Stress-Relief Device for Geophysical Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stress-relief devices for geophysical equipment in seismic data acquisition systems are inadequate in transition areas, as they fail to reliably manage tensile and bending stresses, are costly, and can damage cables due to encirclement, while existing solutions are either insufficient or excessively expensive for frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight stress-relief device that transfers tensile stress from one cable to another within a housing, using compression and soft materials to distribute the force and prevent damage, while also addressing bending stress through a bend restrictor, and is designed for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ropes are used to create a diversion for tensile stress, then stress relief is provided to the geophysical equipment, but the system becomes insufficient and unreliable when the rope loop is stressed by underwater debris
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated stress relief device acts as an intermediary between the cables and the geophysical equipment. This device includes a housing with cable reception chambers that receive cables and transfer tensile stress between them without transmitting it to the geophysical equipment, thereby protecting the equipment while maintaining reliability even when stressed by external factors like underwater debris
Solution Approach 2:
The stress relief device segments the stress management function by separating the cable stress transfer mechanism from the geophysical equipment. The housing divides the cable reception space into distinct chambers, allowing each cable to be managed independently while collectively providing stress relief to the equipment
2Reliability
If ropes are used for stress relief, then some protection is provided, but bending stress is not resolved and may damage cables at fixation points
Solution Approach 1:
Soft pieces made of flexible material are positioned within the cable reception chambers to surround and cushion the cables. These flexible elements distribute the compression force along the cable surface rather than concentrating it at fixation points, preventing cable damage while maintaining effective stress relief
Solution Approach 2:
The stress relief device changes the physical parameters of stress distribution by using compression force applied through soft material. This transforms the stress from a concentrated force at rope fixation points into a distributed compression along the cable surface, reducing harmful bending stresses
3Strength
If a high-performance cable with aramid braid is used, then resistance to animals, vandalism, and vehicle wheels is improved, but the cost and complexity of the equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stress relief device provides universal protection that works with both basic cables and high-performance cables. The housing and cable reception chambers are designed to accommodate various cable types and diameters, making the device adaptable to different cable configurations without requiring design changes
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 device provides reliable protection against tensile and bending stresses, enhances watertightness and robustness, reduces cable damage, and is cost-effective for widespread use in transition areas without requiring changes to existing equipment or cables.
Implementation Method 1
The housing is configured for enabling the passage of tensile stress, in the housing, from one of the two cables to the other one without passing through the geophysical equipment or node
Implementation Method 2
The housing is adapted to the diameter and material of such cable so as to substantially prevent any movement of the housed portions of the two cables
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stress-relief device (1), configured for being mounted on a geophysical equipment or node (20) connected to at least two cables (21, 22), characterized in that it comprises : - a case (2) configured for surrounding the geophysical equipment or node (20) and for making at least an opening (6) for enabling a connection between each of said at least two cables and said geophysical equipment or node (20), - a housing (10) for housing a portion (21a; 22a) of each of the two cables (21, 22), the housing (10) being configured for substantially preventing any movement of said portions (21a, 22a) of the two cables (21, 22).