Bridle Block Hydraulic Control for Seismic Deflector Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bridle blocks for deflectors in seismic towing require an additional 'seventh bridle line' for remote-controlled angle adjustment and lack a failsafe mechanism to maintain an acceptable pull on the tow in case of remote control failure.
Innovation Solution
A bridle block design incorporating a hydraulic cylinder with valves operated by electric or hydraulic control signals, allowing for remote-controlled adjustment of the deflector's angle of attack without the need for an extra bridle line, and featuring a failsafe position that passively guides the deflector into a predetermined angle when the remote control signal is lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic cylinder with electrically operated valves is used for remote-controlled angle adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical seventh bridle line system with a hydraulic cylinder system operated by electrically controlled valves. This substitution allows for easier remote control of the deflector angle while eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms on the deflector itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder with electrically operated valves to control the relative position between the stem and rocker arm. This hydraulic mechanism enables precise angle adjustment of the deflector through fluid pressure control, replacing mechanical linkages and simplifying the remote control operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bridle block is designed with remote control capability, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential remote control failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a failsafe mechanism that automatically activates upon remote control failure. The electrically operated valves are designed to default to a specific position when power is lost, ensuring the deflector assumes a predetermined safe angle. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous reliable operation even when the remote control system fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed to be self-regulating in failure conditions. When remote control power is lost, the electrically operated valves automatically shift to their default position, and the hydraulic system self-adjusts the deflector angle without requiring additional mechanical failsafe components or manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If an extra seventh bridle line is added for control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from the traditional seventh bridle line mechanical system and relocates it to an electrically operated hydraulic valve system. This extraction eliminates the need for the physical seventh bridle line while maintaining full control capability, thereby reducing material usage and simplifying the overall system configuration.
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
Enables precise control of the deflector's angle of attack and ensures a stable, acceptable pull on the tow even in the event of remote control failure, improving operational efficiency and safety during seismic surveys.
Implementation Method 1
A bridle block design incorporating a hydraulic cylinder with valves operated by electric or hydraulic control signals
Implementation Method 2
the deflectors are placed on either side of the seismic tow and have such an angle of attack in the water that they pull the towlines and thereby the tow laterally outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A bridle block is for a deflector, and has a stem and a rocker arm attached to each other on a pivot axis. The stem has an attachment for a vessel towline, a forward portion of the rocker arm has an attachment for fore bridle lines of the deflector, and an aft portion of the rocker arm has an attachment for aft bridle lines of the deflector. A hydraulic cylinder has a valve, and is attached to the stem and the rocker arm to hold the stem and the rocker arm in a relative position. The valve is operated by a signal from a control unit. The valve takes an open position when a signal is missing, so there is an open fluid connection between a piston side of a piston and a reservoir or an open fluid connection between the piston-rod side of the piston and the reservoir.