Magnetic Switch Arrangement for Sealed Downhole Power Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In downhole environments, electric devices require power, but existing methods of sealing them either lead to environmental leaks or reduced useful life due to battery power bleed, and there is a need for a solution that avoids these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic switching arrangement with a first and second contact, at least one of which includes a magnetically responsive material, a biaser to maintain or break electrical connection based on the presence or absence of an external magnetic field, and a disconnector that prevents or allows circuit formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric devices are sealed at the factory with power connected, then environmental integrity is maintained, but device useful life is reduced due to battery power bleed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is prepared in advance with power connected and sealed at the factory, but a magnetic disconnector is pre-installed to prevent power bleed. The preliminary action of sealing maintains environmental integrity, while the pre-positioned magnetic disconnector ensures the circuit remains open until needed, eliminating power waste during storage or transport.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electric devices are opened after factory seal to connect power, then device useful life is extended, but environmental integrity is compromised leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening seals with a magnetic field-based switching mechanism. Instead of physically breaking the factory seal to connect power, a magnetic disconnector is actuated remotely to open or close the circuit, maintaining the sealed environment while enabling power connection when needed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a magnetic disconnector is used to maintain contacts spaced apart, then power bleed is prevented extending device life, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic disconnector acts as an intermediary element between the power source and the electrical contacts. This magnetic component mediates the connection state without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional control systems, achieving circuit control through simple magnetic field interaction that adds minimal complexity.
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 the connection or disconnection of power to electric devices without disassembly, maintaining environmental integrity and extending device life by using a magnetic field to control contact engagement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first and second contacts including a material that is responsive to an applied magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic switching arrangement including a first contact, a second contact, at least one of the first and second contacts including a magnetically responsive material, a biaser operably connected to one of the first and second contacts and biasing the one of the first and second contact into electrical connection with the other of the first and second contacts such that a closed circuit is achieved in the absence of an external force preventing closure of the first and second contacts, and a disconnector maintaining the first and second contacts spaced from one another, preventing formation of a circuit. A method for operating a tool including applying or removing a magnetic field configuration and causing a first and second contact within the tool to make electrical contact. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, and disposed in the borehole.