Modular Underwater Cable Suspension System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable attachment systems for seismic surveys lack ease of assembly/disassembly, increased degrees of freedom, modularity, reliability, reduced drag, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in high-strength and dynamic applications like wide-tow seismic surveys.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with first and second mount arms, a collar assembly with rotatable sheave assemblies, and a float attachment that provides multiple degrees of freedom, using identical collar members and sheave assemblies to simplify manufacturing and assembly, with features like overlapping fingers, U-shaped flanges, and quick-release pins for efficient cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable attachment systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of assembly/disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly is divided into first and second collar members that can be separated from each other, allowing the cable to be accessed and manipulated more easily. The mount arms are also segmented with posts that can be independently assembled, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar members are designed to nest around the cable with the first collar member positioned over the second collar member. This nested configuration allows for compact storage and easier handling during assembly and disassembly, while providing robust structural support when assembled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid cable attachment systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly incorporates rotational freedom between the first and second collar members, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to different cable positions and orientations. The mount arms can also rotate relative to the collar assembly, providing versatility in configuration while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in geometric parameters such as the angle between mount arms and the rotational position of collar members. This enables adaptation to different cable diameters, positions, and orientations while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid posts and controlled joint design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are added to increase degrees of freedom, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components (first collar member, second collar member, posts, mount arms) that can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing while enabling multiple degrees of freedom through the assembly of these standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The posts serve multiple functions: they connect mount arms to the collar assembly, provide rotational axes, and maintain structural spacing. The mount arms simultaneously provide structural support and enable rotational movement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.
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 offers reduced manufacturing costs, ease of assembly, increased reliability, and adaptability, while maintaining strength and reducing drag, making it suitable for high-strength and dynamic applications like seismic surveys.
Implementation Method 1
first sheave assembly having a rotatable first sheave secured thereto, and the second post including a second sheave assembly having a rotatable second sheave secured thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A suspension system receives an associated cable. The suspension system includes first and second mount arms disposed in spaced relation that receive a collar assembly having first and second collar members dimensioned to circumferentially enclose around the associated cable in a first assembled position, and a second open position, where the first and second collar members do not circumferentially enclose the associated cable. Sheave mount assemblies are provided along the interconnecting posts and various degrees of freedom are incorporated into the modular assembly.