Wired Pipe Coupler Connector With Telescoping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wired pipe configurations for subterranean drilling and completion operations face challenges in reliably connecting communication and power transmission devices due to variations in drill pipe lengths, which can disrupt signal integrity and power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A wired pipe segment design featuring a coupler with a communication element and a connector that electrically connects to a transmission line, including an inner conductor surrounded by dielectric material, and a connector that compensates for length variations using adjustable or telescoping mechanisms to ensure consistent signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid connectors are used to connect couplers to transmission lines, then the connection structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the signal integrity and power delivery are disrupted due to variations in drill pipe lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a telescoping mechanism with movable sections that can extend or retract to accommodate variations in drill pipe lengths. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures consistent electrical connection and maintains signal integrity regardless of pipe length variations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and fixed structure simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for adjustment of its effective length parameter to match different drill pipe configurations. By changing the dimensional parameter of the connector body through telescoping sections, the system maintains optimal electrical connection characteristics across varying pipe lengths, thereby preserving signal integrity without requiring complete redesign of the connection system.
2Reliability
If adjustable connectors are implemented to accommodate length variations, then signal transmission consistency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple modular sections including fixed portions and telescoping movable portions. Each segment can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, then assembled together. This segmentation approach maintains power delivery efficiency through precise electrical contacts while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex adjustable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism employs nested sections where one connector portion fits within another, allowing for compact storage and simplified assembly. The inner telescoping section can slide within the outer section, providing length adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure that is easier to manufacture and assemble than extended mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping mechanisms are used in connectors, then adaptability to different pipe lengths is achieved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping connector is designed to be passively adjusted during the normal coupling operation of drill pipes. The mechanical connection process itself drives the telescoping sections to extend or retract to the appropriate length through built-in mechanical guidance and spring-loaded or cam-actuated mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate adjustment operations and maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
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
The solution ensures reliable and consistent transmission of power and data across varying drill pipe lengths, maintaining signal integrity and power delivery efficiency by accommodating length differences through innovative connector designs.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission line including an inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A wired pipe segment includes a body extending from a box end to a pin end and a coupler located in one of the box and pin ends, the coupler including a communication element and a coupler connector in electrical communication therewith and extending away from the communication element. The segment also includes a transmission line extending away from the coupler towards the other of the box and pin end, the transmission line including an inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric material, the inner conductor extending beyond an end of the dielectric material. The segment also includes a connector that electrically connects the coupler to the transmission line, the connector including an inner conductive connection having first and second ends that are, respectively, in contact with the inner conductor and the coupler connector.