Marine Electromagnetic Sensor Cable Electrode Mounting Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic survey systems face challenges in reducing noise-induced signal interference, particularly in marine environments, where the amplitude of detected signals is on the order of fractions of a nanovolt, necessitating improved voltage measuring electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electromagnetic sensor cable featuring a strength member, a jacket, and electrode mounting sleeves with a fiber electrode material and electrical contact surfaces, designed to minimize noise and enhance signal reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrodes are used in marine electromagnetic surveying, then the system can detect electromagnetic signals, but the detected signals are contaminated with noise interference that reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple discrete contact points along the cable length, with each contact point being electrically isolated from the others. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific electrode segments and reduces noise coupling between measurement points, thereby improving signal detection accuracy while minimizing noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary shielding structure consisting of conductive shields positioned between the electrode and the surrounding environment. These shields act as intermediaries that block external electromagnetic noise from coupling into the measurement circuit, while allowing the desired electromagnetic signals to pass through, thus improving measurement precision by reducing noise interference.
2Measurement precision
If complex noise reduction measures are implemented in electrode design, then signal detection accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical connectivity, noise shielding, and electrode mounting. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional cable assembly rather than separate components, the design achieves improved signal detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity or manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode contacts are nested within the cable structure, with shielding layers nested around the electrode segments. This nested arrangement allows the noise reduction features to be integrated within the existing cable geometry rather than adding external complexity, maintaining manufacturing ease while improving measurement precision through reduced noise interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrode mounting methods are used, then the electrode can be installed on the cable, but the ease of manufacture and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode contacts are pre-positioned and electrically connected to the cable conductors during cable manufacturing, before the cable is deployed. This preliminary action ensures proper electrode alignment and electrical connectivity is achieved during fabrication rather than during field installation, improving both manufacturing ease and signal measurement reliability by eliminating field adjustment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure is designed to self-configure the electrode assembly during the manufacturing process, with the electrode contacts automatically positioned and connected as the cable is assembled. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual alignment and connection procedures, thereby improving ease of manufacture while ensuring consistent, reliable electrical connections for accurate signal measurement.
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 solution provides greater reliability and ease of manufacture and maintenance for marine electromagnetic survey systems by reducing noise interference and improving signal detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Electrically conductive fiber electrode material is disposed on the mounting surface and is in electrical contact with the electrical contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic sensor cable includes at least one strength member configured to be coupled to a vessel for towing in a body of water and extending along the length of the cable. A jacket covers the strength member and extends along the length of the cable. At least one electrode mounting sleeve is disposed along the jacket and is coupled at its longitudinal ends to one end of a segment of the jacket. The longitudinal ends of the sleeve are configured to mate with a corresponding end of the jacket segment. The sleeve includes a passage therethrough for the at least one strength member. The sleeve includes a mounting surface for a fiber electrode material thereon disposed between the longitudinal ends of the sleeve. At least one electrical contact surface is disposed on the mounting surface. Electrically conductive fiber electrode material is disposed on the mounting surface and is in electrical contact with the electrical contact surface.