Seismic Probe for Shallow Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic surveying techniques are not practical for shallow applications due to cumbersome sources that do not generate suitable seismic energy for imaging small targets at depths of up to 15 feet, and they severely deform the near surface material, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution surveys of large areas.
Innovation Solution
A low-energy seismic source and receiver system configured to produce and detect seismic or acoustic waves, incorporating a seismic source assembly mechanically coupled to a ground engaging member, with a sensor assembly to sense ground vibrations, and a unitary apparatus that combines both source and receiver within a common housing for efficient shallow imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional seismic sources (explosives, large vibrators, weight drops) are used to transmit significant energy into the ground, then the depth of surveying is improved (50-500 meters), but the near surface material is severely deformed and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the seismic source from high energy (conventional sources generating 3,000-33,000 lbs force) to low energy (hand-held probe generating minimal force), making the source suitable for shallow surveys without deforming the near surface material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical seismic sources (explosives, large vibrators, weight drops) with an electrodynamic transducer that uses electromagnetic fields to generate seismic waves, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical impactors
2Power
If conventional seismic sources are used for shallow surveys, then the energy transmission is sufficient for deep imaging, but the wavelength is inappropriate for imaging small targets at shallow depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the seismic source to generate high frequency waves with short wavelengths, which are appropriate for imaging small targets at shallow depths (maximum 15 feet), whereas conventional sources produce low frequency long wavelength waves suitable only for deep surveys
3Force
If conventional seismic sources generate high impact force, then the signal strength is sufficient for deep ground penetration, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates for shallow features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter from high impact force (3,000-33,000 lbs) to low impact force suitable for shallow surveys, and compensates by using high frequency coupling and a low noise floor receiver to maintain signal-to-noise ratio for detecting small shallow targets
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
The system effectively images underground objects to a maximum depth of 15 feet with reduced deformation and increased resolution, using a low impact force and high-frequency coupling, suitable for detecting buried utilities with improved signal quality and reduced noise floor.
Implementation Method 1
The Seismic method is a known technique of performing below-ground surveys. It involves the generation of a pressure or sound wave (p-wave), shear wave (s-wave), or other types of waves and transmission of same through the ground being surveyed. These waves cause relative motion of the ground, including the soil, rock or stones, and any water.
Implementation Method 2
A low energy seismic source transducer of the present invention produces a probe wave of a type and wavelength appropriate for imaging underground objects to a maximum depth of about 15 ft ( ̃3-4 m) by a receiver transducer.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are implemented for evaluating underground structures and objects, particularly relatively shallow underground structures and objects, using a seismic or acoustic source signal and a resulting seismic or acoustic wave. A discrete or unitary apparatus incorporates both a seismic source transducer and a receiver transducer within a common housing or frame. A unitary seismic probe includes a ground engaging member and a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member. The probe further includes a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source.