Seismic Streamer Connector Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic streamer systems used for mapping strata beneath water bodies are prone to noise interference due to movement stress, which affects the accuracy of data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A seismic streamer connector apparatus that includes a stress relief module to distribute axial stress over a longer length, forming an increasing radius of curvature, and co-moving an inner stress bearing element with an outer wall to reduce noise pickup in the wire bundle, thereby enhancing data acquisition in marine seismic surveys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connector joins two streamer sections, then the streamer sections are connected, but motion-induced noise is generated in the wire bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a stress relief module with a flexible element and buffer zone that anticipates and absorbs motion stresses before they reach the wire bundle. The flexible element deformable in response to y- and z-axes stresses acts as a pre-positioned cushion that reduces compression noise in the wire bundle during streamer movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a connector as a mediating element between the two streamer sections. This connector includes a stress relief module that serves as an intermediary structure to absorb and distribute motion-induced stresses, preventing direct transmission of noise-generating forces to the wire bundle.
2Strength
If stress is concentrated at the junction of streamer sections, then the connection is strong, but noise pickup increases in the wire bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different structural zones within the connector: a rigid attachment zone for strength at the streamer section junctions, a flexible stress-relief zone with deformable elements, and a buffer zone surrounding the wire bundle. This localized differentiation allows the connection to be strong while the wire bundle remains protected from stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer zone and flexible element provide beforehand cushioning by positioning stress-absorbing structures before the stresses can reach the wire bundle. The flexible element deformable in response to y- and z-axes stresses cushions the wire bundle against compression noise before the noise can be picked up.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connector is rigid, then structural stability is maintained, but motion-induced noise is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs local quality by combining rigid and flexible properties in different zones: the outer connector structure maintains rigidity for structural stability, while the inner stress relief module with flexible element provides motion compliance. This localized property differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of structural stability and noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses composite construction combining rigid materials for the outer structure with flexible materials for the stress relief module. This composite approach allows the connector to exhibit both rigid structural stability and flexible noise-reducing characteristics through the combination of different material properties.
Data Source
AI summary
Streamers used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as in a flexible neutrally buoyant towed array. A connector is used to longitudinally join a first and second streamer section and/or to connect a streamer section to a streamer stabilizer. The connector contains at least one of: (1) means for distributing axial stress over a larger volume or along a longer x-axis length of the streamer relative to the absence of the means for distributing; (2) forming an increasing radius of curvature along the length of the connector as a function of distance from the first leading streamer cable section; and (3) co-moving an inner stress bearing element and an outer wall of the connector preventing intermediate streamer elements, such as a wire bundle from picking up noise related to the movement stress.