Aerodynamic Frame Segments for Airborne EM Survey Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airborne electromagnetic survey systems face challenges with larger frames and more complex tow arrangements, which are difficult to handle during flight and result in undesirable measurements due to shape deviations and orientation changes, leading to biased data and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a frame with multiple segments having aerodynamic profiles that maintain a fixed shape and orientation during flight, supported by a structural support system, allowing for a simpler tow arrangement and improved data quality by ensuring a constant magnetic moment and stable coil positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If larger frames are used to generate larger primary electromagnetic fields, then the electromagnetic survey capability is improved, but the frame complexity and difficulty of handling during flight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected to form different sizes and configurations. Each segment is designed with aerodynamic properties to maintain stability during flight. This segmentation allows the system to achieve larger electromagnetic field generation capability while keeping individual components manageable and easy to handle during flight operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If more complicated tow arrangements are used to compensate for shape changes and orientation changes, then the frame stability is improved, but the handling difficulty during flight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame segments are designed with inherent aerodynamic properties that enable them to self-stabilize during flight without requiring complex active control systems or complicated tow arrangements. The aerodynamic shape of each segment naturally resists shape changes and orientation changes, allowing the frame to maintain stability through its own aerodynamic characteristics rather than external control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If larger frames are used, then the primary electromagnetic field strength is improved, but the drag and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame segments are designed with optimized aerodynamic parameters including specific aspect ratios, airfoil sections, and surface configurations that minimize drag coefficients. By changing the aerodynamic parameters of the frame structure, the system achieves large electromagnetic field generation capability while maintaining low drag characteristics, thereby reducing the energy and fuel consumption required for flight operations.
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
This configuration enables more accurate and consistent measurements, allows for higher operational speeds, and reduces fuel consumption and drag, enabling longer operational ranges and more detailed surveys, particularly in remote or obstructed areas.
Implementation Method 1
a frame segment surface providing the frame segment with an aerodynamic profile in the flight direction, which aerodynamic profile is configured to provide aerodynamic properties to the frame
Implementation Method 2
The frame having substantially a fixed frame shape and substantially being in a fixed operational orientation when towed by the aircraft
Implementation Method 3
a transmitter coil configured to transmit a magnetic moment for geophysical prospecting
Implementation Method 4
Geophysical prospecting by application of electromagnetic surveys where a primary electromagnetic field is generated to induce a secondary electromagnetic field in an underground formation
Data Source
AI summary
An airborne electromagnetic survey system for geophysical prospecting comprising: a frame with a frame front section opposite a frame tail section, the frame configured to be lifted and towed by an aircraft via a tow arrangement during survey operation, the frame configured to support a transmitter coil configured to transmit an magnetic moment, wherein the frame comprises multiple frame segments, at least one of the frame segments comprising a first connection and a second connection for connecting to another one of the frame segments, a structural support providing a rigid structure between the first and second connections, and a frame segment surface providing the frame segment with an aerodynamic profile, wherein the aerodynamic profile is configured to provide aerodynamic properties to the frame, and wherein when the frame is towed by the aircraft, the frame has substantially a fixed frame shape and is substantially in a fixed operational orientation.