Robotic Docking Station for Seismic Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic exploration methods face challenges with complex and costly ocean bottom cables, increased noise, and inefficient handling of sensor capsules on survey vessels, particularly due to the need for real-time data transmission and storage of control units.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus for storing control units includes a robotic docking station with an elevator mechanism and mechanical docking latches, allowing for efficient storage, data transfer, and maintenance of control units, reducing the complexity and cost of cable deployment and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If autonomous nodes are used with separate power sources and data storage, then acoustic noise from cables is reduced and deployment depth capability is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous node is divided into separate functional modules: sensor capsule, control unit, and battery unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies handling during deployment and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A docking station serves as an intermediary between the control unit and battery unit, enabling automated connection and data transfer. The docking station facilitates efficient handling of autonomous nodes without requiring complex manual operations.
2Volume of moving object
If control units are stored in drawers with robotic insertion, then space utilization is improved and handling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic insertion system automatically places control units into designated drawers without human intervention. The system self-manages the storage and retrieval process, improving efficiency while the modular drawer design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station serves multiple functions: data transfer, power connection, and automated insertion into storage drawers. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single system, improving space utilization without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If mechanical docking latches are used, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
While mechanical docking latches provide reliable physical connection, the patent incorporates automated robotic manipulation to operate these latches. This replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems, maintaining connection reliability while significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing control units comprises a cabinet (10) with a plurality of rails (41) arranged horizontally along inner sidewalls and is configured to receive a plurality of drawers (40) above each other. Each drawer (40) comprises a plurality of docking sockets (1), each docking socket (1) being configured to receive and retain one control unit. The apparatus comprises a robotic elevator device (20) adapted to move an elevator table (30) in a vertical direction to a vertical position corresponding to a pair of rails (41) into which a drawer (40) is to be inserted or from which the drawer (40) is to be withdrawn. The elevator table (30) comprises a linear motor (32, 34) capable of moving the drawer (40) along a pair of rails (41) in a longitudinal direction. A robotic gripper, which may be internal or external to the apparatus, is capable of putting control units into the docking sockets or withdrawing the control units from the docking sockets.