Screw-Shaped Seismic Sensor Coupling for Reliable Earth Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic sensors face challenges in effectively coupling with the earth surface during land-based seismic surveys, leading to poor data quality due to non-uniform and inefficient deployment methods, such as manual backfilling and spike-type deployments, which can damage wires and result in inadequate sensor-soil contact.
Innovation Solution
A seismic sensor coupling device with a screw shape that digs into the earth when rotated, combined with a housing containing particle motion sensors to measure translational data, allowing for the computation of rotation data and improved sensor coupling, reducing the need for separate rotational sensors and enhancing data accuracy by minimizing noise from ground-roll and other horizontal seismic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual backfilling or spike-type deployment is used, then deployment simplicity is improved, but sensor-soil contact quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling device is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the soil. This coupling device features a screw-shaped outer surface that actively engages with the soil when rotated, creating a secure mechanical anchor. The sensor is then coupled to this device, ensuring stable sensor-soil contact without requiring direct manual backfilling or simple spike insertion.
2Manufacturing precision
If screw-shaped coupling device is used, then sensor-soil contact quality is improved, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single component: the screw-shaped outer surface provides soil engagement and anchoring, while the inner compartment houses and secures the sensor. This merging of anchoring and sensor-housing functions into one integrated device simplifies the overall deployment process compared to using separate components.
3Measurement precision
If particle motion sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particle motion sensors within the elongated housing serve multiple purposes: they measure translational data in three orthogonal directions (x, y, z axes) and, through computational processing of the gradients of this data, also provide rotation data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rotational sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If rotational sensors are added separately, then rotation measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particle motion sensors, by measuring translational data at multiple points along the longitudinal axis, enable computation of rotation data through gradient calculations. This approach provides rotational measurement capability using the same sensor array, eliminating the need for additional dedicated rotational sensors and maintaining device simplicity.
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
The solution enables reliable and accurate seismic data acquisition by ensuring robust sensor coupling, reducing noise contamination, and facilitating automated deployment, thereby improving the fidelity of seismic survey data.
Implementation Method 1
a seismic sensor coupling device with a screw shape that digs into the earth when rotated
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by the seismic sensor system, translational data in a first direction measured by particle motion sensors
Implementation Method 3
a gradient of the translational data in the first direction with respect to the second direction is useable to compute rotation data around the third direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a seismic sensor coupling device and method. Translational data in a first direction is measured by particle motion sensors contained in an elongated housing of a sensor device provided at an earth surface. The particle motion sensors are spaced apart along a second, different direction along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. Rotation data around a third direction is computed based at least in part on computing a gradient of the translational data with respect to the second direction. Coupling of the sensor to the earth and features related thereto are addressed in the present application.