Adjustable Hammer Seismic Source for Controllable Wave Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic surveying technologies lack the ability to selectively control the generation of seismic waves with different characteristics, limiting their effectiveness in exploring subterranean structural features.
Innovation Solution
A seismic wave generation apparatus with a housing, a strike surface, and a movable hammer, where an actuator induces adjustable striking motions to modify the characteristics of the seismic waves generated, allowing for the generation of either shear or compressional waves by adjusting the hammer's speed and acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional seismic sources are used, then seismic waves can be generated, but the characteristics of the seismic waves cannot be selectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hammer mass adjustable and the strike angle variable. The actuator system allows the hammer to be positioned at different angles and with different masses, enabling selective control of seismic wave characteristics (compressional vs. shear waves) while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus structure.
2Measurement precision
If a single-type seismic source is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot detect small voids at various depths effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters of the seismic source including hammer mass (selectable from multiple weights), strike angle (variable positioning), and strike surface orientation. These parameter changes enable generation of seismic waves with different frequencies and characteristics, improving detection accuracy of small voids at various depths.
3Force
If hammer mass is increased to generate stronger seismic waves, then wave energy increases, but the frequency range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a selectable mass system where different hammer weights can be configured. This allows the operator to choose appropriate mass based on survey requirements: heavier masses for deep penetration with lower frequencies, lighter masses for shallow surveys with higher frequencies. The dynamic reconfiguration capability resolves the trade-off between force and frequency range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the strike surface is fixed, then the apparatus structure is simple, but it cannot generate both shear and compressional waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable strike surface orientation system where the strike surface can be positioned at different angles relative to the ground. By adjusting the strike angle, the apparatus can generate different wave types (shear waves with vertical strike, compressional waves with inclined strike) without requiring multiple fixed apparatus configurations.
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 apparatus enables the generation of seismic waves with a broader range of frequencies, enhancing the detail and accuracy of subterranean surveys by generating uniform and repeatable seismic waves, capable of detecting small voids at various depths.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator induces a striking motion in the hammer wherein the hammer impacts the strike surface as part of the striking motion. During operation, the apparatus is placed against a surface of the ground such that when the hammer impacts the strike surface energy is transferred from the hammer to the housing and from the housing into the ground to generate seismic waves.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating seismic waves includes a housing, a strike surface within the housing, and a hammer movably disposed within the housing. An actuator induces a striking motion in the hammer such that the hammer impacts the strike surface as part of the striking motion. The actuator is selectively adjustable to change characteristics of the striking motion and characteristics of seismic waves generated by the impact. The hammer may be modified to change the physical characteristics of the hammer, thereby changing characteristics of seismic waves generated by the hammer. The hammer may be disposed within a removable shock cavity, and the apparatus may include two hammers and two shock cavities positioned symmetrically about a center of the apparatus.