Inductive Fixture for Sealed Downhole Tool Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tools designed for downhole environments often lack sufficient means for data transfer and battery recharging, as they have sealed, electrically-conductive housings with no exterior electrical connection means, making it difficult to communicate or power them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fixture assembly with a shroud and current transformers that inductively receive or inject current through the tool's housing, allowing for data communication and power transfer without opening the pressure housing, using a shroud to clamp the tool and facilitate electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tools use sealed electrically-conductive housings for downhole protection, then tool reliability and protection from harmful factors are improved, but data communication and power transfer capabilities deteriorate due to lack of exterior electrical connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixture assembly as an intermediary device that couples to the tool's conductive housing. The fixture includes current transformers that inductively couple to the housing, serving as a mediator to transfer data and power signals without penetrating the sealed housing. This allows communication while maintaining the housing's protective seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical connections (contact plugs, wires penetrating the housing) with inductive coupling through current transformers. The fixture uses electromagnetic induction to transfer signals through the conductive housing wall, eliminating the need for physical electrical contact points on the tool itself.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tools use sealed electrically-conductive housings, then protection from harmful factors is improved, but power transfer capability deteriorates due to no exterior electrical connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly acts as an intermediary for power transfer, using current transformers that inductively couple to the tool's conductive housing. Power signals are transferred through electromagnetic induction via the housing wall, eliminating the need for physical power connections while maintaining the sealed protective housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical power connection systems (electrical contacts, plugs) with inductive power transfer through the conductive housing. The current transformers generate electromagnetic fields that induce currents in the housing, which then power the tool internally without external electrical penetration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tools lack exterior electrical connection means, then sealed housing protection is maintained, but adaptability for data communication and power transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly provides multi-functionality by combining data communication and power transfer capabilities in a single external device. The current transformers can handle both signal and power transmission through the conductive housing, making the system adaptable for multiple operations without modifying the tool's sealed housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture serves as a universal intermediary that can interface with any tool having a conductive housing. The inductive coupling mechanism through current transformers provides adaptability for different communication protocols and power requirements while maintaining compatibility with the sealed housing design.
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
Enables bidirectional data communication and power transfer to tools within sealed housings, even when they are not designed for conventional wireline services, by using current transformers to induce currents through the tool's housing, thus addressing the lack of external connection means.
Implementation Method 1
one or more current transformers, which can include current sensors, are coupled to the shroud. Each current transformer is electrically connected to the shroud to inductively receive or inject, through the housing, a current from or into electronics contained within the housing of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for receiving a tool that facilitates communication between a tool and other equipment. The fixture includes a shroud sized to at least partially cover a circumference of a housing of the tool, and one or more current transformers or sensors which are coupled to the shroud. Each current transformer can inductively receive or inject, through the housing, a current from or into electronics contained within the housing of the tool. The induced current can be part of the communication between the tool and the equipment. The communication can be a data communication between the tool and the equipment, a transfer of electrical power from the equipment to the tool, or both. The tool can be a closed cavity without electrical or magnetic interfaces.