Seismic Sensor Assembly Surge Circuit for Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic sensors in reflection seismology are vulnerable to overvoltage and lightning strikes, which can damage equipment and disrupt data acquisition, particularly in environments prone to electrical activity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of overvoltage protection circuitry, including a board with components like gas discharge tubes and thyristor surge protective devices, is coupled to the sensor circuitry and grounded through a conductive mechanism, providing a path to dissipate energy from lightning strikes and protect the sensor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overvoltage protection circuitry is integrated into the seismic sensor assembly, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overvoltage protection circuit board is nested within the housing of the seismic sensor assembly, utilizing the existing internal space. The protection circuitry is integrated into the same housing that contains the sensor and sensor circuitry, creating a compact nested structure that adds protection functionality without requiring a separate external device.
Solution Approach 2:
The overvoltage protection circuit board is electrically coupled to the sensor circuit board through direct connection, merging the protection function with the sensing function in a unified assembly. The ground shield and coupling mechanism integrate multiple functions (grounding, shielding, and electrical connection) into a single structural element.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If overvoltage protection circuitry is integrated into the seismic sensor assembly, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas discharge tubes and thyristor surge protective devices convert the harmful overvoltage and lightning energy into a controlled discharge path. The circuitry captures the harmful electrical energy and redirects it through protective components that dissipate the energy safely, transforming the harmful effect into a controlled protective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The overvoltage protection circuit board acts as an intermediary between the sensor circuitry and the external environment. The ground shield and coupling mechanism serve as intermediate elements that provide electrical connection and shielding, mediating the interaction between the sensitive sensor components and the potentially harmful external electrical disturbances.
3Reliability
If ground shield is coupled to housing via coupling mechanism, then electrical connectivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding and shielding function is segmented into a separate ground shield component that can be independently manufactured and then coupled to the housing. This segmentation allows the ground shield to be pre-formed with appropriate conductive properties and then attached through the coupling mechanism, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to integrating grounding into the housing structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shield is prepared and positioned in advance during the assembly process, with the coupling mechanism pre-configured to receive it. The mounting features on the protection circuit board and the coupling mechanism are designed to facilitate preliminary positioning and alignment before final securing, reducing the complexity of the assembly operation.
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 effectively mitigates the risk of damage from lightning and overvoltage events, ensuring continuous data acquisition and reducing the impact of electrical disturbances on seismic sensor arrays.
Implementation Method 1
gas discharge tubes
Implementation Method 2
thyristor surge protective devices
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic sensor assembly can include a housing that defines a longitudinal axis; a sensor; sensor circuitry operatively coupled to the sensor; and overvoltage protection circuitry electrically coupled to the housing.