Modular Seabed Model Test System for Simulating Sea Waves and Geology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing physical model test systems for seabed seismic wave detection face issues of inadequate similarity, limited simulation of various working conditions, lack of sea wave influence analysis, and inflexible observation system layouts, leading to inefficient and resource-wasting simulations.

Innovation Solution

A model test system comprising a central control unit, sea wave generation apparatus, observation system, and water source supply unit, which includes a testbed with detachable geologic modules, seismic focus control, and detectors, allowing for simulation of seabed environments with varying sea wave conditions and flexible observation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the physical model test system is made large to improve simulation accuracy, then the similarity to real site environment is improved, but excessive similar materials are required and large numbers of manpower and material resources are needed to replace the geologic form, wasting time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidtime and labor for replacing geologic form
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The geologic body is divided into multiple detachable modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module represents a specific geologic structure (such as fault zones, landslide bodies, or normal geologic formations) and can be quickly replaced without affecting the entire model system, thus reducing the time and labor required for model reconfiguration while maintaining large-scale simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable modules can be removed (discarded) after one test and reused or replaced for subsequent tests. This allows the same physical model test system to be reused for multiple different geologic scenarios, significantly reducing the need to create entirely new large-scale models and thereby saving time and labor resources while preserving simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Loss of substance

If the physical model test system is made small to reduce material resources, then the resource consumption is reduced, but the similarity to real site environment decreases and the simulation result is quite different from real site environmental detection result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimilar materials consumptionVSAvoidsimulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The physical model test system is designed with detachable modules that can be configured to represent different geologic structures and conditions. A single modular system can simulate various scenarios (faults, landslides, different stratigraphy) by reconfiguring the modules, making the system universally applicable to multiple detection scenarios. This allows a moderately-sized system to maintain high simulation accuracy across diverse applications without requiring excessive materials for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the geologic body is fixed in the model test system to maintain structural stability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the geological form cannot be rapidly changed according to the site environment, and the model test system cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidgeologic form changeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The geologic body is segmented into detachable modules that maintain structural integrity within each module while allowing easy replacement at the module level. Each module is designed with connection interfaces that ensure stable assembly, so the overall system can be reconfigured by swapping modules rather than redesigning the entire structure, thus maintaining both structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the observation mode is fixedly installed to simplify the system structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but rapid combination of different observation modes cannot be realized and the research efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure complexityVSAvoidresearch efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The observation system is designed with movable and adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different observation modes. Detachable observation devices can be positioned at various locations and orientations within the model, allowing rapid switching between different detection scenarios without requiring a completely fixed installation, thus balancing structural simplicity with operational flexibility and research efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables realistic simulation of seabed seismic wave detection, optimizing observation modes and guiding site exploration by simulating diverse geologic conditions, reducing resource waste, and enhancing the efficiency of physical model tests.

Implementation Method 1

the sea wave generation apparatus is configured to act on the simulation seawater at different speeds and different forces to generate sea waves of different sizes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave generation:

Implementation Method 2

the seismic focus control unit is configured to stimulate seismic waves at different depths in the seawater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeismic wave propagation:

Implementation Method 3

a detector control unit covering the upper end of the testbed and performing total-space acquisition for the waves in different directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeismic wave detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10853537B2Model test system for seabed seismic wave detection and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 POWERCHINA HUADONG ENG CORP LTD
  • US10853537B2 patent drawing
  • US10853537B2 patent drawing
  • US10853537B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a model test system and method for seabed seismic wave detection. The model test system includes a model test unit which specifically includes a testbed for simulating a seabed, wherein a module for simulating bedrock and geology is arranged in the testbed; a water source supply unit supplies simulation seawater into the testbed; a sea wave generation apparatus is configured to act on the simulation seawater at different speeds and different forces to generate different sizes of sea waves. The present invention provides support and guidance for the advancing investigation of geologic parameters in a detection area such as distribution situations of faults, a range of landslides, a depth and morphology of a glide plane and the like.