Running Block for Marine Seismic Array Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic survey systems face challenges in accurately positioning seismic source and streamer arrays due to dependencies on complex and costly systems involving multiple parts, such as otterboards, deflectors, and winches, which are prone to maintenance issues and inefficient at maintaining position across varying environmental conditions like wind, waves, and currents.
Innovation Solution
A controllable pulley/running block system is introduced, which moves along a deflected lead wire or tow wire, enabling independent lateral positioning of seismic sources and streamer arrays using rotary power, simplifying the system and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex systems like otterboards, deflectors, and winches are used for positioning seismic arrays, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex mechanical systems (otterboards, deflectors, winches) and implements it through a simplified wire-guided running block system. The running block moves along a wire to position the seismic array, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning devices while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler system based on wire tension and running block movement. Instead of using mechanical deflectors or winches, the system uses a wire stretched across the array with a running block that can move along the wire to adjust position, substituting complex mechanics with a simpler wire-based mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If multiple adjustable components like rudders and fins are used on deflectors, then positioning control is improved, but ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for multiple adjustable components (rudders, fins) by extracting the positioning control function to a wire-guided running block system. The running block's position along the wire directly controls the array position, eliminating complex adjustable components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The running block system is self-regulating through wire tension. The block naturally maintains its position along the wire through tension forces, and can be easily repositioned by simply moving the block along the wire, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Device complexity
If fixed position deflectors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the running block can move along the wire to adapt to varying environmental conditions. Unlike fixed deflectors, the running block's position can be adjusted in real-time to compensate for wind, waves, and currents, providing environmental adaptability while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire-guided running block system serves multiple functions: it positions the seismic array, allows for environmental adaptation, and maintains system simplicity. The same basic mechanism (wire with movable block) provides both structural support and positioning control, making the system universally applicable to different environmental conditions without requiring complex adjustments.
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 solution allows for precise and efficient positioning of seismic source arrays, reducing maintenance complexity and operational costs by providing a simpler alternative to existing systems, effectively maintaining desired positions during marine seismic surveys despite environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
The running block is configured to attach to the deflected lead wire or tow wire with means and rotary power for travel along wire
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of marine towing operations for marine seismic survey systems and seismic data gathering. More specifically, the present invention relates to seismic sources and receiver sensor cables, streamers, floats etc., that have means for adjusting and keeping a desired position in an array during a tow behind a vessel. The apparatus comprises a pulley apparatus, being a kind of miming block (1), connected with and supporting marine equipment (3, 3′). The miming block (1) is configured to attach to the deflected lead wire or tow wire (2, 9). It has means for traveling along the wire (2, 9).