Seismic Vibrator Baseplate Rotation Sensor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seismic land vibrators face challenges in accurately measuring and modeling ground force and baseplate motion due to non-uniform motion and limited space for sensors, which affects the quality of seismic data used for subsurface formation analysis.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of rotation sensors on the baseplate and stilt structure to measure rotational movement and horizontal gradients of acceleration, enhancing data density and allowing for the characterization of baseplate motion, including torsional modes and rocking motions, using a combination of transducers and MEMS sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rotation sensors are added to measure baseplate motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebaseplate motion measurementVSAvoidsensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor system. Rotation sensors (gyroscopes) are integrated with existing accelerometers to form a unified measurement platform that captures both rotational and linear motion data, reducing the need for separate sensor systems while improving overall measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation sensors serve multiple functions: measuring baseplate rotation, determining horizontal gradients of acceleration, characterizing torsional modes, and detecting rocking motions. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor addition to address multiple measurement needs simultaneously, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are installed on the baseplate, then measurement precision is improved, but available space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground force measurementVSAvoidbaseplate surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically places sensors at specific locations on the baseplate where they can maximize measurement effectiveness. Rotation sensors are positioned to optimally capture baseplate motion characteristics, while accelerometers are placed at locations that provide the best information about ground force, ensuring each sensor contributes maximally without requiring uniform distribution across the entire baseplate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from purely linear acceleration measurements to include rotational dimension measurements. By adding rotation sensors that measure angular motion, the system gains information about baseplate motion in a new dimension (rotation vs. translation), effectively increasing measurement capability without requiring proportional increases in sensor count on the baseplate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If rotation sensors are used to characterize baseplate motion, then reliability of seismic data is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseismic dataVSAvoidmeasurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation sensors provide feedback about actual baseplate motion that is used to correct and refine the seismic signal. By continuously monitoring baseplate rotation and using this information to adjust the seismic data processing, the system improves data reliability through feedback-based correction of motion-induced errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation sensors act as intermediaries between the baseplate motion and the seismic signal processing. They provide intermediate measurement data about baseplate orientation and rotation that serves as a bridge for correcting the seismic signals, enabling more accurate subsurface imaging without directly modifying the seismic source or receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9417346B2Seismic vibrator device and method with rotation sensor
Publication Date: 2016.08.16 WESTERNGECO LLC
  • US9417346B2 patent drawing
  • US9417346B2 patent drawing
  • US9417346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A seismic land vibrator, comprising a baseplate comprising a substantially flat, rigid member; at least one driven member that is connected with the baseplate and extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to baseplate; a rotation sensor that is coupled to the baseplate and adapted to provide a signal that is indicative of rotational movement of at least a portion of the baseplate.