Single-Vector Gyro Borehole Tracking System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling techniques for boreholes under obstacles, such as rivers or buildings, lack precision and accuracy due to the need for multiple gyro sensors or complex multi-axis gimbal apparatuses, leading to increased costs and drilling time.
Innovation Solution
A system using a down-hole apparatus with a single-vector component rotation sensor and a three-vector component gravity sensing module to determine the azimuthal measurement by analyzing a single-vector component of the Earth's rotation vector, allowing for precise guidance of boreholes under obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple orthogonal gyro sensors are employed to measure the three vector components of Earth's rotation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary component for azimuth measurement - a single gyro sensor oriented perpendicular to the drill string axis - rather than using all three orthogonal components. This extraction principle reduces device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for the specific application of horizontal borehole drilling azimuth determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gyro sensor serves multiple functions: it measures Earth's rotation component perpendicular to the drill string axis, and when combined with drill string orientation data, provides azimuth information. This multi-functionality reduces the number of sensors needed while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If a single gyro sensor is configured to operate in multiple sequential orientations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string's orientation and the gyro sensor's position relative to it are determined before drilling proceeds. The azimuth is calculated based on the pre-established geometric relationship between the gyro sensor orientation and the desired borehole direction, eliminating the need for sequential re-orientation measurements during drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically re-orienting the gyro sensor multiple times with a computational approach. The single gyro measurement is combined with drill string orientation data through mathematical calculations to derive azimuth, substituting mechanical re-orientation with information processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sequential measurements by a single gyro are performed, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential single gyro measurement needed for azimuth determination, eliminating unnecessary sequential measurements. By taking out only the critical measurement component and combining it with pre-known drill string orientation, the system maintains precision while dramatically reducing measurement time and improving drilling productivity.
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient drilling by reducing the need for complex sensor assemblies and minimizing measurement delays, thereby lowering costs and improving drilling speed.
Implementation Method 1
determine an azimuthal measurement by obtaining and analyzing a single-vector component of the Earth's rotation vector
Implementation Method 2
a three-vector component gravity sensing module to determine the azimuthal measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system that has a first sensor assembly coupled to a mobile platform that traverses a predetermined subsurface path and has an axis of motion. The first sensor assembly obtains a gravity vector of the Earth relative to the mobile platform. A second sensor assembly is disposed in substantial alignment with a predetermined position relative to the axis of motion and is characterized by a sensitivity axis. The second sensor assembly provides a sensor signal substantially corresponding to a single vector component of the Earth's rotation vector. A control system is configured to derive the path direction relative to a known direction and an inclination angle of the mobile platform relative to the surface based on the gravity vector and the single vector component of the Earth's rotation vector.