Source Array Steering via Deflected Lead-in Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic survey systems face challenges in quickly and efficiently adjusting the cross-line position of source arrays relative to streamers without high power consumption and risking wire backlash on winch drums.
Innovation Solution
A marine seismic survey system with deflected lead-ins and capstans on the source arrays, allowing for cross-line adjustments using a capstan or winch system with pulleys, balancing forces and reducing power requirements by distributing tension across multiple connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If winches are used to adjust the cross-line position of source arrays, then the position can be controlled, but high power consumption and wire backlash occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by using deflected lead-ins that create opposing lateral forces on the source array. The lead-ins are tensioned to generate balanced lateral forces that counteract each other, allowing position adjustment without requiring high power from winches. The system uses the natural tension in the lead-ins to create the balancing effect rather than relying on powerful motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces deflected lead-ins as intermediary elements between the source array and the vessel. These lead-ins act as mediators that transmit and balance forces laterally, enabling position control through force balancing rather than direct high-power winch operation. The lead-ins serve as the intermediary mechanism that transforms the control approach from direct motor-driven adjustment to force-balanced positioning.
2Ease of operation
If winches exert lateral forces on source arrays, then cross-line position can be changed, but wire backlash jeopardizes operation
Solution Approach 1:
The deflected lead-ins create balanced lateral forces that counteract each other, maintaining constant tension in the wire system. This counterweight effect prevents sudden force changes that would cause backlash, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The balanced forces keep the system in equilibrium, avoiding the jerky movements that lead to wire backlash.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using winches to pull the source array laterally (direct force application), the patent inverts the approach by using deflected lead-ins to push or balance the array into position. The lead-ins are tensioned to create lateral forces that naturally balance each other, reversing the conventional winch-pull mechanism and eliminating the backlash problem associated with drum-based winches.
3Ease of operation
If cross-line adjustment is made from the vessel, then position control is possible, but power transmission capacity must be increased substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The deflected lead-ins create balanced lateral forces that counteract each other, allowing position adjustment with minimal power transmission requirements. The counterweight effect means that the forces required for adjustment are balanced and cancel each other out, reducing the power transmission capacity needed from the vessel to the source array while maintaining effective cross-line control.
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
Enables quick and energy-efficient cross-line adjustments of source arrays relative to streamers, minimizing power consumption and preventing wire backlash, while maintaining consistent tension in the system.
Implementation Method 1
a capstan on which said deflection line is engaged, said capstan being rotatable in a first or a second direction to adjust the position of the group of seismic source array units
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic survey array that includes one or more streamers adjustably fixed to a towing vessel by at least a first deflected lead-in and a second deflected lead-in and at least one group of source arrays having one or more devices for generating pulses in water vessel. The array is further provided with means for laterally and/or longitudinally changing the position of the source array(s) with respect to the vessel and/or its direction of motion, the means including a wire and winching system. The means for adjusting the position of the source arrays further includes a wire or rope with one end fixed to one front end of the units and extending from the unit to the adjacent lead-in and back to a capstan arranged on the front end of the unit.