Laterally Translatable Inductive Coupler for Downhole Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole drilling operations face challenges in data transmission due to drilling mud and fluids that can impede or short out electrical signals, especially when tool string components move relative to each other, making continuous wireline data transmission impractical.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission apparatus using magnetically conducting, electrically insulating surfaces with embedded electrical conductors that allow for lateral translation while maintaining electromagnetic communication, utilizing inductive couplers to facilitate data transfer between moving components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous wireline data transmission is used through the tool string, then data transmission capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to electrical signals being impeded, inhibited, or shorted out by drilling mud and fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical contact-based data transmission with electromagnetic inductive coupling. Instead of relying on physical electrical contacts that are vulnerable to fluid interference, the system uses magnetic field coupling between tool joints to transmit data, eliminating the harmful effect of drilling mud and fluids on electrical signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnetic field as a mediator for data transmission. The magnetic field acts as an intermediate carrier that transfers data between tool joints without requiring direct electrical contact, thereby protecting the transmission from fluid-based interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If inductive couplers are used to transmit data through moving components, then data transmission through relative motion is enabled, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the inductive coupler system to serve multiple functions: it provides data transmission, maintains electromagnetic coupling during relative motion, and accommodates various tool string configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic inductive coupling system that maintains electromagnetic communication during relative motion between tool joints. The couplers are designed to accommodate movement while sustaining the magnetic field coupling, enabling the system to adapt to changing positions without requiring complex mechanical adjustments
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 reliable and efficient data transmission between tool string components, even in the presence of conductive or insulating fluids, by maintaining electromagnetic communication during relative motion, suitable for various downhole tools.
Implementation Method 1
A data transmission apparatus uses magnetically conducting, electrically insulating surfaces with embedded electrical conductors that allow for lateral translation while maintaining electromagnetic communication, utilizing inductive couplers to facilitate data transfer between moving components
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission apparatus having first and second electrical conductors is disclosed. The first and second electrical conductors are disposed within recesses of a first and second complementary surfaces that are magnetically conducting and electrically insulating. The first and second surfaces are in close proximity to each other. The first surface is translatable along the length of the second surface. The first and second electrical conductors are in electromagnetic communication and provide for the transmission of data or power from the first electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor as the first surface overlaps the second surface. The data transmission apparatus may be located in one or more downhole tools.