Removable Central Storage Unit for MWD Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil drilling systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably collecting and storing large amounts of sensor data from Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) instruments, as traditional methods are time-consuming and prone to data loss due to hardware failures or damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drill string with a bottom hole assembly that includes a central storage unit (CSU) for MWD data, featuring a removable SD card array for secure data storage, which is not mounted directly to the master board, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for easy data transfer without relying on the master board's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external flash memory is soldered to the master board for data storage, then data storage capacity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the master board, external storage, or communication bus may be damaged or fail completely causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the storage function from the control function by creating an independent storage board with its own microcontroller unit (MCU) and flash memory. This storage board is connected to sensor boards through an internal bus, allowing data to be stored and retrieved independently of the master board's status, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining storage capacity.
2Loss of information
If sensor data is downloaded from external flash memory through specific communication protocols and commands, then data retrieval is achieved, but productivity deteriorates because the downloading process is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the storage and data management functions from the master board system and places them on a separate storage board. This board can be directly accessed through the internal bus without requiring complex communication protocols and commands through the master board, significantly reducing data retrieval time and improving productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If external storage is mounted on the master board by soldering, then connection stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates because damaged components cannot be easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage board is designed with dynamic connectivity - it connects to the internal bus through removable connectors rather than permanent soldering. This allows the storage board to be easily detached and replaced when damaged, while maintaining stable electrical connections during operation, thus resolving both connection stability and ease of repair requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for collecting and storing sensor data for an oil drilling system is disclosed. The apparatus for collecting and storing sensor data may include a drill string including a bottom whole assembly which includes a drill bit and a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) assembly; a master board including a master board micro controller unit (MCU) in the MWD assembly; a plurality of sensor boards to sense and collect sensor data; a removable central storage unit, including a central storage unit MCU in the MWD assembly, to store sensor data collected by the plurality of sensor boards; and an internal bus coupled to the master board, the plurality of sensor boards, and the removable central storage unit to carry sensor data from the plurality of sensor boards to the removable central storage unit for storage by the removable central storage unit.