Seismic Sensor Integrated Power Supply Proof Mass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic surveying devices are large, expensive, and heavy, making them inefficient to transport and deploy, and they require complex sensors or power-consuming electronics to achieve adequate sensitivity and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A seismic survey apparatus with a proof mass that integrates a power supply, using piezoelectric elements and electronic circuitry to detect movement, allowing for reduced size and weight while maintaining sensitivity and accuracy by constraining the proof mass's movement to a specific direction, enabling efficient packaging and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional moving coil geophones are used to achieve sufficient sensitivity and accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply and proof mass into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate power supply components and complex electronic circuitry. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the piezoelectric sensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional moving coil electromagnetic sensing system with a piezoelectric sensing system. This substitution eliminates complex electromagnetic components (coils, magnets, springs) while achieving comparable or superior measurement precision through the piezoelectric effect, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional moving coil geophones are used to achieve sufficient sensitivity and accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of power supply and proof mass into one unit eliminates redundant structural components and reduces overall weight. The piezoelectric elements require minimal mass compared to traditional coil and magnet assemblies, achieving weight reduction while maintaining sensitivity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy electromagnetic components (large magnets, wound coils, compliant springs) with lightweight piezoelectric ceramic or crystal elements. This substitution dramatically reduces proof mass weight while maintaining or improving measurement precision through the direct piezoelectric effect.
3Device complexity
If MEMS sensors are used to reduce size and weight, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the piezoelectric element parameters (material composition, geometry, orientation) and the proof mass characteristics to achieve high sensitivity measurements. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system attains measurement precision comparable to traditional geophones while maintaining the simplicity and compactness of the integrated design.
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 integrated power supply and piezoelectric sensor configuration reduces the size and weight of seismic surveying devices, enhancing deployment efficiency and maintaining accuracy by allowing a larger number of devices to be deployed without compromising overall system accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises one or more piezoelectric elements arranged to detect the movement of the proof mass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A seismic survey apparatus comprising a body, a proof mass, at least one sensor arranged to detect movement of the proof mass relative to the body, electronic circuitry connected to the at least one sensor, the electronic circuitry being configured to receive and process an output of the sensor, and a power supply arranged to provide electrical power to the electronic circuitry with the power supply being an integral part of the proof mass.