Helical Conveyor for Underwater Seismic OBS Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for acquiring seismic data from seabeds face challenges in efficiently deploying and retrieving ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) units, particularly in stabilizing the movement of equipment through aqueous mediums and ensuring accurate data collection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cylindrical case with a helix structure conveyor and fins to stabilize rotation, allowing OBS units to be transported and deployed on the seabed, featuring a cap with a conical shape and ballast for balance, and a conveyor system with openings and gates for secure transport and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional deployment system is used for OBS units, then the system structure is simple, but the operational stability during towing and at-rest conditions deteriorates due to uncontrolled rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into functional segments: a cylindrical portion for housing the conveyor, a conical cap for streamlined towing, and separate fin assemblies for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system stability during both towing and at-rest conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical cap creates an asymmetric shape that provides directional stability during towing through the aqueous medium. The asymmetric fin arrangement (first fin separated from second fin by predetermined angle) generates differential drag forces that actively control rotation, transforming the unstable symmetric configuration into a stable asymmetric one during operation.
2Productivity
If OBS units are deployed manually or with simple mechanisms, then the deployment process is straightforward, but the productivity and efficiency of seismic data acquisition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The helix structure conveyor is designed as a self-service gravity-fed system where OBS units automatically feed onto the helix and are conveyed to the discharge opening without requiring external power or complex mechanical actuators. The spiral geometry naturally guides the units through gravity, providing efficient automated deployment while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Reliability
If the case is made stable during towing, then the operational reliability improves, but the ability to quickly deploy and retrieve OBS units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fin configuration is designed to provide dynamic stabilization rather than rigid constraint. The fins control rotation during towing to maintain stability, but allow the case to be easily oriented and positioned when deployment is required. The mechanical tension gates provide dynamic control of the discharge opening, remaining closed during towing for stability but opening quickly when deployment is needed.
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 system effectively stabilizes the movement of OBS units, enhances operational stability during towing and at-rest conditions, and facilitates efficient deployment and retrieval of OBS units on the seabed, improving seismic data acquisition processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first fin and the second fin can be positioned to generate drag in the aqueous medium to control the rotation of the case
Implementation Method 2
a conveyor having a helix structure and provided within the case. The conveyor can receive an ocean bottom seismometer ('OBS') unit at a first end of the conveyer and transport the OBS unit via the helix structure to a second end of the conveyor
Implementation Method 3
At least one of the first gate or the second gate can be under mechanical tension, such as spring loaded or piston activated
Implementation Method 4
At least one of the first gate or the second gate can be under mechanical tension, such as spring loaded or piston activated
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a helical conveyor for underwater seismic exploration. The system can include a case having a cylindrical portion. A cap is positioned adjacent to a first end of the case. A conveyor having a helix structure is provided within the case. The conveyor can receive an ocean bottom seismometer (“OBS”) unit at a first end of the conveyer and transport the OBS unit via the helix structure to a second end of the conveyor to provide the OBS unit on the seabed to acquire the seismic data.