Optical Sensor Pad for Seismic Vibrator Ground Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic measurement techniques face challenges in accurately determining seismic parameters, such as ground force, due to the generation of harmonic energy by seismic vibrators, which affects signal quality and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor pad with an optical cable, laser, and detector is used between the seismic vibrator's base plate and the ground surface to measure disturbances in light, allowing for the determination of ground force, stress, and strain, enhancing seismic measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seismic vibrators generate acoustic waves through geological formations, then seismic survey data can be collected, but harmonic energy is generated that affects signal quality and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical load cell systems with an optical sensing system. A sensor pad with optical sensors detects ground force by measuring light transmission changes through the base plate, substituting mechanical measurement with optical measurement to eliminate harmonic energy interference and improve measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor pad as an intermediary component between the base plate and ground surface. This sensor pad contains optical sensors that indirectly measure ground force through light transmission changes, acting as a mediator that captures seismic parameters without being directly affected by harmonic energy from the vibrator
2Reliability
If traditional load cell systems are used to measure ground force, then seismic parameters can be determined, but the systems are complex and susceptible to harmonic energy effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical load cell systems with a simpler optical sensing system. The optical sensors detect ground force through light transmission changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while improving reliability by making the measurement immune to harmonic energy interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying of physical measurements. Instead of directly measuring ground force with mechanical sensors, the system creates an optical copy of the force effect through light transmission changes in the sensor pad, providing a reliable measurement that is easier to implement and less complex
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 provides enhanced seismic measurement capabilities by accurately determining ground force and other seismic parameters, reducing harmonic energy interference and improving signal quality, thereby enhancing image resolution and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cable positionable between the base plate of the seismic vibrator and the ground surface of the geological formation, a laser for passing a light through the optical cable, and a detector for detecting disturbances in the light
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and techniques for measuring seismic parameters, such as ground force, of a seismic vibrator used for generating seismic signals through a geological formation are provided. The seismic vibrator has a base plate positionable adjacent a ground surface of the geological formation. A sensor pad may be provided with an optical cable positionable between the base plate of the seismic vibrator and the ground surface of the geological formation, a laser for passing a light through the optical cable, and a detector for detecting disturbances in the laser light whereby a ground force applied to the ground surface may be determined.