Streamer Latch Mechanism With Replaceable Seat for Pulling Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic streamer devices in marine surveys often experience structural failures due to excessive forces, leading to costly replacements and operational inefficiencies, as existing repair methods lack the necessary structural integrity to withstand continuous pulling forces.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a dovetail pin and compression bias component, where the seat component is designed to absorb sudden forces and can be easily replaced or modified, using materials like aluminum or stainless steel to enhance durability and reduce operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a threaded screw repair method is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to withstand continuous pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member with engagement features, a separate seat component, and a biasing component. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and replaced independently if damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates a biasing component (spring) that provides continuous dynamic force to maintain engagement between the latch member and locking collar, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational forces rather than relying on static threaded fasteners.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional attachment methods are used, then the device can be attached to the streamer cable, but the reliability deteriorates when forces exceed structural limits
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member includes a curved engagement surface that works with the locking collar to distribute forces across a larger area, reducing stress concentration points that would lead to failure under excessive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing component is pre-loaded to provide continuous cushioning force that absorbs sudden load spikes and prevents the attachment from failing when forces exceed normal operational limits.
3Reliability
If the seat structure is damaged, then the attachment fails, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to inability to easily replace the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is designed as a separate, removable component rather than being integral to the housing, allowing it to be easily extracted and replaced without replacing the entire streamer device or pylon structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular seat component can be discarded when damaged and replaced with a new or refurbished unit, recovering the valuable pylon and other components while minimizing repair time and cost.
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 provides a robust and cost-effective repair or upgrade option for streamer devices, maintaining performance and reducing the need for full device replacement, while withstanding excessive forces and minimizing corrosion in saltwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
The compression bias component can apply a spring bias force on the pin member to hold attach the locking collar to the streamer device
Implementation Method 2
The seat component can be configured to absorb sudden forces
Data Source
AI summary
A streamer device or other system can include a pylon configured to attach to a locking collar, and a latch mechanism with a seat component. The latch mechanism comprises a pin member configured to attach to the locking collar, and a bias component. The seat component can be configured to retain the bias component when the pylon is attached to the locking collar, and the bias component can be configured to bias the pin member to hold the locking collar to the pylon. The bias may responsive to a position of the seat component, or determined or controlled at least in part based on the position.