Electromagnetic Coupler for Low-Loss Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data transmission in hostile environments, such as oil and gas drilling, face challenges with low data rates and high signal loss due to interference, making it difficult to achieve reliable communication over long distances using conventional telecommunication means.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic coupler with high magnetic permeability materials and conductive windings, designed to have complementary shapes and configurations that allow for low-loss signal transmission over a broad frequency band, reducing the need for repeaters and enhancing data transfer rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional telecommunication means are used in hostile environments, then the system is simple to implement, but the data transmission rate is extremely low and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission medium from electrical signals in conductive wires to electromagnetic signals through magnetic coupling. This parameter change enables reliable data transmission in hostile environments without requiring complex cabled connections, achieving both reliability and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based coupling (cabled connections with physical contacts) with contactless electromagnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates the complexity and reliability issues associated with physical contacts in aggressive environments while maintaining transmission capability
2Productivity
If cabled tubular connections with magnetic induction coupling are used, then the data transmission rate increases to a few kilobits per second, but the losses at each coupling element are high requiring numerous expensive repeaters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic coupling parameters including using high permeability magnetic materials for the annular bodies, configuring windings with specific turn ratios, and controlling the air gap between coupling elements. These parameter changes reduce signal loss to less than 3 dB per coupling element, eliminating the need for repeaters while maintaining high data transmission rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining high permeability magnetic materials (such as ferrite or permalloy) with conductive winding materials. This composite approach enhances the magnetic coupling efficiency and reduces signal losses without requiring additional active components
3Reliability
If contactless couplers are used in aggressive environments, then the reliability improves by eliminating contact wear, but the transmission performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high data transmission rates (hundreds of kilobits to several megabits per second) with contactless coupling by optimizing electromagnetic parameters including magnetic permeability, winding configuration, and coupling distance. This resolves the contradiction by showing that contactless coupling can provide both reliability and high productivity
4Length of stationary object
If repeaters are added to amplify signal level in drill strings, then the transmission distance increases, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves low signal loss (less than 3 dB per coupling element) through optimized magnetic coupling parameters, enabling transmission over long distances without repeaters. This parameter optimization eliminates the need for additional active components, maintaining simple drill string design while extending transmission distance
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
The electromagnetic coupler achieves data transfer rates of several hundred kilobits to several megabits per second with reduced signal loss, improving communication efficiency in aggressive environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coupler comprising a first coupling element for mounting on a first support element and a second coupling element for mounting on a second support element... the first conductive winding and the second conductive winding are respectively positioned in the first body and in the second body such that the respective surfaces of the first conductive winding and the second conductive winding are substantially parallel
Implementation Method 2
a first annular body formed at least in part from a high magnetic permeability material which houses a first conductive winding... a second annular body formed at least in part from a high magnetic permeability material which houses a second conductive winding
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic coupler includes first and second coupling elements for mounting on respective first and second support elements. The first and second coupling elements include respective first and second annular bodies each including a high magnetic permeability material that houses a conductive winding and an open transverse section. The first and second bodies have complementary shapes that when two support elements respectively receiving the first and second coupling elements are coupled, the first and second bodies form a structure enclosing the first and second conductive windings. The first and second conductive windings are respectively positioned in the first and second bodies such that respective surfaces of the first and second conductive windings are substantially parallel when two support elements respectively receiving the first and second coupling elements are coupled.