Foldable 3D Seismic Survey Apparatus for Shallow Water Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D seismic survey apparatuses using small ships face challenges with non-uniform gaps between streamers due to flexibility, requiring multiple GPS devices for accurate positioning, and are difficult to transport and deploy in shallow or narrow areas with many fishing nets and instruments.

Innovation Solution

A foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus with a seismic wave generator and floating board units equipped with seismometers, connected by foldable fixing-frames that maintain relative positions and can be easily transported and deployed, reducing the need for multiple GPS devices and preventing entanglement issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible streamers are used for 3D seismic survey with small ship, then the apparatus can be deployed in shallow areas, but the gaps between streamers become non-uniform due to flexibility and currents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployability in shallow areasVSAvoiduniformity of gaps between streamers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The streamer array is divided into multiple segments, each supported by separate floating board units. This segmentation allows each segment to maintain its shape independently while collectively forming the complete survey array, solving both the deployability and uniformity issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Floating board units are introduced as intermediary elements between the streamers and water surface. These boards provide rigid support structures that maintain uniform spacing while allowing the flexible streamers to function below water, resolving the contradiction between flexibility for deployment and rigidity for uniform positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple GPS devices are used to locate seismometers with fixed relative positions, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of seismometersVSAvoidnumber of GPS devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relative positions of floating board units and seismometers are predetermined and fixed during assembly. This preliminary configuration of geometric relationships allows the system to calculate precise positions using fewer GPS measurements, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If long streamers are used for 3D survey coverage, then survey area increases, but entanglement with fishing nets and instruments becomes more likely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurvey coverage areaVSAvoidentanglement with fishing nets

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from long, continuous flexible streamers to a dynamic array of separate floating board units that can be independently positioned. This dynamic configuration allows the survey array to adapt to local conditions and avoid entanglement while maintaining survey coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If rigid structure is used to maintain uniform gaps between streamers, then positioning precision improves, but ease of transport and deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of gaps between streamersVSAvoidease of transport and deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid structure is segmented into multiple modular floating board units that can be easily transported and assembled. Each segment maintains rigid positioning for uniform gaps, while the overall system remains adaptable for easy deployment, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9921323B2Foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus for small ship, and method of seismic survey using the same

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 GEOVIEW

AI summary

The present invention relates to a 3D seismic marine survey apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus for a small ship and a method of 3D seismic survey using the foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus. The foldable-fixing type 3D seismic survey apparatus for a small ship includes: a seismic wave generator; and a seismic unit that includes a plurality of floating board units, and foldable fixing-frames connecting and fixing the floating board units to each other in a floating board array such that relative positions of the floating board units are fixed, and being folded for transporting and unfolded for installing, in which the seismic unit receives 3D seismic waves while being towed behind the seismic wave generator after being moved and unfolded at a survey location.