Downhole Robot Wireless Latch for Sealed Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole robots face challenges in managing power consumption due to limited volume and weight available for power storage, necessitating strict control over power usage for activities like measurement, propulsion, and data communication.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a downhole robot with a housing containing a power source and a resettable latch that allows for the wireless control of electrical power flow to the robot's equipment, enabling power management without opening the pressure vessel or using a wired connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If untethered robots use internal power sources (battery, fuel cell, supercapacitor), then the robot achieves autonomy and mobility, but the limited volume and weight available for power storage results in tight energy budgets that require strict control over power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveautonomyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a wireless power management infrastructure comprising external power sources, control circuits, and electromagnetic communication systems positioned around the operational area. This preliminary setup enables non-contact power transfer and control before the robot begins operation, allowing dynamic power management without compromising autonomy or requiring heavy onboard power storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If traditional wired connections or pressure vessel opening methods are used to control power, then power management can be achieved, but the robot requires physical access and connection points that compromise the sealed design and operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower controlVSAvoidconnection requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical wired connections and physical access methods with wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer and control systems. External control circuits generate electromagnetic signals that penetrate the sealed pressure vessel to activate internal power management components, eliminating the need for physical connection points, cables, or opening the pressure vessel during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the pressure vessel remains sealed to protect internal components, then the robot maintains structural integrity and environmental protection, but conventional power control methods require opening the vessel or penetrating connections that compromise the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure vessel integrityVSAvoidpower management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium that can penetrate the sealed pressure vessel wall to transmit power and control signals. External power sources and control circuits act as intermediaries that interface with internal robot components through the vessel wall without compromising its seal, enabling power management while maintaining structural integrity and environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for efficient management of power consumption in downhole robots, enabling the robot to operate effectively without the need for a wired connection or opening the pressure vessel, thus enhancing its operational capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a resettable latch disposed inside the housing. The power source is coupled by a current flow path to provide electrical current to power to the electrically-powered equipment. The resettable latch is configured to either interrupt flow of electrical along the current flow path or allow current to flow along the current flow path in response to a signal that wirelessly penetrates the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic penetration: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250118958A1Managing power consumption in a downhole robot

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 ARAMCO SERVICES CO

AI summary

In one implementation, a downhole robot includes a housing, electrically-powered equipment configured to perform operations of the downhole robot, a power source disposed inside the housing, the power source coupled by a current flow path to provide electrical current to power to the electrically-powered equipment, and a resettable latch disposed inside the housing. The resettable latch is configured to either interrupt flow of electrical along the current flow path or allow current to flow along the current flow path in response to a signal that wirelessly penetrates the housing.