Downhole Sensor Recess Mounting With Force-Transfer Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole sensor systems for earth-boring operations face challenges in securely and effectively mounting sensors on earth-boring tools, which can lead to inaccurate data collection due to external forces and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole sensor apparatus is designed with a structure, electronics package, cradle, cap, and ring, where the structure is inserted into a recess in the earth-boring tool, the cradle holds a battery, the cap secures the structure, and the ring transfers force from the cap to the structure, ensuring it is securely fastened within the recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor apparatus is securely mounted to the earth-boring tool, then the reliability of data collection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is nested within a recess in the earth-boring tool, with the cradle structure fitting inside the recess and the cap securing it from the outside. This nesting approach provides secure mounting while integrating the components into the existing tool structure, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring acts as an intermediary component between the cap and the sensor apparatus structure. It transfers and distributes the securing force from the cap to the structure, ensuring reliable mounting while simplifying the force distribution mechanism compared to direct cap-to-structure contact.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor apparatus is securely fastened within the recess, then the measurement precision is improved by reducing vibrations, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is positioned at a specific location between the cap and structure to concentrate and distribute forces locally. This localized force distribution reduces vibrations at the sensor mounting point, improving measurement precision without requiring high manufacturing precision across the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring serves as a cushioning element that anticipates and mitigates the impact of vibrations and external forces before they reach the sensor apparatus. By providing this protective interface in advance, the system reduces vibration transmission without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cap secures the structure within the recess, then the stability of the sensor apparatus is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: the recess in the earth-boring tool, the cradle structure, the ring, and the cap. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and prepared separately, then assembled in a straightforward sequence, improving ease of operation while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle structure is prepared in advance with features that facilitate insertion into the recess, and the ring is positioned beforehand to receive the cap. This preliminary preparation of components simplifies the final assembly operation, maintaining stability while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole sensor apparatus including a structure and an electronics package. The structure and the electronics package configured to be inserted into a recess in an earth-boring tool on a drill string. The downhole sensor apparatus may include a cradle extending away from a first surface of the structure. The cradle is configured to at least partially receive a battery therein. The downhole sensor apparatus includes a cap configured to engage with the earth-boring tool and secure the structure within the recess. The downhole sensor apparatus also may include a ring disposed between the structure and the cap. The ring is configured to transfer a force from the cap to the structure, forcing a second surface of the structure against a bottom surface of the recess. An earth-boring tool comprising a recess in the earth-boring tool configured to receive a downhole sensor apparatus. A method securing a downhole sensor apparatus to an earth-boring tool.