Resilient Inductive Coupler Conductor for Stable Drill String Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transmitting data along a drill string face challenges in retaining transmission lines within drill string components, including movement, interference with tools and debris, and the need for expensive equipment and trained personnel for installation.
Innovation Solution
A resilient conductor with an inductive coupler assembly and a tool string electrical transmission line housing that includes a cylinder with a slit design and anti-rotation locks, allowing for secure mounting within the drill string component, and a tension anchor system to maintain line tension, facilitating easy installation and protection from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission lines are routed through the central bore of drill string components, then data transmission capability is improved, but the transmission lines are subject to movement and interference with tools or debris
Solution Approach 1:
A retention sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmission line and the drill string component bore. The sleeve has a central bore that receives the transmission line and features retention mechanisms (such as ribs or clamps) that secure the line in place, preventing movement while allowing the line to pass through the drill string component.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention sleeve is designed as a flexible cylindrical shell that can be installed over the transmission line and secured within the drill string component. The flexible nature of the sleeve allows it to conform to the line and provide stable retention without rigid constraints that could damage the transmission line.
2Reliability
If repeaters or amplifiers are placed at selected intervals along the drill string, then signal transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal amplification function from separate repeater devices and integrates it directly into the drill string component structure itself. The retention sleeve or associated mounting structures incorporate amplification elements that boost signals along the transmission line without requiring discrete repeater units, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If transmission lines are secured firmly within drill string components, then movement and interference are minimized, but installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sleeve is pre-configured with retention features (such as pre-formed ribs, clamps, or anchoring elements) that are ready to secure the transmission line upon installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, allowing workers to simply insert the line and secure the sleeve without requiring specialized equipment or highly trained personnel.
4Manufacturing precision
If expensive equipment and highly trained personnel are used for installation, then installation precision and reliability are improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sleeve and associated mounting structures are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing during installation. The geometry of the sleeve and its interaction with the drill string component bore automatically ensures proper positioning and securement of the transmission line without requiring precision measurement tools or highly skilled operators, thereby reducing both installation time and cost while maintaining reliability.
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 retains transmission lines, minimizes movement and interference, and enables quick, cost-effective installation without requiring expensive equipment or highly trained personnel, enhancing data transmission reliability and efficiency in drill string operations.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetically conductive electrically insulating, MCEI, channel may be located within the recess
Implementation Method 2
A magnetically conductive electrically insulating, MCEI, channel may be located within the recess
Implementation Method 3
The wire loop may comprise one or more helical segments between the first end and the second end, each segment may comprise a plurality of turns
Implementation Method 4
The channel may comprise an electrically nonconductive filler to aid in isolating the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A resilient electrical conductor for an inductive coupler assembly comprising a loop comprising first and second ends. The first and second ends being harder than the loop. The loop is located within an annular recess in the top wall of a cylindrical housing. A magnetically conductive electrically insulating, MCEI, channel surrounding the loop provides a transmission element for the electromagnetic field produced by the loop when energized. The first end is configured for connection to a transmission line and the second end is configured for attachment to ground. The wire loop comprises one or more helical segments between the first end and the second end, each segment comprising a plurality of turns. The annular recess may comprise a step in the side wall of the cylinder joining the side wall with the top wall. The segments may comprise vertical coils attached in series or in parallel to the loop.