Seventh Bridle Block System for Paravane Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridle block systems for seismic deflectors lack the ability to dynamically control the angle of attack during U-turns without manual adjustment and are vulnerable to power supply failures and mechanical stress from electrical cables.
Innovation Solution
A bridle block system with a 'seventh bridle' line connected to a local actuator on the paravane, which adjusts the angle of attack by creating a force imbalance between the fore and aft bridle lines, eliminating the need for power supply through the towing line and reducing mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of bridle line lengths is used to control deflector angle of attack, then the deflector can be adjusted before launching, but the deflector's heading cannot be controlled dynamically during U-turn operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic control mechanism that allows the bridle lines to be adjusted during operation. The system uses a control mechanism on the vessel to modify bridle line lengths in real-time, enabling dynamic angle of attack control during U-turns and other maneuvers, transforming the static manual adjustment system into a dynamic controlled system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with a controlled system that uses winches and braking mechanisms. This substitution allows for more precise and dynamic control of the bridle lines, enabling automated or remotely controlled angle of attack adjustment during operations.
2Extent of automation
If electrical cables are towed to provide power supply for actuator control, then remote control of deflector angle is possible, but the system becomes vulnerable to cable damage and increases towing line diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the towing line system by providing power locally at the deflector through a battery or other power source mounted on the deflector itself. This eliminates the need for electrical cables running through the towing line, removing the vulnerability while maintaining remote control capability through wireless communication or existing mechanical signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector system becomes self-sufficient by carrying its own power source (battery) and control electronics. This self-service approach allows the deflector to operate autonomously with remote monitoring and control capabilities, eliminating dependence on external power supply through vulnerable cables.
3Device complexity
If fixed bridle line lengths are used, then the system is mechanically simple, but the outer deflector incurs increased load during U-turn operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the bridle line system, allowing the lengths to be modified during operations. This enables the system to adapt to changing operational conditions, particularly during U-turns, by adjusting bridle line lengths to optimize load distribution and reduce peak forces on the towing line and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bridle line length from fixed to variable. By enabling continuous adjustment of this critical parameter, the system can optimize performance and reduce loads during different operational phases, particularly during maneuvers like U-turns where load conditions change dynamically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a bridle block system for a paravane (9) for seismic equipment, comprising: - a main bridle block (1) with a connecting point (2) for a towing line from a seismic vessel, and with attachment points (7b, 5b) for first and second triples of bridle lines (8, 11) to first and second lugs (41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53) at either ends of the paravane (9). The main block (1) comprises a pivot point (3) for a pivot arm (7, 5), which has an arm (7) with an attachment point (7b) near its end for the first triple bridle lines (8), and an oppositely directed arm (5) with an attachment point (5b) near its outer end for second triple bridle lines (11). An auxiliary moment arm (12) at the second arm's (5) side is connected to a seventh bridle line (13), further connected to an actuator (14) arranged near the first bridle lines' (8) forward lugs' (41, 42, 43) of the paravane (9). The seventh bridle (13) exerts a force imbalance between the fore and aft bridle lines (8, 11) so as for changing the paravane's angle of attack.