Seismic Sensor Mass Positioning via Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic sensors experience spontaneous internal transient disturbances, known as 'pings and pops,' due to mechanical stresses being relieved, which can obscure seismic signals, especially in the frequency domain, and conventional approaches fail to adequately minimize these disturbances without increasing the sensor's volume.
Innovation Solution
A mass positioning adjustment apparatus with a pivotable boom, flexure joint, and actuator mechanism that uses sapphire interfaces and a stepper motor to precisely center the inertial mass at a null point, reducing micro-mechanical movements and incorporating a motor disengagement mechanism to prevent spurious disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mass positioning mechanisms with moving parts are used, then mass positioning adjustment is achieved, but micro-mechanical movement and pings/pops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning mechanisms with moving parts (screws, motors, gears) with a magnetically actuated system. A permanent magnet interacts with a ferromagnetic material on the positioning element, enabling contactless adjustment. This eliminates mechanical friction, wear, and spontaneous micro-movements that cause pings and pops, while maintaining full positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the actuator and the positioning mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field transmits the positioning force, eliminating the need for physical interfaces that generate friction and micro-movements. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by decoupling the actuation function from mechanical contact.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If temperature cycling and component aging are used to relieve stresses, then internal stresses are reduced, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of stress-related problems by eliminating traditional mechanical positioning components with tight tolerances and complex assemblies. The magnetic positioning system uses loose tolerances and simple geometries, removing the need for stress-relief procedures like temperature cycling. The harmful mechanical stresses are taken out of the system entirely by replacing the mechanical coupling mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise mechanical interfaces are used for mass positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but susceptibility to micro-mechanical movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes precise mechanical interfaces with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnetic interaction provides continuous, frictionless contact that is insensitive to mechanical wear, loosening, or contamination. Positioning accuracy is maintained through magnetic field control while reliability improves by eliminating the micro-mechanical movements inherent in traditional precision mechanical interfaces.
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 significantly reduces the incidence of spurious noise in seismic signals, aligning with the New Low Noise Model, by minimizing mechanical disturbances and maintaining the sensor's compactness, thus enhancing the accuracy of seismic data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
interface means having hard mineral members for interfacing the actuator means with the adjustment means for reducing occurrences of micro-mechanical movement
Implementation Method 2
a flexure joint having a first leaf hinge; and adjustment means for positioning the boom at the null point, the adjustment means having a tensioner arm pivotably mountable to the axis mechanics by the flexure joint
Data Source
AI summary
A mass position adjustment apparatus for use in a seismic sensor having axis mechanics including a pivotable boom with a defined null point is described. The apparatus comprising: (a) adjustment means for positioning the boom at the null point; (b) actuator means for moving the adjustment assembly; and (c) interface means having hard mineral members for interfacing the actuator means with the adjustment means for reducing occurrences of micro-mechanical movement when the mass position adjustment apparatus is not being operated.