Steering Device Wing Torque Control for Seismic Streamers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic streamer birds in marine environments face performance limitations due to torques caused by fluid flow, which affect the steering mechanisms used in seismic surveys.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a wing pivotably mounted to a body, featuring a pivot member and adjustable angle of attack, incorporates design elements such as a blunt trailing edge and turbulence trigger mechanisms to control torque, maintaining a positive torque gradient and reducing torque at higher angles of attack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wing area is increased to improve steering control, then the steering authority is improved, but the torque forces acting on the pivot member increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the wing, specifically positioning the pivot member at approximately 25% of the chord length from the leading edge and designing the trailing edge with specific curvature characteristics. These parameter changes optimize the torque curve to maintain positive gradient while reducing peak torque values, thereby improving steering control without proportionally increasing torque forces on the pivot member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature in the wing design, particularly in the trailing edge configuration and the overall airfoil shape. The curved geometry of the wing modifies the fluid flow pattern and pressure distribution, which helps in reducing the torque forces while maintaining effective steering control through the hydrodynamic forces generated by the curved surfaces.
2Speed
If the wing angle of attack is increased to improve steering response, then the steering authority is improved, but the torque forces increase and can cause instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wing geometry parameters, including the pivot member position at 25% chord length and the trailing edge curvature, to create a torque curve with positive gradient that maintains stability across a range of angles of attack. This allows the wing to respond effectively to steering inputs while preventing excessive torque forces that would cause instability or loss of control.
3Force
If the pivot member position is changed to reduce torque, then the torque forces are reduced, but the steering effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and applies optimal parameter values, specifically positioning the pivot member at approximately 25% of the chord length from the leading edge and designing the trailing edge with specific curvature characteristics. These parameter changes create a torque curve with positive gradient that simultaneously reduces peak torque forces and maintains effective steering control, resolving the contradiction between torque reduction and steering effectiveness.
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 solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of steering devices in marine environments by minimizing torque forces on the pivot axis, allowing for stable and controlled movement of seismic survey equipment.
Implementation Method 1
During movement through the ocean, the seismic streamer bird is subjected to torques as fluid flows past the wing
Implementation Method 2
the liquid acts against the wing and creates a torque about the pivot member which varies according to the angle of attack of the steering device
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates the steering of seismic survey related devices during seismic survey applications. A steering device is provided with a wing pivotably mounted to a body via a pivot member. As the steering device is moved through a liquid, the liquid acts against the wing and creates a torque about the pivot member which varies according to the angle of attack of the steering device. The steering device further comprises at least one feature designed to change the torque that would otherwise act on the pivot member.