Multi-axis Single Mass Accelerometer for Seismic Vector Fidelity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic sensor technologies for marine surveys lack sensitivity and fidelity in measuring multi-axis motion, particularly in detecting seismic waves, which affects the quality of subsurface geological imaging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis, single mass particle motion sensor or accelerometer is developed, featuring a central mass coupled with transducers along three principal axes, providing sensitivity to linear and rotational motions, and configured to enhance shear stress sensitivity using piezoelectric crystal transducers, improving vector fidelity and signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used to measure multi-axis motion, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated accelerometer device that measures three-dimensional linear acceleration and three-dimensional rotational acceleration simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the number of separate sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive multi-axis motion measurement capability, thereby reducing device complexity and potential noise sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer is designed with universal multi-functionality to detect both linear acceleration along three orthogonal axes and rotational acceleration about three orthogonal axes using a single device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, simplifying the overall sensor system while enhancing measurement precision.
2Reliability
If conventional pressure sensors and particle motion detectors are used, then basic seismic detection is achieved, but vector fidelity and signal accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the accelerometer with specific sensor orientations and coupling mechanisms that are optimized for detecting both pressure waves and particle motion. The sensors are pre-aligned along orthogonal axes with appropriate sensitivity orientations to capture the full vector information of seismic waves, ensuring high vector fidelity from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sensing parameters by using accelerometers capable of detecting both linear and rotational acceleration components. This parameter expansion allows simultaneous measurement of pressure gradients and particle velocity vectors, significantly improving vector fidelity and signal accuracy compared to conventional single-parameter sensors.
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 enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of seismic data acquisition, improving the quality of subsurface imaging by effectively capturing multi-axis motion data with reduced noise and distortion, thereby aiding in more precise resource exploration.
Implementation Method 1
configured to enhance shear stress sensitivity using piezoelectric crystal transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis acceleration sensor comprises a frame, a central mass disposed within the frame, and a plurality of transducers mechanically coupled between the frame and the central mass. At least a first set of the transducers are arranged between the frame and the central mass in a manner configured to measure translational and rotational motion with respect to a first predefined axis.