Downhole tools having radially extendable elements

Abstract

A downhole drilling tool, forming part of a subterranean drilling system, may include at least one plate secured to an exterior of an elongate body. Electronics may be disposed between the plate and the body to be protected by the plate while still readily accessible. A dynamic element may be radially extendable from the plate to engage an inner wall of a borehole being drilled. If this radially-extendable element becomes worn or damaged from this engagement, the plate may be replaced. More expensive components of the drilling tool may be contained within the elongate body, rather than the plate, thus reducing replacement frequency. Additionally, plates including unique features may be employed at different times without altering the underlying elongate body.

1 . A downhole tool, comprising: 
 an elongate body;   a plate secured to the body;   an element radially extendable from the plate; and   electronics disposed between the plate and the elongate body.   
     
     
         2 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is one of a plurality of plates each secured to the elongate body and spaced circumferentially thereabout. 
     
     
         3 . The downhole tool of  claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of plates is bolted to at least one other plate through the elongate body. 
     
     
         4 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises at least one cutting element exposed on a leading edge thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plate is one of the plurality of plates, and each plate is capable of being alternately secured to the elongate body. 
     
     
         6 . The downhole tool of  claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of plates comprises at least one cutting element exposed on a leading edge thereof at a respective unique maximum radial dimension. 
     
     
         7 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the radially-extendable element comprises a piston translatable by pressurized fluid enclosed between the plate and the elongate body. 
     
     
         8 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the radially-extendable element comprises at least one cutting element exposed thereon. 
     
     
         9 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the electronics are secured to the elongate body. 
     
     
         10 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the plate is capable of wireless communication with the elongate body. 
     
     
         11 . The downhole tool of  claim 10 , wherein the plate is detachable from the elongate body, attachable to a docking station, and capable of wireless communication with the docking station when attached thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a valve secured to an exterior of the elongate body. 
     
     
         13 . The downhole tool of  claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of the valve is engaged within the plate. 
     
     
         14 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a nozzle passing from an interior of the elongate body to an exterior thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises at least one sensor housed therein. 
     
     
         16 . The downhole tool of  claim 1 , wherein the radially-extendable element comprises at least one sensor housed therein. 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising: 
 selecting a first plate comprising a first radially extendable element;   arranging electronics between the first plate and an elongate body of a downhole tool; and   attaching the first plate to the elongate body of the downhole tool, wherein the downhole tool comprises a first radial dimension when the first radially extendable element is retracted and a second radial dimension when the first radially extendable element is extended.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , comprising: 
 removing the first plate from the elongate body;   selecting a second plate comprising a second radially extendable element;   arranging the electronics between the second plate and the elongate body of the downhole tool; and   attaching the second plate to the elongate body of the downhole tool, wherein the downhole tool comprises a third radial dimension when the second radially extendable element is retracted and a fourth radial dimension when the second radially extendable element is extended, wherein the third radial dimension is greater than the first radial dimension, and the fourth radial dimension is greater than the second radial dimension.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , comprising: 
 removing the first plate from the elongate body, wherein the first plate comprises the electronics;   coupling the first plate with a docking station; and   communicating wirelessly between the electronics of the first plate and the docking station.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , comprising attaching a plurality of plates to be circumferentially spaced about the elongate body of the downhole too, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates comprises the first plate.