Subsea Electronic Module Capacitive Ethernet Interfaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subsea electronic modules for underwater fluid extraction wells require numerous expensive and space-consuming transformers for Ethernet communication, limiting their functionality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Replaces transformers with capacitive couplings, optimizing card arrangement to minimize transmission distances and enable cost-effective, space-efficient Ethernet communication by using capacitors for interfaces within the subsea electronic module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If transformers are used for Ethernet component interfaces, then transmission distance is extended, but cost and space consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidspace on electronic cards

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coupling method from magnetic (transformers) to capacitive, fundamentally altering the physical principle used for signal transmission. This parameter change enables shorter transmission distances to be sufficient, allowing replacement of space-consuming transformers with compact capacitive couplings while maintaining Ethernet communication functionality within the constrained SEM environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If transformers are used for Ethernet component interfaces, then transmission distance is extended, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidcomponent cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coupling method from magnetic (transformers) to capacitive, fundamentally altering the physical principle used for signal transmission. This parameter change enables shorter transmission distances to be sufficient, allowing replacement of space-consuming transformers with compact capacitive couplings while maintaining Ethernet communication functionality within the constrained SEM environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive transformers with cheaper capacitive coupling components. While capacitors have shorter transmission distance capabilities, they are significantly less costly and consume less space, making them economically viable for the SEM application where cost reduction is a primary objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Area of stationary object

If capacitive coupling is used for Ethernet interfaces, then cost and space are reduced, but transmission distance is severely restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace on electronic cardsVSAvoidtransmission distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorganizes the physical layout of electronic cards within the SEM housing, arranging them in a compact stacked configuration that minimizes the distance between adjacent cards. This dimensional reorganization ensures that the transmission distance requirement for capacitive coupling is met, making this coupling method viable despite its inherently shorter range compared to transformer-based interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Speed

If transformers are used for Ethernet interfaces, then transmission distance is extended, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coupling method from magnetic (transformers) to capacitive, fundamentally altering the physical principle used for signal transmission. This parameter change enables shorter transmission distances to be sufficient, allowing replacement of space-consuming transformers with compact capacitive couplings while maintaining Ethernet communication functionality within the constrained SEM environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive transformers with cheaper capacitive coupling components. While capacitors have shorter transmission distance capabilities, they are significantly less costly and consume less space, making them economically viable for the SEM application where cost reduction is a primary objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This solution reduces component costs, power consumption, weight, and enhances reliability, electromagnetic compatibility, and speed performance, allowing for increased functionality and reduced handling costs in subsea electronic modules.

Implementation Method 1

the interfaces comprise capacitive coupling interfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2199534B1Subsea electronic module

Publication Date: 2022.12.28 BAKER HUGHES ENERGY TECH UK LTD

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AI summary

An electronic module for use as a subsea electronic module for an underwater fluid extraction well, wherein a local area network enables communication within the module, the local area network including a plurality of interfaces with components of the network, and wherein the interfaces comprise capacitive coupling interfaces.