tubular metal structure in a well containing well fluid, the downhole wireline tool having an axial extension and a front face facing away from a top of the well, and the downhole wireline tool comprising a wireline connection unit for connection to a wireline, an electric motor powered by the wireline for rotating a rotatable shaft at a first rotational speed, an operational tool part for performing the operation by means of electricity and/or hydraulic fluid, and a pericyclic gear arranged between the electric motor and the operational tool part, the pericyclic gear being driven by the rotatable shaft of the electric motor for rotation of the operational tool part by an output rotatable shaft at a second rotational speed, wherein the pericyclic gear has a channel through which an electric and/or a fluid line extends to provide electricity and/or fluid power for operating the operational tool part. The invention also relates to a downhole system comprising the downhole wireline tool and a driving unit, such as a downhole tractor, for propelling the downhole system forward in the well.