Automatic burying device for recoverable underwater seismograph sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of marine geological exploration, and provides a recoverable underwater seismograph sensor automatic burying device which comprises a rack, a punching mechanism which vertically acts is fixed on the rack, a punching end is located at the bottom of the punching mechanism, a guide rail which is horizontally arranged towards the punching mechanism is fixed at the bottom of the rack, and the guide rail is fixed on the rack. A supporting plate for placing a seismograph sensor is fixed at the bottom of the guide rail of the rack, a leading-in mechanism for pushing the seismograph sensor to move along the guide rail is fixed on the rack, the supporting plate is arranged along the length direction of the guide rail, and the stroke end point of the supporting plate is positioned at the bottom of the punching mechanism. The device has the advantages that the device is specially suitable for the ocean bottom seismograph sensor which does not need to be recycled, the sensor is buried in the seabed according to the designated position, and then the rack body is recycled and recycled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of marine geological exploration, specifically to an automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of deepening global marine geological research and an increasingly urgent need for marine disaster early warning, seabed seismometers can directly monitor seismic activity on the seabed and within oceanic plates, reducing interference from land topography and strata, and providing more accurate data. With the ocean covering 71% of the Earth's surface, seabed detection can fill the monitoring gaps left by land-based stations, making it particularly suitable for earthquake-prone areas. For seabed earthquakes that trigger tsunamis, seabed detection can also quickly capture epicenter information, buying valuable time for tsunami warnings.

[0003] Existing seabed seismograph devices cannot bury their sensors on the seabed. The seabed environment is complex, with constant ocean currents and natural sediment movement. Unburied sensors are directly exposed to these conditions. On one hand, ocean currents can cause sensor displacement, or even lead to them being covered by sediment or swept into the deep sea, directly interrupting seismic signal acquisition. On the other hand, the coupling state between the sensor and the seabed is a key factor affecting the accuracy of monitoring data. Unburied sensors are only connected to the seabed through bottom contact, and this coupling state is easily disrupted by ocean current disturbances or sediment movement, resulting in significant fluctuations in monitoring data and a marked reduction in accuracy and continuity, failing to meet the requirements for long-term, precise monitoring. Furthermore, the protective shells of many devices are non-recyclable and must operate on the seabed along with the seismograph sensors for extended periods. The use of corrosion-resistant alloy materials for these protective shells is extremely costly for large-scale seabed monitoring network deployments.

[0004] Furthermore, with the development of seismograph sensors, the application of seismograph sensors that do not require retrieval is becoming increasingly widespread. With the lowest cost and the highest reliability, they have achieved the ability to conduct long-term, large-scale, and high-density observations of the seabed crustal structure. How to reliably bury such seismograph sensors on the seabed is also an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes an automatic burial device for recyclable underwater seismograph sensors. This device is specifically designed for seabed seismograph sensors that do not require retrieval. After burying the sensor at a designated location on the seabed, the main frame can be retrieved and reused.

[0006] Therefore, the technical solution adopted is as follows: An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor includes a frame, on which a vertically operating drilling mechanism is fixed, with the drilling end located at its bottom. A guide rail is fixed at the bottom of the frame and horizontally positioned toward the drilling mechanism. A support plate for placing the seismograph sensor is fixed at the bottom of the guide rail on the frame. An induction mechanism for pushing the seismograph sensor along the guide rail is fixed on the frame. The support plate is arranged along the length of the guide rail, with its travel endpoint located at the bottom of the drilling mechanism.

[0007] A further technical solution is that the drilling mechanism includes a connecting plate fixed to the frame, a vertically operating drilling cylinder fixed on the connecting plate, and a vertically arranged transmission shaft rotatably connected to the bottom actuating end of the drilling cylinder via a hydraulic motor and bearings. A drill bit assembly is connected to the transmission shaft via a horizontally inserted pin.

[0008] A further technical solution is that a vertically arranged guide rod is slidably passed through the connecting plate via a copper sleeve.

[0009] A further technical solution is that the drill bit assembly includes a vertically arranged drill bit cavity, the top of the drill bit cavity is provided with a pin hole that matches the pin shaft, a guide groove plate is spirally coiled and fixed on the outer wall of the drill bit cavity, and an alloy drill bit is fixed at the bottom of the drill bit cavity.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the alloy drill bit has several uniformly fixed around the drill bit cavity, and each alloy drill bit is set at a certain angle.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the importing mechanism includes a horizontally operating importing cylinder, the working end of the importing cylinder is fixed with a guide frame, the guide frame is sleeved on the seismograph sensor, the guide rail has two parallel lines, and the guide frame is mounted on the two guide rails.

[0012] A further technical solution is that a limiting rod parallel to each of the two guide rails is fixed above them, and the edge of the guide frame is inserted between the limiting rod and the guide rail.

[0013] A further technical solution is that a protective cover is fixedly fitted onto the seismograph sensor. The protective cover has a Z-shaped structure, including a top plate fixed to the top of the seismograph sensor and L-shaped plates fixed to both sides of the seismograph sensor. The bottom of the L-shaped plates is hooked to the guide frame.

[0014] A further technical solution includes a hydraulic system and a control system, both of which are fixed to the frame via a sealed cavity.

[0015] A further technical solution is that the top of the frame is fixed with a hoisting hole and the bottom is fixed with a bowl-shaped foot.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: 1. A hole is drilled in the seabed by a drilling mechanism, and the seismograph sensor is pushed into the hole. The drilling mechanism continues to press down to ensure that the seismograph sensor and the seabed sediment form a stable coupling state, which meets the needs of long-term and accurate monitoring.

[0017] 2. The infeeding mechanism can accurately push the seismograph sensor into the hole drilled by the drilling mechanism, ensuring the effective burial of the seismograph sensor. At the same time, it completes the separation of the seismograph sensor from the frame, ensuring that the frame can be effectively recovered without affecting the seismograph sensor.

[0018] 3. The protective cover protects the seismograph sensor from damage caused by external forces such as the drilling mechanism. On the other hand, it works with the guide frame to fix the seismograph sensor to the support plate, preventing the seismograph sensor from falling off during the equipment's descent.

[0019] 4. This device is specifically designed for seabed seismograph sensors that do not require retrieval. After burying the sensor in the seabed at a designated location, the main frame can be retrieved and reused. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rack described in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drilling mechanism described in this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drill bit assembly described in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the importing mechanism described in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system described in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control system described in this application.

[0022] In the diagram: 100, frame; 101, hoisting hole; 102, bowl-shaped foot; 10, seismograph sensor; 1, drilling mechanism; 11, connecting plate; 12, drilling cylinder; 13, hydraulic motor; 14, bearing; 15, drive shaft; 16, pin; 17, drill bit assembly; 171, drill bit cavity; 172, pin hole; 173, guide groove plate; 174, alloy drill bit; 18, copper sleeve; 19, guide rod; 2, guiding mechanism; 21, guide rail; 22, support plate. 23. Inlet cylinder; 24. Guide frame; 25. Limiting rod; 26. Protective cover; 261. Top plate; 262. L-shaped plate; 3. Hydraulic system; 30. Sealed cavity; 31. Motor; 32. Pressure sensor; 33. Energy accumulator; 34. Hydraulic valve group; 35. Filter; 36. Waterproof power connector one; 4. Control system; 41. Circuit board; 42. Circuit board bracket; 43. Waterproof power connector two; 44. Fiber optic waterproof connector; 45. Fixed base. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] like Figures 1-7 As shown, an automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor includes a frame 100. A vertically operating drilling mechanism 1 is fixed on the frame 100, with the drilling end located at its bottom. A guide rail 21, horizontally arranged towards the drilling mechanism 1, is fixed at the bottom of the frame 100. A support plate 22 for placing a seismograph sensor 10 is fixed at the bottom of the guide rail 21 on the frame 100. An induction mechanism 2 for pushing the seismograph sensor 10 along the guide rail 21 is fixed on the frame 100. The support plate 22 is arranged along the length of the guide rail 21, with its travel end point located at the bottom of the drilling mechanism 1.

[0025] This device is mainly used for burying seismic sensors 10 that do not require retrieval. After the entire device is placed on the seabed, a drilling mechanism 1 drills holes downwards. After the drilling is completed, the seismic sensor 10 is pushed along the guide rail 21 to the drilling position by the guiding mechanism 2. Because the support plate 22 under the seismic sensor 10 is only laid up to the drilling position, when the seismic sensor 10 reaches the drilling position, it will automatically fall into the drilled hole because it loses the support of the support plate 22. In order to ensure that the seismic sensor 10 forms a stable coupling state with the seabed sediment, the drilling mechanism 1 presses the seismic sensor 10 downwards after it falls into the hole.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, one embodiment of the drilling mechanism 1 includes a connecting plate 11 fixed to the frame 100. A vertically operating drilling cylinder 12 is fixed on the connecting plate 11. The bottom actuating end of the drilling cylinder 12 is rotatably connected to a vertically arranged transmission shaft 15 via a hydraulic motor 13 and a bearing 14. A drill bit assembly 17 is connected to the transmission shaft 15 via a horizontally inserted pin 16. During drilling, the drilling cylinder 12 drives the drill bit assembly 17 to move up and down, and the hydraulic motor 13 drives the drill bit assembly 17 to rotate. To ensure smooth and non-deviation-prone operation of the drilling cylinder 12, a vertically arranged guide rod 19 is slidably inserted through a copper sleeve 18 on the connecting plate 11.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the drill bit assembly 17 includes a vertically arranged drill bit cavity 171. The top of the drill bit cavity 171 has a pin hole 172 that matches the pin 16, for connection with the pin 16 on the drive shaft 15. A guide groove plate 173 is spirally wound and fixed on the outer wall of the drill bit cavity 171 to guide the seabed sediment drilled outwards. An alloy drill bit 174 is fixed at the bottom of the drill bit cavity 171. Several alloy drill bits 174 are evenly arranged around the drill bit cavity 171, and each alloy drill bit 174 is tilted at a certain angle to facilitate rapid penetration into the seabed sediment, ensuring force balance and effective coverage. In conjunction with the guide groove plate 173, this enhances the ability to break up seabed sediment and remove sludge.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, one embodiment of the import mechanism 2 includes a horizontally operating import cylinder 23. A guide frame 24 is fixed to the working end of the import cylinder 23. The guide frame 24 is fitted onto the seismograph sensor 10. Two parallel guide rails 21 are provided, and the guide frame 24 is mounted on both guide rails 21. Parallel limiting rods 25 are fixed above each of the two guide rails 21, and the edge of the guide frame 24 is inserted between the limiting rods 25 and the guide rails 21. This allows the guide frame 24 to be fitted onto the seismograph sensor 10 and simultaneously engaged between the limiting rods 25 and the guide rails 21. The support plate and frame 100 are detachably fixed, facilitating the installation of the seismograph sensor 10. This design has significant value in terms of cost and practicality, and is convenient for use in seabed environments.

[0029] Based on this, a protective cover 26 is fixedly fitted onto the seismograph sensor 10. The protective cover 26 has a U-shaped structure, including a top plate 261 fixed to the top of the seismograph sensor 10 and L-shaped plates 262 fixed to both sides of the seismograph sensor 10. The bottom of the L-shaped plates 262 is hooked to the guide frame 24. The top plate 261 protects the top of the seismograph sensor 10 from damage caused by the drilling mechanism 1 pressing down on the seismograph sensor 10. The L-shaped plates 262 work in conjunction with the guide frame 24. After the seismograph sensor 10 is installed, the bottom of the L-shaped plates 262 is inserted between the support plate and the guide frame 24, thereby ensuring that the seismograph sensor 10 will not fall off during the descent of the frame 100.

[0030] The device also includes a hydraulic system 3 and a control system 4, both of which are fixed to the frame 100 via a sealed cavity 30. Figure 6 As shown, one embodiment of the hydraulic system 3 includes a motor 31, a pressure sensor 32, an accumulator 33, a hydraulic valve assembly 34, a filter 35, and a waterproof power connector 36. Figure 7 As shown, one embodiment of the control system 4 includes a circuit board 41, a circuit board bracket 42, a waterproof power connector 43, a waterproof fiber optic connector 44, and a fixed base 45.

[0031] The hydraulic system 3 converts the mechanical energy of the rotating motor into hydraulic energy and precisely controls the linear motion of one or more cylinders. The pressure sensor 31 monitors the pressure at the hydraulic pump outlet in real time, ensuring the system operates within its safe design pressure range. The accumulator 33 compensates for leaks and maintains pressure. The filter 35 removes solid particles such as metal shavings and dust generated during assembly and operation, preventing contaminants from jamming the solenoid valves, scratching the pump and cylinder walls, causing internal leakage or failure. In the unrepairable environment of the deep sea, the filter 35 is crucial. The waterproof power connector 36 safely transmits power from the external battery compartment of the sealed cavity 30 to the hydraulic station motor 31 and solenoid valve assembly 34 inside the sealed cavity 30.

[0032] The control system 4 receives instructions from surface vessels or internal timers, and precisely controls the hydraulic system 3 to complete the burial and retrieval actions according to preset programs and data. Simultaneously, it is responsible for collecting and storing data from the seismograph sensor 10 and monitoring the device's own health status. The waterproof fiber optic connector 44 connects the control system 4 to other units, transmitting the raw analog signals recorded by the seismograph to the receiving module. This allows the seismograph sensor 10 to transmit signals to the ground without needing to be retrieved, thanks to the use of a submarine fiber optic cable.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the top of the frame 100 is fixed with a hoisting hole 101 for connecting steel wire ropes, and the bottom is fixed with a bowl-shaped foot 102 to facilitate its fixation on seabed sediments, so as to prevent the equipment from sinking into seabed mud and sand.

[0034] Overall, the device's operation involves first being suspended by a steel cable and sunk to the seabed. Its position and orientation are monitored in real-time by searchlights and cameras to ensure a stable descent. Next, the drilling cylinder 12 drives the drill bit assembly 17 to descend slowly. Upon reaching a certain position, a sensor outputs a signal. The control system 4 receives the signal and activates the hydraulic motor 13 to drive the alloy drill bit 174 to rotate. After drilling to a certain depth, the sensor receives another signal, the alloy drill bit 174 stops rotating, and the drilling cylinder 12 lifts it back to its original position. After the drilling process is completed and confirmed by the camera, the seismograph sensor 10 is placed. The guide cylinder 23 drives the guide frame 24 to slowly push the seismograph sensor 10 along the guide rail 21 to above the drilling position. When the seismograph sensor 10 is no longer supported by the support plate 22, it falls into the hole. The camera then observes whether the seismograph sensor 10 has fallen into the correct position. If it has, the work is complete. If it has not, the drilling cylinder 12 is driven down again. At this time, the alloy drill bit 174 will remain stationary and press the sensor down into place. To avoid damage to the top of the sensor when it is pressed down, a protective cover 26 is fitted on the seismograph sensor 10. The protective cover 26 falls into the hole at the same time as the seismograph sensor 10. Finally, the frame 100 is pulled back by the steel wire rope that was suspended when the device was launched into the sea.

[0035] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor, characterized in that: Includes a frame (100), on which a vertically working drilling mechanism (1) is fixed, with the drilling end located at its bottom. At the bottom of the frame (100) is a guide rail (21) arranged horizontally toward the drilling mechanism (1). At the bottom of the guide rail (21) on the frame (100) is a support plate (22) for placing a seismograph sensor (10). At the bottom of the guide rail (21) on the frame (100) is an inlet mechanism (2) for pushing the seismograph sensor (10) to move along the guide rail (21). The support plate (22) is arranged along the length of the guide rail (21), and its stroke end point is located at the bottom of the drilling mechanism (1).

2. The automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drilling mechanism (1) includes a connecting plate (11) fixed to the frame (100). A vertically operating drilling cylinder (12) is fixed on the connecting plate (11). The bottom actuating end of the drilling cylinder (12) is rotatably connected to a vertically arranged transmission shaft (15) via a hydraulic motor (13) and a bearing (14). A drill bit assembly (17) is connected to the transmission shaft (15) via a horizontally inserted pin (16).

3. The automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, A vertically arranged guide rod (19) is slidably passed through a copper sleeve (18) on the connecting plate (11).

4. The automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drill bit assembly (17) includes a vertically arranged drill bit cavity (171), the top of the drill bit cavity (171) is provided with a pin hole (172) that matches the pin shaft (16), a guide groove plate (173) is spirally coiled and fixed on the outer wall of the drill bit cavity (171), and an alloy drill bit (174) is fixed at the bottom of the drill bit cavity (171).

5. An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The alloy drill bit (174) has several uniformly fixed around the drill bit cavity (171), and each alloy drill bit (174) is tilted at a certain angle.

6. The automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The import mechanism (2) includes a horizontally working import cylinder (23), the working end of which is fixed with a guide frame (24), the guide frame (24) is sleeved on the seismograph sensor (10), the guide rail (21) has two parallel lines, and the guide frame (24) is mounted on the two guide rails (21).

7. An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the two guide rails (21) is fixed with a limit rod (25) parallel to it, and the edge of the guide frame (24) is inserted between the limit rod (25) and the guide rail (21).

8. An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, A protective cover (26) is fixed on the seismograph sensor (10). The protective cover (26) has a Z-shaped structure, including a top plate (261) fixed to the top of the seismograph sensor (10) and L-shaped plates (262) fixed to both sides of the seismograph sensor (10). The bottom of the L-shaped plate (262) is connected to the guide frame (24).

9. An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hydraulic system (3) and a control system (4), both of which are fixed to the frame (100) through a sealed cavity (30).

10. An automatic burial device for a retrievable underwater seismograph sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the frame (100) is fixed with a hoisting hole (101), and the bottom is fixed with a bowl-shaped foot (102).

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