Resilient Component Holder for Downhole PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for holding rigid components in downhole bore assemblies require extensive modification and use of metallic enclosures, leading to electrical isolation issues, high costs, and complex orientation challenges due to the need for extensive milling and customization.
Innovation Solution
A component mounting apparatus featuring parallel spaced component holders with a resilient support that can flex to grip rigid components, formed from electrically insulating materials, allowing for flexible orientation and connection of multiple components without the need for extensive modification or milling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metallic enclosures with extensive milling are used to hold rigid components, then the components can be securely mounted, but electrical isolation becomes problematic and fabrication time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting function from the enclosure itself and creates a separate non-conductive component holder apparatus. This holder is removed from the metallic enclosure context, eliminating the electrical isolation problem while maintaining secure component mounting through dedicated holder structures with receptacles and retainers
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive component holder acts as an intermediary between the metallic enclosure and the rigid components (circuit boards, sensors, electronics). This mediator provides secure mounting while electrically isolating the components from the conductive enclosure, solving both mounting reliability and electrical isolation issues simultaneously
2Reliability
If extensive milling and modification of enclosures is performed to mount components, then components can be held in situ, but fabrication time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The component holder apparatus is pre-fabricated with integrated receptacles and retainers designed to hold specific rigid components. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site milling and modification of enclosures, as the holder is ready to receive components in a pre-configured state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, less expensive holder materials and structures compared to extensively modified metallic enclosures. The holder is designed as a separate, replaceable component rather than a permanently modified enclosure, reducing fabrication complexity and time
3Adaptability or versatility
If metallic enclosures are customized with extensive milling, then components can be mounted, but the orientation of racks becomes difficult to discern visually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual orientation indicators (such as colored markings or visual cues) on the non-conductive component holder apparatus. These indicators make the orientation and positioning of mounted components easily discernible, solving the problem of visual detection while maintaining customization flexibility
4Ease of manufacture
If racks are disposed one after another in linear fashion, then components can be mounted sequentially, but the enclosure length must be at least as long as the total length of all circuit boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear sequential mounting to a multi-dimensional arrangement where component holders can be positioned at different orientations and locations on the enclosure surface. This dimensional change allows compact packaging of multiple components without requiring the enclosure length to equal the total length of all circuit boards
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 apparatus provides a cost-effective and efficient means to securely hold rigid components in downhole applications, eliminating the need for extensive modification and ensuring electrical isolation while allowing for flexible orientation and easy assembly of multiple components.
Implementation Method 1
The first support may have a resilient portion operable to flex to permit the first and second component holders to be moved laterally relative to each other to receive and grip the rigid component between the first and second component holders
Data Source
AI summary
A component mounting apparatus for holding a rigid component in a downhole bore or a downhole collar based application includes a first body including first and second parallel spaced apart component holders disposed in a first common plane and a first support connecting the component holders together. The first and second parallel spaced apart component holders are operable to receive and grip a rigid component between the first and second parallel spaced apart component holders. Various component mounting assemblies and configurations may be realized using the component mounting apparatus described. The component mounting apparatus and various mounting assemblies may be used to mount a printed circuit board in a cylindrical enclosure or tubular housing, for example.