Seismic Sensor Assembly with Conductive Shielding and Insulating Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic sensors face interference from electromagnetic sources, which degrades data quality due to their inability to effectively shield against electromagnetic interference, and existing designs can be complex and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The seismic sensor design incorporates an electrically conductive outer housing with an electrically insulating holder and a sensor assembly that includes a piezoelectric element, providing electromagnetic shielding and improved insulation to enhance data quality, while also simplifying manufacturing and assembly through a modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor assembly uses a simple housing design, then manufacturing is easier, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two distinct parts: an inner housing containing the sensor assembly and an outer housing providing electromagnetic shielding. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the inner housing for ease of manufacturing and assembly, and the outer housing for effective electromagnetic interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor assembly and the external environment. This shield acts as a barrier that blocks electromagnetic interference from reaching the sensor element while allowing the sensor to function normally.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor assembly provides strong electromagnetic shielding, then data quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the housing into inner and outer portions with the electromagnetic shield as a separate component, the design achieves effective shielding without excessive complexity. The modular structure allows for straightforward assembly where the sensor assembly is placed in the inner housing, which is then positioned within the outer housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic shielding is applied locally to the sensor assembly area where it is most needed, rather than requiring complete enclosure of the entire device. This targeted approach provides effective data quality protection while minimizing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor element is directly mounted on the housing, then manufacturing is simpler, but electromagnetic interference protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic shield serves as an intermediary protective layer between the sensor element and the external electromagnetic environment. The sensor element is mounted on the inner housing, which is itself enclosed by the electromagnetic shield and outer housing, providing protection without complicating the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is nested within the inner housing, which is then nested within the outer housing providing electromagnetic shielding. This nested structure allows the sensor element to be mounted simply on the inner housing while still benefiting from the protective outer housing.
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 effectively shields the sensor element from electromagnetic interference, improving data quality and simplifying the manufacturing process, leading to more reliable seismic data collection.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly includes a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive outer housing... effectively shields the sensor element from electromagnetic interference
Implementation Method 3
an electrically insulating holder disposed within the outer housing... The sensor element is electrically insulated from the outer housing by the holder
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of biasing members disposed within the inner cavity and configured to flex in response to axial movement
Data Source
AI summary
Example sensor assemblies, seismic sensor incorporating the sensor assemblies, and methods relating thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly includes an electrically conductive outer housing, and an electrically insulating holder disposed within the outer housing. The holder comprises a recess. In addition, the sensor assembly includes a sensor element disposed within the recess of the holder. The sensor element is electrically insulated from outer housing by the holder.