Seismic Cone Penetration Tool with Onboard Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic cone penetration test tools face challenges in accurately assessing subsea soil properties due to limitations in data processing, power storage, and communication within underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a test tool with a cone penetrometer test tool, seismic sensors, onboard data processing circuits, memory, and a power source, along with a communications interface for wireless data transfer using blue light modems, enabling precise seismic wave measurements and data recording during extended subsea deployments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seismic sensors and processing circuits are housed in the test tool, then measurement precision and data processing capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines seismic sensors, signal processing circuits, memory, and power sources into a single integrated test tool housing. This merging of previously separate components enables onboard processing and extended deployment while managing complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The test tool is designed as a multi-functional device that performs cone penetration testing, seismic wave detection, signal processing, data storage, and wireless communication all within a single tool, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment
2Duration of action of moving object
If onboard power source and memory are included in the test tool, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test tool includes a pre-installed power source (battery) and memory storage capacity that enables extended deployment operations to be performed without external support. The processing circuits are pre-configured to handle data acquisition and processing throughout the deployment duration
Solution Approach 2:
The test tool is designed as a self-contained system with onboard power and storage that autonomously performs measurements, processing, and data recording without requiring external equipment or continuous external power supply during deployment
3Ease of operation
If light transceiver is used for communication, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional acoustic or wired communication systems with a light-based transceiver system. This substitution enables wireless optical communication for data transfer while managing energy consumption through efficient light transmission protocols
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 system allows for accurate and efficient assessment of subsea soil properties by enabling onboard signal processing, extended data recording capabilities, and reliable wireless communication, thereby improving the quality and reliability of seismic data collected.
Implementation Method 1
the communications interface comprises a light transceiver, and wherein the second end of the housing comprises an opening through which the light transceiver transmits and receives light
Implementation Method 2
a first seismic sensor housed in the housing configured to sense seismic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assessing soil properties comprises a test tool including an elongated housing including a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a sensing section. The sensing section includes a cone penetrometer test (CPT) tool protruding from the first end of the housing; a first seismic sensor housed in the housing and that senses seismic waves, one or more circuits housed in the housing and that process output of the first seismic sensor, memory housed in the housing and coupled to the one or more circuits and that stores data sensed by the sensing section, and a power source housed in the housing and that provides power for the sensing section.