Downhole Guiding Tool Ball-and-Socket Joint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools for guiding devices into side tracks of boreholes are complex, hinder wire movement, and restrict the placement of assisting tools due to multiple power sources and limited directional movement, making it difficult to position tools close to the tip and integrate logging equipment.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a simplified design featuring a tool housing connected to an energy source, a guiding nose, and a joint allowing revolving and pivoting motion, enabling movement in three planes (X, Y, and Z) within a single joint, which includes a ball and socket mechanism to prevent wire twisting and allow for the placement of logging tools near the tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving joints (rotation joint and hinge) are used to enable device movement, then the device can change direction and enter side tracks, but the device complexity increases and wires cannot be moved past the joints without twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation joint and hinge into a single integrated joint that provides both revolving motion around the tool axis and pivoting motion out of axial alignment. This merging eliminates the need for separate joints, reducing complexity while maintaining the full range of motion required for entering side tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The single joint is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables rotation around the tool axis, provides pivoting motion for lateral displacement, and allows wire passage without twisting. This multi-functional joint replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized joints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are incorporated to drive different movements, then the device can achieve complex motion, but the device complexity and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both motion control functions into a single power source that can drive the joint to achieve both rotation and pivoting movements. This eliminates the need for separate power sources for each degree of freedom, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If helping tools are placed before the first joint, then they can be powered, but they cannot be placed close to the tip of the guiding device due to the large distance required before reaching the joint
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing helping tools before the joint (as in conventional designs), the patent enables helping tools to be placed after the joint, closer to the tip of the guiding device. The joint's design allows power transmission through it, inverting the traditional arrangement and enabling tools to be positioned at the very tip for enhanced operational capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a guiding device with multiple joints is used, then directional movement is achieved, but the construction becomes more fragile and wire transport becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple joints into a single robust joint structure, the patent reduces the number of connection points that could fail, thereby improving reliability. The integrated design maintains all necessary directional movement capabilities while creating a stronger, less fragile construction suitable for wire transport.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole tool for guiding a device into a side track of a borehole, the tool having a tool axis and comprising a tool housing connected to an energy source. The invention further relates to a method for moving the downhole tool into a side track.