Sliding Electrical Connector for Moving Multilateral Well Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems for connecting downhole valves in multilateral wells provide unreliable connections, hindering the efficiency of well production operations by failing to maintain stable electrical and fluid communication during relative movement between tools.
Innovation Solution
A sliding electrical connector system that allows axial relative movement between downhole tools while maintaining electrical and fluid communication, using a connector housing with an electrical strip and a damper to control movement and ensure continuous contact, and incorporating energy transfer mechanisms for power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection systems are used in multilateral wells, then the system structure is simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to inability to maintain stable electrical and fluid communication during relative tool movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system that allows axial relative movement between connector bodies while maintaining electrical and fluid communication. The connector housing and connector body are designed to slide relative to each other along the axial direction, enabling the system to adapt to tool movement during operation while preserving connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sliding mechanism between the connector housing and connector body. This sliding interface acts as a mediator that accommodates relative tool movement while maintaining continuous electrical contact through conductive elements and fluid communication through sealed passages, thereby ensuring connection reliability without rigid constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid electrical connections are used between downhole tools, then electrical contact is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate relative movement between tools causing stress and connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with dynamic sliding capability between the connector housing and connector body. This allows the electrical connection to adapt to axial relative movements of connected tools while maintaining continuous contact through sliding conductive elements, preventing stress accumulation and connection failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements and conductive contacts within the sliding interface that can deform and maintain contact during relative movement. These flexible components accommodate axial displacement while preserving both electrical continuity and fluid sealing, enabling movement adaptation without compromising contact stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sliding electrical connector is implemented to allow relative movement, then movement accommodation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components needed for maintaining contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the sliding connector assembly: mechanical connection, electrical conduction, and fluid sealing are integrated into a single sliding interface between the connector housing and connector body. This consolidation achieves movement accommodation while minimizing additional complexity by combining rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment, maintains electrical contact through conductive sliding elements, and ensures fluid sealing through integrated sealing structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase while achieving comprehensive movement accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed allowing relative movement between downhole tools while remaining in electrical communication. In one example, a first tool comprising a first connector body is configured for connecting to a second connector body of a second tool. A sliding connector housing has an electrical strip axially arranged along the connector housing, wherein the first or second connector body is moveably secured to the connector housing in sliding electrical contact with the electrical strip. The first and second connector bodies are releasably connectable to each other, thereby allowing relative movement between the first and second tools via the connector housing while maintaining electrical and fluid communication between the first and second tools.