Wireless Detonator Assembly for Perforating Guns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing perforating gun assemblies require manual and physical connection of wires for detonator activation, leading to issues like wire twisting, crimping, disconnection, and safety hazards during assembly due to the complex and rotating assembly of parts.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly-connectable selective detonator assembly that forms electrical connections without the need for wired connections, using a detonator positioning assembly with electrical contacting components to establish contact with the detonator assembly, allowing for safe and error-proof assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiring connection is used for detonator assembly, then electrical connection can be established, but wire twisting, crimping, disconnection and safety hazards occur during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical wiring system with an electrical signaling system. Instead of physically connecting wires during assembly, the detonator is activated by an electrical signal transmitted through the assembly structure, eliminating the need for manual wire manipulation and associated safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical signal as an intermediary to transfer the activation command from the surface to the detonator. This signal travels through the assembly structure itself, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical wire connections between the operator and the detonator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wired detonator with manual connection is used, then detonator can be activated, but assembly complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring and manual connection system with an electrical signaling system. The activation capability is maintained through electrical signals transmitted through the assembly structure, while the mechanical complexity of wire manipulation is eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the assembly structure itself serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the perforating charges and simultaneously serves as the transmission medium for the electrical activation signal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate wiring systems.
3Ease of operation
If electrical wire is extended through perforating gun assembly, then detonator can be connected, but wire becomes twisted and crimped during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical wire extension through the assembly with an electrical signal transmission through the assembly structure. This eliminates the mechanical stress and deformation that would be imposed on a wire extending through the rotating and assembling components.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a perforating gun assembly and a detonator assembly are provided. The detonator assembly includes at least a shell, and more than one electrically contactable component that is configured for being electrically contactably received by the perforating gun assembly without using a wired electrical connection, but rather forms the electrical connection merely by contact with at least one of the more than one electrically contactable components. According to an aspect, the detonator assembly includes a selective detonator assembly. A method of assembling the perforating gun assembly including the detonator assembly is also provided.