Electromagnetic Coupler Vibration Isolation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic couplers in oil exploration are prone to breakage due to vibrations and shocks, disrupting data transmission as they are made from fragile high magnetic permeability materials.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic half-coupler with a coupling element made from high magnetic permeability material, housed within an annular armature surrounded by an isolating and impervious material, which provides mechanical isolation and cushioning, ensuring the coupler remains functional even if the armature breaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coupler body is made from high magnetic permeability material to ensure electromagnetic coupling performance, then the electromagnetic coupling effect is improved, but the mechanical strength and resistance to vibrations/shocks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic coupling performanceVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is divided into two distinct parts: a fragile high magnetic permeability body (annular body with conductor) and a robust armature. The armature serves as a protective housing that can withstand mechanical stresses while the body maintains electromagnetic performance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining a high magnetic permeability material (for the body) with a mechanically strong material (for the armature). The body is formed from material with high magnetic permeability to ensure electromagnetic coupling, while the armature provides mechanical strength and protection. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to excel at its intended function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the coupler body is made from high magnetic permeability material to ensure electromagnetic coupling, then the electromagnetic performance is improved, but the resistance to vibrations and shocks worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic coupling performanceVSAvoidresistance to vibrations and shocks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is divided into two distinct parts: a fragile high magnetic permeability body (annular body with conductor) and a robust armature. The armature serves as a protective housing that can withstand mechanical stresses while the body maintains electromagnetic performance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armature is designed beforehand to provide mechanical protection and cushioning for the fragile body. By pre-positioning the body within the protective armature structure, the invention ensures that vibrations and shocks are absorbed by the armature before they can damage the body, maintaining both electromagnetic performance and mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the coupler is designed with a simple open structure for ease of assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the protection against drilling mud infiltration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoiddrilling mud infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a sealing element (gasket or O-ring) made from elastomeric material to create a flexible seal between the armature and the tubular component. This flexible seal prevents drilling mud infiltration while maintaining the simple open structure for ease of assembly. The elastomeric material deforms to ensure complete sealing without complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element acts as an intermediary between the open structure and the requirement for protection against drilling mud. This simple sealing component mediates between the ease of assembly (open structure) and the need for protection, allowing the coupler to be easily assembled while effectively preventing drilling mud infiltration through the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If the coupler components are made robust to withstand well bore conditions, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the ease of replacement during maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidease of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is divided into two distinct parts: a fragile high magnetic permeability body (annular body with conductor) and a robust armature. The armature serves as a protective housing that can withstand mechanical stresses while the body maintains electromagnetic performance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution ensures continuous data transmission by absorbing vibrations and preventing infiltration of drilling mud, allowing for easy replacement and maintaining the electromagnetic coupling effect.

Implementation Method 1

the armature being at least partially surrounded by an isolating and impervious material in order to protect the half-coupler against infiltration, especially the infiltration of drilling mud, in particular the infiltration of salt water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIsolation:

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic half-coupler of the type comprising a coupling element formed at least in part from a material with a high electromagnetic permeability, said coupling element having an annular body with an open cross section defining a housing for at least a portion of an electrical conductor having turns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

By means of the spring-damper, in other words cushioning, vibrations and relative displacements of the tube and of the half-coupler can be at least partially absorbed by the spring during assembly and in operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 4

a coupling element formed at least in part from a material with a high electromagnetic permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic permeability: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2737157B1Electromagnetic coupler

Publication Date: 2020.04.01 BAKER HUGHES CO

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Figure 4~6

AI summary

A tubular component for oil exploration comprises an electromagnetic half-coupler (2) which can be coupled to a half-coupler (2) of another tubular component so as to allow data transmission wherein an end portion of the tubular component comprises a housing accommodating said half-coupler, the half-coupler comprising a coupling element and an annular armature (8) for the coupling element, the coupling element comprising an annular body (4) formed from a material with a high magnetic permeability and an electrical conductor (6) having turns, the armature (8) comprising a first portion (40) and a second portion (42) which are arranged to accommodate said coupling element, the armature being partially surrounded by an isolating and impervious material (54) in order to protect the half-coupler against infiltration.