Powered Overboard Wheel for Seismic Node Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic node deployment and retrieval systems face challenges such as tangling, slipping, and stress on nodes during deployment and retrieval, particularly in deep water and adverse conditions, due to the lack of active and responsive overboard units that can adapt to cable movement and vessel changes.
Innovation Solution
A powered overboard wheel system that actively changes position by rotating and pivoting in response to cable movement, coupled with a control system for automatic control, to manage and deploy seismic nodes efficiently, reducing operator involvement and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powered overboard wheel system is implemented to actively track cable movement, then the reliability of node deployment and retrieval is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overboard wheel system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the wheel position to change in response to cable movement. The system includes a powered wheel that can rotate and pivot to track cable position changes, transforming a static overboard structure into a dynamic one that adapts to operational conditions. This dynamic capability ensures reliable node deployment and retrieval by maintaining proper cable guidance throughout the operation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic control system is added to manage overboard wheel positioning, then operator involvement is reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor cable position and wheel position, automatically adjusting the wheel to track cable movement. Sensors detect cable position changes and send signals to the powered wheel actuator, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback-based automatic control reduces operator involvement while maintaining simplicity through intuitive, responsive operation that mirrors manual control but executes automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the overboard wheel is designed to rotate and pivot in response to cable movement, then adaptability to various marine conditions is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overboard wheel assembly incorporates rotational and pivoting capabilities that allow it to adapt to cable movement in various marine conditions. The powered wheel can rotate on its axis and pivot relative to the vessel structure, providing multi-degree-of-freedom movement that tracks cable position changes caused by vessel motion, current, or deployment dynamics. This dynamic mechanical design enhances adaptability while maintaining reasonable mechanical complexity through integrated actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for deploying and retrieving a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes from the back deck of a marine vessel using an overboard node deployment and retrieval system are presented. The overboard system may comprise one or more overboard wheels that are actively powered to move in response to changes in movement of the deployed cable. The overboard system may comprise a first overboard wheel with a plurality of rollers and a second overboard wheel configured to detect movement and/or changes in a position of the deployment line. The overboard system may be configured to move the first overboard wheel in response to movement of the second overboard wheel. In addition, the first overboard wheel may comprise at least one opening or pocket configured to hold a node while the node passes across the wheel. Other seismic devices may also pass through the overboard system, such as transponders and weights attached to the deployment cable.