Swivel Connector Torque Relief for Wellbore Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The torque exerted by helically wound armored electrical cables in well logging instruments can hinder the operation of instruments that require minimal rotation, as the cable's axial loading causes unwinding and torque, which can disrupt the functionality of well logging instruments.
Innovation Solution
An electrical instrument swivel connector with rotatably connected housing parts and insulator bodies that allow for free rotation while maintaining full electrical connection, using biased electrical contacts and o-rings to seal and transfer axial loading, thereby relieving torque and ensuring continuous electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If helically wound armored electrical cable is used to convey instruments into the wellbore, then tensile strength and cable durability are improved, but torque is generated during axial loading that hinders instrument operation
Solution Approach 1:
A swivel connector is introduced as an intermediary device between the cable and the instrument. The swivel includes a first housing part connected to the cable and a second housing part connected to the instrument, with a bearing between them that allows relative rotation. This intermediary mechanism transfers the harmful torque from the rotating cable to the stationary swivel housing, preventing torque transmission to the instrument while maintaining cable strength
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement is extracted and isolated from the instrument by allowing the first housing part to rotate independently relative to the second housing part. The bearing supports this relative rotation, effectively separating the torque-generating cable from the torque-sensitive instrument while maintaining the beneficial tensile strength of the helically wound cable
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable is allowed to rotate freely to relieve torque, then torque on instruments is reduced, but electrical connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical contacts serve as an intermediary transmission mechanism between the rotating first housing part and the stationary second housing part. These contacts maintain continuous electrical connection while accommodating relative rotation, allowing torque relief while preserving electrical connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The electrical contacts can accommodate movement and rotation of the first housing part relative to the second housing part, maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the range of motion required for torque relief
3Measurement precision
If instruments are constrained to prevent rotation, then operational accuracy is improved, but cable torque cannot be relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel connector acts as a mediator that decouples the rotational movement from the instrument. The bearing allows the first housing part to rotate freely to relieve cable torque, while the second housing part remains stationary to maintain instrument positioning accuracy and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate rotatable and stationary components. The first housing part is segmented to rotate independently, while the second housing part remains fixed to hold the instrument steady, allowing torque relief without compromising measurement accuracy
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
Enables well logging instruments to operate effectively by relieving torque from the cable, allowing instruments to maintain contact with the wellbore without rotation-induced displacement, thus improving data acquisition accuracy and instrument stability.
Implementation Method 1
A biased electrical contact is disposed between each respective separate electrical contact in the first insulator body and the second insulator body
Implementation Method 2
respectively sealingly engageable with an interior surface of the first housing part and the second housing part
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical instrument swivel connector has a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to each other. The connection enabling transfer of axial loading between the housing parts. A first insulator body is rotatably engaged with a second insulator body and respectively sealingly engageable with an interior surface of the first housing part and the second housing part. Electrical contact pins are formed into the first insulator body and the second insulator body. The electrical contact pins each terminate in a separate electrical contact wherein the first insulator body rotatably engages the second insulator body. A biased electrical contact is disposed between each respective separate electrical contact in the first insulator body and the second insulator body.