Marine Seismic Streamer Control Device with Rotatable Delta-Wing Rudders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic streamer control devices are prone to noise interference, complexity, vulnerability, and slow response times due to their design, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of seismic surveys.
Innovation Solution
A control device with rotatable delta-wing rudders, connected in series between streamer sections, allows independent adjustment of lateral and vertical positions using electric motors and sensors, enabling lift in any direction without bank-to-turn maneuvers, and is designed for efficient energy use and easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional control devices are used, then streamer positioning is achieved, but noise interference increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from the streamer body by using separate control devices (birds) that can be independently positioned and controlled. Each bird operates autonomously to adjust streamer position without requiring complex integrated control systems, thereby reducing noise interference while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with acoustic signal-based control. Control devices use acoustic signals to communicate with the streamer and adjust position, substituting mechanical linkages and reducing noise-generating mechanical components while improving positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If conventional control devices are used, then streamer position control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent control devices (birds) distributed along the streamer. Each bird is a simple, autonomous unit with its own control mechanisms, rather than using one complex centralized control system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full position control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control devices are designed to operate autonomously using acoustic signals from the streamer. Each bird independently adjusts its position and orientation without requiring complex coordination systems, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining effective position control.
3Ease of operation
If conventional control devices are used, then streamer positioning is achieved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable control surfaces and hydrofoils on each bird that can rapidly change orientation and position. This dynamic capability allows the birds to respond quickly to changing streamer positions and adjust course rapidly, improving response time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
4Productivity
If streamers are towed for extended periods, then survey coverage is improved, but streamer entanglement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where control devices continuously monitor streamer position and orientation relative to the vessel and adjacent streamers. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to prevent lateral drift and entanglement, allowing extended towing operations to proceed safely and maintain survey coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control devices perform preliminary positioning adjustments before potential entanglement occurs by continuously maintaining optimal streamer spacing and orientation. This proactive approach prevents entanglement rather than reacting to it, enabling longer survey operations without risk.
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 solution provides precise positioning and faster course changes, reduces noise interference, and enhances the stability of streamer arrays, improving the accuracy and efficiency of seismic surveys while minimizing energy consumption and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
control means responsive to control signals and the sensor means for independently adjusting the respective angular positions of said control members so as to control the lateral and vertical position of the streamer
Implementation Method 2
Through a differential action, the wings allow the birds to be turned about the longitudinal axis of the antenna so that a hydrodynamic force oriented in any given direction about the longitudinal axis of the antenna is obtained
Implementation Method 3
A control device with rotatable delta-wing rudders, connected in series between streamer sections
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and control device for controlling the position of a marine seismic streamer spread and the ability for controlling individual marine seismic streamers both in shape and position relative to other marine seismic streamers and thereby counter effects from crosscurrent or other dynamic forces in a towed spread behind a seismic survey vessel. The system includes sensor means for determining information to control the streamer and a control device 10, including a housing 11 mechanically and at least partly electrically connected in series between two adjacent sections of the streamer 13, at least three control members 20 protecting from the housing 11, and control means adjusting the respective angular positions of the control members 20 so as to control the lateral and vertical position of the streamer 13. The rotational position of the streamer 13 and control device 10 is measured, and the measured rotational position is used to control the angular position of the control members 20, and thus the lateral and vertical displacement of the streamer 13.