Paravane Bridle Bite Adjustment via Tension Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine survey systems face inefficiencies and instability in maintaining the bridle bite of paravanes, leading to unstable streamer separation and reduced data collection efficiency due to manual adjustments and costly, inaccurate hydraulic or electric steering systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically adjusts the bridle bite of paravanes through tension balancing between a tow rope and a spur line, using a lever arm to offset and distribute tensions, allowing for real-time adjustments based on marine survey vessel speed and fluid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustments are used to maintain bridle bite, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and stability worsens due to time-consuming adjustments and unstable streamer separation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bridle bite angle by allowing the tow rope to pivot at the paravane attachment point, enabling automatic adaptation to changing vessel speeds and sea conditions without manual intervention or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The paravane system self-regulates its bridle bite angle through the physical interaction of the tow rope tension and paravane hydrodynamics, automatically maintaining optimal streamer separation without requiring external control mechanisms
2Productivity
If hydraulic or electric steering systems are used to adjust bridle bite, then productivity improves through automated control, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to cost and inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes complex hydraulic or electric steering systems from the paravane assembly, retaining only the essential tow rope and paravane components to achieve bridle bite adjustment through pure mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces unreliable hydraulic or electric steering mechanisms with a simple mechanical pivot point at the paravane attachment, where the tow rope naturally pivots to adjust the bridle bite angle based on physical forces
3Device complexity
If fixed bridle bite is maintained, then device complexity is minimized, but stability worsens due to unstable streamer separation when vessel speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed bridle bite configuration to a dynamic one where the tow rope can pivot at the paravane attachment point, allowing automatic adjustment of the bridle bite angle in response to changing vessel speeds and maintaining stable streamer separation
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 enhances the stability and efficiency of streamer spreads, enabling faster data collection and increased marine vessel speeds by maintaining consistent streamer separation and reducing the impact of speed changes on streamer configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A system that dynamically adjusts the bridle bite of paravanes through tension balancing between a tow rope and a spur line, using a lever arm to offset and distribute tensions
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for bridle bite adjustment can include a tow rope (201-1) coupled to a paravane (205-1) at a first position on a lever arm (219) and a spur line (211) coupled to the paravane at a second position on the lever arm. The system can also include a winch (203) to adjust a deployed length of the tow rope. The tow rope and the lever arm can adjust a bridle bite of the paravane by when the deployed length of the tow rope is adjusted by the winch, thereby balancing tension between the tow rope and the spur line.