Perforation Gun Connector Assembly for Safe Field Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perforation gun assembly in the field is expensive, non-uniform, and often performed in poor atmospheric conditions due to reliance on assembly by skilled technicians.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic perforating gun system with pre-assembled components, including a conduit, coupler, bulkhead, and connectors, designed for easy assembly in controlled environments, featuring a safe and armed configuration with resiliently coupled electric contacts and alignment mechanisms to ensure safe transportation and quick field deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If perforation guns are assembled in the field by skilled technicians, then assembly can be performed on-site, but the process becomes expensive and non-uniform due to reliance on skilled technicians and poor atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are pre-assembled and pre-configured in a controlled manufacturing environment before field deployment. The first and second portions of the connector are prepared with alignment features and electric contacts already in place, eliminating the need for complex field assembly operations and ensuring uniformity regardless of atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separable first and second portions that can be independently manufactured and then easily coupled together. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized and pre-assembled separately, then combined in the field through a simple coupling operation that requires minimal skill and maintains uniformity
2Ease of operation
If connectors are designed with separable portions for easy assembly, then field deployment is simplified, but safety risks increase during transportation and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion of the connector is designed to be received within a cavity of the first portion when coupled, creating a nested configuration. The alignment groove and protruding alignment feature ensure proper nesting and positioning, while the overall compact nested structure reduces the risk of damage during transportation and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary element between the electric contacts, providing mechanical coupling and electrical connection while accommodating minor misalignments. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable connection without requiring precise manual alignment, reducing safety risks during assembly while maintaining simplicity
3Reliability
If electric contacts are resiliently coupled to allow for misalignment, then connection reliability improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric contacts are resiliently coupled to the connector body, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position to accommodate misalignment between the first and second portions. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable electrical connection without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or increasing overall structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A perforation gun that includes a safety mechanism to prevent detonation of the gun system.