Seismic Base With Removable Modules For Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seismic exploration systems for submerged subsurfaces face uncertainties in seabed positioning and anchoring, high costs due to the need for new antennae before each survey, and lack of a reliable power source for long-term operation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising bases with sensors and removable modules that can be fitted and removed as needed, using underwater vehicles for connection and disconnection, with each module equipped with a power source for extended autonomy and data storage, allowing for repeated use and stable measurement conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If new antennae are installed before each exploration survey, then data acquisition can be performed, but the cost increases and the process becomes overly expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into two separable parts: a base that remains permanently installed on the seabed and a module that can be removed and reused. This segmentation allows the expensive module to be recovered and reused across multiple surveys while the simple base remains in place, significantly reducing per-survey costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire antenna after a single use, the module containing valuable components (memory, processor, power source) is recovered and reused for subsequent surveys. Only the simple base remains on the seabed, transforming a single-use expensive component into a reusable asset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Quantity of substance

If modules are released individually for surface retrieval, then data can be collected, but the system complexity increases and retrieval becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidretrieval operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple memory cartridges are combined into a single integrated module that remains attached to the base during the survey. The module collects data from multiple cartridges sequentially, consolidating what would be multiple separate retrieval operations into a single retrieval event, thereby simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the antenna is anchored to the seabed, then stable measurement conditions are achieved, but the positioning accuracy becomes uncertain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement condition stabilityVSAvoidseabed position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated anchoring system with anchoring elements acts as an intermediary between the base and the seabed. This specialized subsystem ensures both stable attachment for measurement consistency and precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between stability and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9151857B2System for seismic exploration a submerged subsurface including implanted bases

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 PXGEO UK LTD

AI summary

A system for seismic exploration of a submerged sub-surface comprises a plurality of bases (4) located at predetermined seabed positions, each base comprising an elongate stem penetrating the seabed, at least a seismic sensor (10, 12) within said stem, a radially extending support zone (19) connected to the upper end of the stem, said upper end projecting from the seabed, and a respective plurality of modules (6) each incorporating a data storage unit and a power source, each module being mechanically and electrically connected to the upper end of said stem, said module being capable of being connected to, and disconnected from, the base by an underwater vehicle.