Gimbaled EM Receiver Coil Suspension for Stable TEM Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
During geophysical surveys, especially when using transient electromagnetic (TEM) measurements with low pulse rates, the receiver coil orientation changes due to translations during towing, leading to inaccurate measurements. There is a need for a lightweight suspension system that maintains stable receiver coil orientation.
Innovation Solution
The EM receiver system incorporates a suspension system with first and second gimbal axles defining perpendicular axes, a central element connecting these axles, and a spring system providing a self-righting effect. This design minimizes translation movements' impact on receiver coil orientation, ensuring stable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a lightweight suspension system is used for airborne vehicle towing, then the system weight is reduced, but the receiver coil orientation stability deteriorates due to translations during towing
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent gimbal assemblies, each with its own spring element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal weight while collectively providing the necessary stabilization function through distributed support points around the receiver coil perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are configured to provide dynamic adaptation to translation movements during towing. The springs allow controlled movement and orientation changes in response to external forces, then return the receiver coil to its stable orientation, converting static rigidity into dynamic flexibility that maintains stability despite weight constraints.
2Measurement precision
If a stable receiver coil orientation is maintained during low pulse rate TEM measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the suspension system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for the receiver coil, enable controlled pivoting movements, provide stabilization through spring elements, and allow adaptation to translation movements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate stabilization components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal assemblies are positioned with their pivot points within the periphery defined by the receiver coil, creating a nested configuration where the support structure is integrated within the measurement apparatus boundaries. This nesting approach minimizes external complexity while providing the necessary stabilization functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gimbal axles are arranged within the receiver coil periphery with intersecting axes, then orientation stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two gimbal axles are arranged asymmetrically within the receiver coil periphery rather than symmetrically, with their pivot points positioned to optimize stabilization effectiveness. This asymmetric arrangement provides superior orientation stability while allowing simpler manufacturing compared to complex symmetric configurations, as it requires fewer precision-machined mounting points and simpler alignment procedures.
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 suspension system allows for high-quality TEM measurements at low pulse rates by maintaining a stable receiver coil orientation, even during airborne vehicle towing, and can withstand rough handling without calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system serving to provide a self-righting effect on the EM receiver coil around each of the first and second gimbal axes
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic receiver system with an EM receiver coil is for measuring EM signals while transported by a vehicle, e.g. a helicopter. A base part serves for connection to a towing system. A coil support is fixed to the electrical conductor of the EM receiver coil. A suspension system has gimbal axles defining gimbal axes arranged in one plane. The gimbal axles are arranged within a periphery of the EM receiver coil. A central element is connected to the gimbal axles, such that the axes intersect in an EM receiver coil central part. Joints allow the receiver coil to pivot around the first and second axes. Springs provide a self-righting effect on the coil around the axes. A precise calibration of centre of mass of the suspended receiver coil can be obtained by adding masses to cause the centre of mass to coincide with the geometric intersection between the axes.