Downhole Release Device Electrical Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to release downhole devices in a wellbore without disrupting the electrical power supply to remaining devices, leading to potential electrical shorts and deactivation of the entire tool string.
Innovation Solution
A release device that decouples electrical leads from a downhole tool before mechanical decoupling, using a contact block and rotating shaft to maintain electrical connectivity with upstream tools, ensuring electricity flow while allowing mechanical separation from the wellbore fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional syringe or IV pump is used to deliver fluids, then the fluid delivery system is complex and requires manual operation or power sources, but this increases device complexity and reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable pulse generator utilizes the patient's own heartbeat to drive fluid delivery through pressure-sensitive switching mechanisms. The system automatically detects cardiac cycles and triggers bolus deliveries without requiring external power sources or manual operation, making the device self-powered and self-operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single implantable device: the pulse generator serves as both the power source and control unit, the lead system integrates both sensing and delivery functions, and the entire system is powered by the patient's cardiac activity rather than external batteries or motors.
2Productivity
If manual flushing or bolus delivery is performed with traditional systems, then fluid can be delivered, but this requires external equipment and increases the overall system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid delivery function from external equipment and integrates it directly into the implantable pulse generator system. The bolus delivery mechanism is built into the lead system itself, eliminating the need for external syringes, pumps, or flushing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the patient's heartbeat as an intermediary trigger mechanism. The cardiac rhythm serves as the natural timing signal that activates the pressure-sensitive switches, which in turn control the bolus delivery, creating an automatic feedback loop between the heart's natural function and the drug delivery system.
3Extent of automation
If power sources and control circuits are included in implantable devices, then the device can function autonomously, but this increases device size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable pulse generator is powered by the patient's own cardiac activity. The heartbeat-generated pressure changes directly drive the switching mechanisms and trigger bolus deliveries, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or complex electronic control circuits that would otherwise be required for autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic or mechanical power sources with a biologically-driven mechanical system. Instead of using batteries and electronic switches, the system uses hydraulic pressure from the heartbeat to activate pressure-sensitive switches and control fluid delivery, substituting biological energy for artificial power sources.
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
Enables the release of downhole tools while maintaining power to other tools, reducing operational downtime and preventing electrical shorts, allowing for safe and efficient retrieval of the tool string.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensitive switch within the lead that detects a pressure change
Implementation Method 2
the implantable pulse generator may be programmed to deliver an electrical stimulus to the patient's pancreas in an attempt to trigger an endogenous bolus of insulin
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a downhole tool having multiple electric leads. The system also includes a release device that includes an outer shell configured to mechanically couple to the downhole tool, and the outer shell is configured to form a cavity that is fluidly separate from wellbore fluids contained within a wellbore while the outer shell is mechanically coupled to the downhole tool. The release device also includes a contact block configured to electrically couple to the multiple electric leads. In addition, the contact block is configured to electrically decouple from the multiple electric leads while the outer shell remains mechanically coupled to the downhole tool. Further, the contact block is configured to remain in the cavity after electrically decoupling from the plurality of electric leads.