Electronic Frame for Downhole Coupling Signal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling and completion operations face challenges in reliably transmitting power and communication signals through pipe segments due to signal loss and exposure of electronic components to harsh downhole fluids and conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic frame is designed to house and isolate electronic components within a pressure-sealed and mechanically robust structure, integrated into a coupling assembly of downhole components, using a first frame element with retaining structures and a second frame element permanently joined to form a fluid-tight seal, ensuring reliable signal transmission and protection from downhole conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are exposed in downhole environments, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the components are damaged by downhole fluids and environmental stressors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic frame as an intermediary structure that houses electronic components within a protected environment. The frame includes a body with an internal cavity that contains the electronic components, isolating them from direct contact with downhole fluids while maintaining signal transmission capability through the structured enclosure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic components are sealed in a robust structure, then protection from downhole fluids is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic frame is segmented into distinct functional elements: a body structure with internal cavity, retaining structures for component mounting, sealing elements for fluid isolation, and signal transmission interfaces. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and assembled in a systematic manner, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining protection integrity.
3Reliability
If signal repeaters are used to reduce signal loss, then transmission reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for electronic components, creates a sealed environment for fluid protection, enables signal transmission through its structural design, and accommodates signal repeaters for loss compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each function, thereby managing device complexity while improving transmission reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic frame for use in a downhole component coupling mechanism includes: a first frame element including at least one retaining structure configured to retain an electronic component; and a second frame element configured to be disposed at the first frame element, the second frame element permanently joined to the first frame element to isolate the electronic component from downhole fluids and form the electronic frame, the electronic frame configured to be disposed in a coupling assembly of a first downhole component and a second downhole component and constrained axially by the coupling assembly.