Bow-Shaped Spring for Marine Vibrator Buckling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic survey technologies face challenges with dynamically stable and buckling-resistant spring members in marine vibrators, which affect the consistency of sound pressure levels and resonant frequencies, particularly due to the non-linear force-amplitude dependent responses and high stress levels of arc-shaped spring members.
Innovation Solution
The use of bow-shaped spring members with alternating curvature signs, made from materials like carbon fiber laminates or steel, which provide a more linear spring rate, increased stiffness, and reduced buckling risk, allowing for improved dynamic stability and resistance to buckling, thereby enhancing the transmission of force and achieving desired resonant frequencies and sound pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arc-shaped spring members are used in marine vibrators, then the spring members can provide elastic restoring force, but they exhibit non-linear force-amplitude dependent responses and high stress levels that reduce dynamic stability and increase buckling risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principles by transitioning from arc-shaped springs to bow-shaped springs with specific curvature profiles. The bow-shaped configuration with optimized curvature distribution provides more linear force-displacement characteristics while maintaining elastic functionality, directly resolving the non-linearity issue of arc-shaped springs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring members by defining specific bow-shaped profiles with particular curvature radii and dimensions. These parameter modifications transform the mechanical characteristics of the springs to achieve more linear force-amplitude responses and reduced stress concentrations
2Reliability
If arc-shaped spring members are used, then they can transmit force in marine vibrators, but they are prone to buckling under compression loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bow-shaped spring profile with optimized curvature distribution enhances buckling resistance by distributing compressive stresses more uniformly throughout the structure. The specific geometric configuration increases the critical buckling load while maintaining force transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using carbon fiber laminates or steel materials with particular structural arrangements. These material choices provide high strength-to-weight ratios and enhanced buckling resistance, allowing the springs to withstand compression loads more effectively
3Reliability
If bow-shaped spring members with alternating curvature signs are used, then dynamic stability and buckling resistance are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the bow-shaped profile with alternating curvature is more complex than arc-shaped springs, the patent provides specific geometric definitions and manufacturing guidelines that enable practical fabrication. The curvature transitions are designed to be achievable through standard forming processes for metal and composite materials
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 bow-shaped spring members offer improved dynamic stability, reduced buckling risk, and more consistent sound pressure levels across a range of frequencies, leading to more predictable and efficient seismic survey operations with lower stress levels and increased resistance to buckling compared to traditional arc-shaped spring members.
Implementation Method 1
bow-shaped spring members with alternating curvature signs, made from materials like carbon fiber laminates or steel, which provide a more linear spring rate, increased stiffness
Implementation Method 2
allowing for improved dynamic stability and resistance to buckling, thereby enhancing the transmission of force and achieving desired resonant frequencies and sound pressure levels
Data Source
AI summary
A spring member for marine vibrators. At least some illustrative embodiments are bow-shaped spring members including an outer surface, an inner surface; the outer and inner surfaces defining a thickness of the bow-shaped spring member. The bow-shaped spring member further includes first and second hinge members disposed on opposite ends of the bow-shaped spring member; a length defined between the first hinge member and the second hinge member; and a width defined along the first hinge member, the width in a range of from 50% to 150% of the length. The bow-shaped spring member also comprises a contour on the outer surface defined by a perpendicular section through the outer surface along the length, the contour including a medial portion having a curvature with a first algebraic sign; first and second peripheral portions abutting respective first and second hinge members, the first and second peripheral portions having a curvature with the first algebraic sign; and first and second intermediate portions disposed between respective first and second peripheral portions and the medial portion, the first and second intermediate portions having a curvature with a second algebraic sign opposite the first algebraic sign.