Mobile Seismic Node Docking With Secure In-Transit Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for seismic acquisition units are cumbersome and unable to be easily moved to various locations, especially in areas inaccessible to tractor trailers or trucks, requiring operators to gather nodes and transport them for recharging and data collection, which is inefficient and limits operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile docking device with a container and removable front wall, equipped with plural docking bays and handles, allowing for secure attachment and transportation of seismic acquisition units, enabling charging and data harvesting while moving, and compatible with both analog and digital nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a docking station is used for recharging seismic nodes, then power recharge and data download can be executed, but the docking station cannot be easily moved to various locations in the survey area
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is transformed from a static structure to a mobile platform by mounting it on a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle with a platform that can be positioned at different locations in the survey area, allowing the docking station to move dynamically to where seismic nodes need recharging or data collection, rather than requiring nodes to be transported to a fixed station.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves as an intermediary between the fixed infrastructure and the distributed seismic nodes. By placing the docking station on a mobile vehicle, the system creates a flexible intermediate platform that can bridge the gap between node locations and recharging facilities, eliminating the need for operators to manually transport nodes.
2Power
If a docking station is embedded in a truck for recharging nodes, then power can be supplied to nodes, but the system becomes cumbersome and inaccessible to areas where tractor trailers or trucks cannot go
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a mobile docking station unit that can be deployed independently on smaller vehicles or portable platforms, rather than requiring large tractor trailers. This segmentation allows the power supply capability to be separated from heavy infrastructure, enabling deployment in remote or difficult-to-access areas where only small vehicles can penetrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by providing power supply capability through a mobile platform that can operate in remote locations. The docking station on the vehicle can recharge nodes in situ at remote survey locations, eliminating the need to transport nodes back to a base station, thus adapting the power supply system to work effectively in previously inaccessible areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If operators manually gather and transport seismic nodes to a docking station, then nodes can be recharged, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile docking station enables self-service operation where seismic nodes can be recharged in situ at the survey location without requiring manual collection and transport by operators. The system allows nodes to be recharged automatically when the mobile docking station is positioned nearby, eliminating the labor-intensive process of gathering and transporting nodes to a fixed station.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile docking station acts as an intermediary that brings recharging capability directly to the survey location, eliminating the need for manual node transport. By positioning the docking station on a vehicle that can reach various survey areas, the system creates an intermediate solution that connects remote node locations with recharging facilities, saving operator time and effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile docking device is configured to receive seismic acquisition units. The mobile docking device includes a container having a front opening, a docking module located within the container, the docking module having plural docking bays, each docking bay being configured to receive one of the seismic acquisition units through the front opening, a removable front wall configured to be attached to the container to cover the front opening to secure the seismic acquisition units, and handles attached to the container. The removable front wall biases the seismic acquisition units to maintain a direct electrical connection between tubular pins of the plural docking bays and pins of the seismic acquisition units during transport of the mobile docking device.