Drill Bit Steering via Contact Element Compliance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional drilling systems require large forces and complex control systems to steer the drill bit, often resulting in high costs and maintenance needs, as they rely on pushing pads or actuators against the borehole wall to direct the drilling trajectory.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes the unsteady motion of the drilling process and interactions between the drilling system and the borehole wall to control the drilling operation, employing a contact element with non-uniform compliance to steer the drill bit by inhibiting side cutting and harnessing random forces, thereby reducing the need for additional power and complex mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pushing pads or actuators are used against the borehole wall to steer the drill bit, then directional control is achieved, but large forces and complex control systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drill bit utilizes its own unsteady motion and random forces during drilling to achieve directional steering, without requiring external pushing pads or complex control systems. The system serves itself by harnessing the inherent dynamics of the drilling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful unsteady motion and random forces that typically cause vibrations and inefficiencies into a beneficial steering mechanism. The chaotic movements are harnessed to naturally guide the drill bit toward the target direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If pushing pads or actuators are used against the borehole wall to steer the drill bit, then directional control is achieved, but high costs and maintenance needs result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drill bit utilizes its own unsteady motion and random forces during drilling to achieve directional steering, without requiring external pushing pads or complex control systems. The system serves itself by harnessing the inherent dynamics of the drilling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex pushing pad systems with a simpler approach that uses the natural dynamics of the drill bit itself, reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If large forces are applied to the borehole wall to steer the drill bit, then directional control is achieved, but power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidpower requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful unsteady motion and random forces that typically cause vibrations and inefficiencies into a beneficial steering mechanism. The chaotic movements are harnessed to naturally guide the drill bit toward the target direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill bit utilizes its own unsteady motion and random forces during drilling to achieve directional steering, without requiring external pushing pads or complex control systems. The system serves itself by harnessing the inherent dynamics of the drilling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8899352B2System and method for drilling

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled.