Seismic Sensor Coupling via Fluid Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-density seismic acquisitions face challenges with poor data quality due to substandard coupling of seismic sensors with the ground, as manual deployment is inefficient and complex machinery-based solutions require accessible locations, which may not always be feasible.

Innovation Solution

A seismic sensor device with a bottom section that releases a fluid coupling medium upon deployment, ensuring effective contact with the ground for improved data quality, utilizing an aerial vehicle for deployment and retrieval, and incorporating machine learning for optimized operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual planting of seismic sensors is performed, then good coupling with the ground is achieved, but deployment efficiency is too low for high density acquisitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling qualityVSAvoiddeployment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device automatically releases the coupling material when it contacts the ground, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device self-services by detecting ground contact through the impact event and autonomously deploying the coupling material to ensure proper coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling material is pre-loaded in the bottom section of the sensor device before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the device to immediately release the coupling material upon ground contact, ensuring proper coupling without requiring manual intervention during the critical coupling phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If sensors are dropped on the ground for high density acquisitions, then deployment efficiency is improved, but coupling quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidcoupling quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device automatically releases the coupling material when it contacts the ground, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device self-services by detecting ground contact through the impact event and autonomously deploying the coupling material to ensure proper coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling material is pre-loaded in the bottom section of the sensor device before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the device to immediately release the coupling material upon ground contact, ensuring proper coupling without requiring manual intervention during the critical coupling phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If machine-based trench deployment is used, then coupling quality is improved, but system complexity and accessibility requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling qualityVSAvoiddeployment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device automatically releases the coupling material when it contacts the ground, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device self-services by detecting ground contact through the impact event and autonomously deploying the coupling material to ensure proper coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The complex trench-digging machinery is removed from the deployment system. Instead, a simple free-fall deployment mechanism is used, with the coupling material function extracted and integrated directly into the sensor device itself, allowing deployment in previously inaccessible areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables efficient, accurate, and safe deployment and retrieval of seismic sensors with improved coupling, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing data quality while allowing for deployment in inaccessible areas.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid is released around the bottom section to improve a coupling between the ground and the bottom section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid coupling:

Data Source

PatentEP3080642B1System and method for coupling a seismic sensor to the ground
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 TOTALENERGIES SE
  • EP3080642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3080642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3080642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and sensor device for recording seismic data. The sensor device includes a top section (330) and a bottom section (350) removably attached to the top section (330) through a connecting plug (380). The bottom section holds a coupling material (356) that is released into ground upon the bottom section (350) impacting the ground.