Modular Seabed Survey System with Telescopic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine geophysical survey systems face inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to incomplete transmission of ground parameters, complex deployment mechanisms, and limited parameter measurement capabilities, leading to insufficient accuracy and sensitivity in seabed surveys.
Innovation Solution
A modular bottom system with a basic module for electromagnetic measurements and additional modules for seismic and magnetic measurements, using hermetic connectors and Kevlar straps for secure attachment, and telescopic arms for convenient deployment and reduced magnetic influence, allowing for simultaneous measurement of various seabed parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanisms for throwing away and pressing sensors to the ground are used, then sensors can be deployed on the sea-bottom, but the complexity of the system increases and control on installation is absent resulting in insufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex throwing and pressing mechanisms from the system entirely. Instead, sensors are directly fixed to the frame structure, which is then deployed as a complete unit. This extraction of the problematic subsystem eliminates the complexity and installation control issues while maintaining deployment capability through the overall frame deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the sensors directly onto the frame structure, merging the sensor mounting function with the support frame itself. This eliminates the need for separate throwing and pressing mechanisms, reducing system complexity while ensuring proper sensor positioning through the unified frame deployment process.
2Ease of operation
If metallic mechanisms for throwing away and pressing sensors are used, then sensors can be deployed, but border ground-metal causes additional inaccuracies at acoustic signals passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metallic throwing and pressing mechanisms that create ground-metal borders interfering with acoustic signals. The sensors are instead mounted directly to the frame without intermediate metallic contact mechanisms, eliminating the source of acoustic signal interference while preserving deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves as an intermediary mounting platform that avoids direct metallic contact between deployment mechanisms and sensors. This intermediary structure allows sensor deployment without introducing ground-metal borders that would interfere with acoustic signal passage.
3Ease of operation
If mechanisms for throwing away and pressing sensors are used, then sensors can be deployed, but placement of measuring sensors block in loose ground results in loss in working capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unreliable throwing and pressing mechanisms that cause sensors to be misplaced in loose ground. Sensors are directly fixed to the rigid frame structure, ensuring proper positioning and maintaining working capacity while retaining deployment capability through frame deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are pre-fixed to the frame structure before deployment, ensuring proper positioning is established in advance. This preliminary mounting action prevents the sensors from being misplaced in loose ground during deployment, maintaining system reliability while enabling deployment through the frame deployment mechanism.
4Device complexity
If a single module measures only specific parameters, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot measure multiple seabed parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular system where a single platform can measure multiple parameters (electromagnetic, magnetic, and seismic) simultaneously through interchangeable modules. Each module is designed with universal mounting interfaces and power connections, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement requirements without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional modules (electromagnetic, magnetic, seismic) that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the system to measure multiple parameters simultaneously while maintaining simple individual module structures, with the overall system complexity managed through modular architecture.
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 modular system enhances survey accuracy, reduces deployment complexities, and increases sensitivity to seabed parameters, providing a more reliable and efficient method for seabed exploration.
Implementation Method 1
The hermo-body provides a positive floating of the whole system
Implementation Method 2
a three-component geophone in gimbals mount
Implementation Method 3
an apparatus for registration of hydro-acoustic signals
Implementation Method 4
two orthogonal inductive magnetic field sensors
Implementation Method 5
the system of measuring of horizontal components of the electric field comprising horizontal semi-rigid arms fastened to the body, each arm having length of five meters, with electrodes located at the end of the arm
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom system related to equipment deployed for seabed geo-electrical survey is proposed, in preferred embodiments comprising a basic module, including registration and power supply means, or a combination of the basic module with at least one additional module: a magnetic characteristics measuring module or/and a seismic characteristics measuring module. The additional modules are connected with other modules through hermetic connectors. The modules are attached to a load with Kevlar straps, provided with an electrochemical release system. Arms with electrodes measuring electromagnetic characteristics of seabed, are attached to the basic module, in their initial position directed upwards at minimum 15° from the vertical, and fixed with fixing elements, connected with a releasing element of a device for descending and lifting the bottom station. The arms are made telescopic for convenient transportation. Independent embodiments without additional modules include a non-conductive conical member joined to the basic module and to the load.