Tensioned Slip Ring Contact Element for Downhole Hydroplaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Slip rings face challenges in maintaining electrical contact due to movement, vibration, and the hydroplaning effect caused by dielectric fluids, especially in high viscosity and rotational speed conditions, leading to potential contact loss during operation in downhole applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ring assembly and contact assembly with conductive rings and contact elements that form loops around each other, utilizing tensioning and biasing mechanisms to maintain contact, and are immersed in a dielectric fluid, with features like recessed conductive rings and adjustable tensioning mechanisms to accommodate relative rotation and reduce hydroplaning risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dielectric fluid viscosity is increased, then the fluid's dielectric performance is improved, but the hydroplaning effect increases causing contact loss
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is pre-tensioned to apply a preliminary contact force against the conductive ring, creating a preliminary anti-action that counteracts the hydroplaning effect before it can cause contact loss. This pre-applied force ensures the contact element remains engaged with the ring even when dielectric fluid creates hydroplaning conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is tensioned in advance during assembly to establish a predetermined contact force. This preliminary action of tensioning ensures that when the slip ring operates in dielectric fluid, the contact element already has the necessary force applied to maintain electrical contact despite the hydroplaning effect.
2Productivity
If the rotational speed is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the dynamic hydroplaning effect increases causing contact loss
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is pre-tensioned to apply a preliminary contact force that counteracts the dynamic hydroplaning effect generated during high-speed rotation. This pre-applied tension creates a force reserve that maintains contact stability even when increased rotational speed generates hydroplaning conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed with flexibility to dynamically adapt to varying rotational speeds. The flexible contact element can adjust its position and maintain contact force across a range of rotational speeds, allowing the slip ring to operate productively at high speeds without contact loss.
3Reliability
If the contact force is increased to prevent contact loss, then the electrical contact reliability is improved, but the wear and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is tensioned to an optimal parameter range that provides sufficient contact force for reliable electrical contact while remaining below the threshold that would cause excessive wear or damage. This parameter optimization balances contact reliability with component durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed as a flexible component that can deform elastically under contact load. This flexibility allows the contact element to maintain reliable electrical contact through elastic deformation rather than rigid forcing, thereby reducing wear and friction while maintaining contact stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the contact element is made flexible to accommodate movement and vibration, then the adaptability is improved, but the contact force stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is pre-tensioned during assembly to establish a predetermined contact force. This preliminary action creates a stable baseline contact force that remains consistent despite movements and vibrations during operation, as the pre-applied tension compensates for dynamic disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed as a flexible component that can deform to accommodate movements and vibrations while maintaining contact. The flexibility allows the contact element to absorb dynamic disturbances through elastic deformation, thereby maintaining both adaptability to movement and stability of the average contact force.
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 configuration effectively maintains electrical contact and reduces the risk of hydroplaning, ensuring reliable energy and signal transfer even in harsh, rotating environments, such as those found in drilling applications.
Implementation Method 1
The contact element is tensioned against the conductive ring engagement surface
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric fluid creates the potential for a 'hydroplaning effect' in which the dielectric fluid may cause the components of the slip ring to lose contact as they rotate relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment is an apparatus including a ring assembly and a contact assembly. The ring assembly includes a conductive ring having a conductive ring engagement surface. The contact assembly includes a contact block and a contact element having a contact element engagement surface. The contact element is connected with the contact block. The contact element forms a loop around the conductive ring between the ends of the contact element. The contact element engagement surface is engaged with the conductive ring engagement surface along an electrical contact section of the loop. Another example embodiment is a method for assembling a slip ring.