Wireless Seismic Unit Cylindrical Housing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing land-based seismic data collection systems face challenges in deployment, maintenance, and data transmission due to complex wiring, fragile fasteners, and uneven thermal expansion, which can damage units and affect data quality.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a cylindrical design featuring interleaved teeth for secure assembly, a split ring fastener system for thermal expansion management, and free-floating electrical connectors to prevent stress on circuit boards, allowing for easy deployment and maintenance without external wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the cylindrical portions together, then the unit can be assembled, but the fasteners become difficult to manipulate when covered with debris and cause unequal forces due to thermal expansion, potentially damaging the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, clips) with an interference fit system based on geometric compression. The tapered outer surface of one cylindrical portion compresses against the inner surface of the mating portion, creating a secure connection through friction and normal forces rather than mechanical interlocking. This eliminates the need for manipulative fasteners that can be damaged by debris or thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion and compression parameters to create a secure seal. The housing portions are designed with slightly different thermal expansion coefficients, and the interference fit is engineered to maintain optimal compression force across temperature variations. This ensures the seal remains effective despite thermal cycling during seismic deployment.
2Reliability
If external electrical connectors are rigidly attached to the case or circuit board, then electrical connection is established, but thermal expansion and contraction of components creates stress on the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic electrical connection system where the connector is mounted on a resilient or flexible support structure that allows controlled movement. This dynamic mounting accommodates differential thermal expansion between the metal connector, plastic case, and circuit board without transmitting excessive stress to the circuit board, while maintaining reliable electrical contact throughout the temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (flexible mounting structure, elastic support, or compliant connector) between the external electrical connector and the rigid circuit board. This intermediary absorbs and isolates the thermal stress, allowing the connector to expand and contract independently while maintaining stable electrical connection and protecting the circuit board from damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cylindrical package has external features for fastening, then assembly is possible, but these features inhibit deployment and retrieval as well as coupling of the unit with the earth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from external protruding features and integrates it into the basic cylindrical geometry itself. The interference fit system uses the cylindrical surfaces of the housing portions as the fastening interface, eliminating the need for external flanges, lips, or projections. This allows the unit to have a smooth exterior optimized for deployment while maintaining secure assembly through the compressed cylindrical interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.