Compound Buoy System for Marine Survey Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adverse weather conditions, such as surface waves, affect the operation of marine survey systems by causing unwanted changes in depth and noise in signals detected by underwater streamers, due to the mechanical coupling of lead buoys with the streamers.
Innovation Solution
A buoy system comprising a surface buoy and a submerged buoy, where the submerged buoy carries the majority of the weight and the depth can be adjusted, operating as a compound buoy to minimize mechanical motion and noise, with a winch system controlling the distance between the buoys to optimize depth and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single lead buoy is used to support the streamer, then the buoy must carry the entire weight and provide sufficient buoyancy, but this causes large mechanical motion and noise in choppy seas
Solution Approach 1:
The single lead buoy is divided into two separate buoys: a surface buoy and a submerged buoy. The surface buoy handles the buoyancy and weight support, while the submerged buoy is positioned below the surface to reduce the impact of wave motion. This segmentation allows each buoy to perform its specific function optimally, reducing the transmission of mechanical motion and noise to the streamer.
Solution Approach 2:
A second buoy (submerged buoy) is introduced as an intermediary element between the surface buoy and the streamer. This intermediate buoy is positioned at a depth where it is less affected by surface waves, acting as a buffer that reduces the transmission of mechanical motion and noise to the streamer while still providing necessary buoyancy support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lead buoy is positioned deeper to reduce surface wave effects, then noise and mechanical motion are reduced, but the buoyancy capacity and ease of operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy function is segmented between two buoys: the surface buoy provides the primary buoyancy capacity and is easily operable, while the submerged buoy is positioned deeper to reduce noise and mechanical motion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both deep positioning for noise reduction and sufficient buoyancy capacity without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of two buoys: the surface buoy handles buoyancy capacity and operational ease, while the submerged buoy handles noise and mechanical motion reduction. By combining these two buoys working together, the system achieves both functions simultaneously, overcoming the trade-off between depth positioning and buoyancy capacity.
3Reliability
If a compound buoy system is used to reduce motion and noise, then signal quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compound buoy system is segmented into two distinct buoys with specific functions: the surface buoy for buoyancy and the submerged buoy for noise reduction. This segmentation allows each buoy to be designed and optimized independently, making the overall system more reliable for signal quality while keeping the structural complexity manageable through clear functional division.
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 buoy system reduces mechanical motion and noise imparted to the streamers, maintaining signal quality and operational stability even in choppy seas by distributing the load effectively and adjusting to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the submerged buoy carries the majority of the weight of the subsurface objects
Implementation Method 2
a winch system controlling the distance between the buoys to optimize depth and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A compound buoy. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are buoy systems that include: a surface buoy; a subsurface buoy comprising an elongated outer body; a connector disposed on the lower surface; and a winch having a line, the line coupled between the surface buoy and the subsurface buoy. The buoy system has first configuration in which the upper surface of the subsurface buoy abuts the surface buoy, the abutting relationship held by tension in the line, and the buoy system has a second configuration where a distance between the surface buoy and the subsurface is limited by a length of the line spooled off the winch. In operation, the subsurface buoy supports more of the subsurface load than the surface buoy.