Redundant Adaptable Slip Ring for Downhole Signal Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole drilling operations face challenges in reliably transmitting power and communications across rotationally independent portions of drilling assemblies due to noise, short circuits, and misalignment issues, leading to potential catastrophic loss of signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A redundant and adaptable slip ring interface with dedicated, bi-directional conductor paths and redundant coupling mechanisms, including inductive coupling and electrical capacitance, to ensure continuous transmission of power and communications signals, even in the presence of errors or misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single conductor path is used for power and communications transmission across rotationally independent portions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to noise, short circuits, and misalignment issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconductor path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor paths are segmented into multiple separate pathways (first conductor path, second conductor path, third conductor path) that can be independently configured. Each pathway can be selectively associated with power signals or communications signals, allowing the system to divide the transmission function across multiple redundant paths rather than relying on a single conductor path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements redundant conductor paths and selective association mechanisms that serve as preemptive protective measures. The controllers are configured to monitor the conductor paths and can switch between redundant pathways before complete signal loss occurs, cushioning against the effects of noise, short circuits, or misalignment that might affect any single path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If dedicated conductor paths are assigned for each signal type (power and communications), then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconductor path management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The association between conductor paths and signal types is dynamic rather than fixed. The controllers can selectively associate different conductor paths with power or communications signals based on operational conditions, allowing the system to adapt to misalignment or failure in any single path while maintaining dedicated pathways when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor paths are designed to serve multiple functions. Each conductor path can be selectively associated with either power transmission or communications transmission, allowing the same physical infrastructure to fulfill multiple roles depending on the operational requirements and conditions, thereby reducing the need for entirely separate dedicated pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If redundant coupling mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface reliabilityVSAvoidslip ring interface assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inductive coupling as a non-contact electrical coupling mechanism between the rotationally independent portions. This replaces purely mechanical contact-based coupling with an electromagnetic field-based coupling that inherently provides redundancy and is less susceptible to mechanical wear, misalignment, and contact noise, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution effectively reduces errors and maintains signal integrity by providing redundant pathways and adaptive signal management, ensuring reliable operation even under harsh downhole conditions, such as high temperatures and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

electrical capacitance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10508504B2Redundant, adaptable slip ring

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An example slip-ring interface may include a first section and a second section rotationally independent from the first section. At least one conductor path between the first section and the second section may be selectively associated with and dedicated to the transmission of signals with a first signal type. At least one conductor path between the first section and the second section may be selectively associated with and dedicated to the transmission of signals with a second signal type. If error conditions occur, the signal types associated with one or more of the conductor paths may be changed so that signals of both the first and second signal types are transmitted across the interface.