Overpressure Wave Coupling Chamber for Seismic Exploration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to effectively couple an overpressure wave to a target media, such as the ground, with precision and control, leading to inefficiencies in generating conducted acoustic waves for geophysical exploration and seismic applications.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a detonator, coupling chamber, and interface, where the overpressure wave generated by the detonator is contained within the coupling chamber and converted into a unidirectional force through a piston or flexible membrane, applied directly to the target media, utilizing a vehicle for stabilizing and maneuvering the overpressure wave generator to constrain movement and optimize energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional systems are used to generate overpressure waves, then the system structure is simple, but the coupling precision and control of overpressure waves to target media is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: overpressure wave generator, coupling chamber, interface component, and vehicle platform. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for precise control of the overpressure wave generation and coupling process while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling chamber serves as an intermediary component between the overpressure wave source and the target media. This coupling chamber contains the overpressure wave and provides a controlled interface for energy transfer to the ground, improving coupling precision through optimized energy transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If overpressure waves are generated without containment, then the system operation is simple, but the amplitude control and energy transfer efficiency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontainment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling chamber is pre-configured with specific geometric parameters and material properties before overpressure wave generation. This preliminary preparation ensures optimal energy containment and transfer conditions are already in place, improving energy transfer efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls overpressure wave characteristics by adjusting parameters such as coupling chamber dimensions, interface component properties, and detonator configuration. These parameter changes enable precise amplitude control and optimized energy transfer to the target media

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the overpressure wave generator is not constrained, then the device structure is simple, but the seismic echoes are increased and exploration precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexploration precisionVSAvoidconstraining structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A vehicle platform serves as a counterweight and stabilizing structure for the overpressure wave generator. This platform constrains the generator's movement during operation, reducing unwanted vibrations and seismic echoes that would otherwise degrade exploration precision, while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

This approach enables precise control and amplitude adjustment of overpressure waves, resulting in stronger conducted acoustic waves with reduced seismic echoes, enhancing geophysical exploration capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The detonator causes a detonation that generates an overpressure wave that travels into the coupling chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Implementation Method 2

the interface converting said pressure into a force that produces a conducted acoustic wave in the target media

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave generation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS8905186B2System for coupling an overpressure wave to a target media
Publication Date: 2014.12.09 SOUNDBLAST TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US8905186B2 patent drawing
  • US8905186B2 patent drawing
  • US8905186B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An improved system for coupling a generated overpressure wave to a target media includes a coupling chamber and an interface between the coupling chamber and a target media. Pressure produced in the coupling chamber by a generated overpressure wave is applied to the interface thereby converting the pressure in the coupling chamber into a force that produces a conducted acoustic wave in the target media.