Seventh Bridle Block System for Paravane Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridle block systems for seismic deflectors lack efficient control over the angle of attack during U-turns, leading to increased load on towing lines and deflector connection points, and require power supply via vulnerable electrical cables.
Innovation Solution
A bridle block system with a 'seventh bridle' mechanism, where an auxiliary moment arm connected to an actuator on the paravane adjusts the angle of attack by exerting a force imbalance between fore and aft bridle lines, eliminating the need for power supply through the towing line and enhancing mechanical robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually adjusted bridle line lengths are used to control deflector angle of attack, then the deflector can be positioned before launching, but the deflector's heading cannot be controlled during U-turn operations
Solution Approach 1:
The bridle block is made rotatable about a vertical axis, transforming the static fixed-position bridle block into a dynamic component that can actively adjust its orientation. This allows the bridle lines to automatically redirect and control the deflector's heading during U-turn operations, resolving the contradiction between operational control and device simplicity.
2Force
If fixed position deflector is used, then the bridle block system is simple, but the deflector exerts insufficient pulling force during U-turn
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable bridle block enables dynamic adjustment of the bridle line angles during U-turn, allowing the system to optimize the pulling force vector. This mechanical dynamic adjustment increases the effective pulling force without requiring additional actuators or complex power systems.
3Ease of operation
If motorized sprocket sheave is used to adjust angle of attack, then the deflector's angle of attack can be controlled, but the system requires power supply via vulnerable electrical cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motorized sprocket sheave system with a purely mechanical rotatable bridle block. The angle of attack control is achieved through mechanical rotation of the bridle block about a vertical axis, eliminating the need for electrical cables and motors, thus improving reliability while maintaining operational control.
4Measurement precision
If motorized sprocket sheave is used for angle adjustment, then precise control is achieved, but the system does not return to default position if motor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that acts as a mechanical counterweight or restoring force. The spring automatically returns the bridle block to its default neutral position when motor power is removed or fails, ensuring reliability and position recovery without requiring complex control systems.
5Ease of operation
If electrical cables are towed for power supply to deflector, then angle of attack control is enabled, but the towing line diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for electrical power transmission through the towing line by using a purely mechanical rotatable bridle block system. The control is achieved through mechanical rotation rather than electrical actuation, thereby maintaining a standard towing line diameter without the added bulk of electrical cables.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridle block system for a paravane for seismic equipment includes a main bridle block with a connecting point for a towing line from a seismic vessel, and with attachment points for first and second triples of bridle lines to first and second lugs at either ends of the paravane. The main block includes a pivot point for a pivot arm, which has an arm with an attachment point near its end for the first triple bridle lines, and an oppositely directed arm with an attachment point near its outer end for second triple bridle lines. An auxiliary moment arias at the second arm's side is connected to a seventh bridle line, further connected to an actuator arranged near the first bridle lines' forward lugs' of the paravane. The seventh bridle exerts a force imbalance between the fore and aft bridle lines to change the paravane's angle of attack.