Subsurface Seismic Source Device for Accurate Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seismic exploration methods using rotating seismic source devices installed on the ground surface are affected by environmental factors, leading to reduced accuracy in subsurface monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A seismic exploration system with a seismic source device disposed in the subsurface that generates vibration using an eccentric rotating body, coupled to the subsurface via a housing and coupling mechanisms, and utilizes signal acquisition devices to acquire and analyze vibration signals for accurate subsurface monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rotating seismic source device is installed on the ground surface, then the device can generate seismic waves for exploration, but the accuracy of subsurface monitoring is reduced due to environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of subsurface monitoringVSAvoidenvironmental factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the seismic source device on the ground surface as in conventional methods, this patent inverts the approach by disposing the seismic source device in the subsurface. The device is installed in a borehole or wellbore at a depth of several meters to tens of meters below the ground surface, thereby inverting the traditional surface-to-subsurface exploration approach to subsurface-to-surface exploration. This inversion eliminates the harmful environmental factors affecting ground surface measurements and significantly improves the accuracy of subsurface monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If the seismic source device is disposed in the subsurface, then environmental influences are minimized and monitoring accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

This patent merges the seismic source generation function with the existing borehole or wellbore infrastructure. The seismic source device is disposed within the borehole, utilizing the existing subsurface access route for installation. This merging approach allows the device to be installed through the same hole used for other subsurface operations (such as CO2 injection or geothermal exploration), thereby reducing the need for separate installation infrastructure and minimizing overall system complexity despite the subsurface disposal requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional ground surface seismic exploration is used, then the method is well-established, but it cannot accurately monitor subsurface changes in challenging environments such as urban areas and low-access locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubsurface monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the seismic source disposal location from ground surface to subsurface, the patent enables reliable monitoring in challenging environments where ground surface installation is problematic. The subsurface disposal allows the seismic source to operate below urban areas, in low-access locations, and in environmentally sensitive zones, thereby significantly improving environmental adaptability while maintaining monitoring reliability through elimination of surface environmental interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The seismic source device designed for subsurface disposal can be universally applied across multiple challenging environments including urban areas, low-access locations, and environmentally sensitive zones. The same basic device configuration can be installed in various borehole depths and locations, providing a multi-functional solution that adapts to different environmental conditions while maintaining consistent monitoring reliability, thereby enhancing overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system provides more accurate subsurface monitoring by minimizing environmental influences, enabling continuous and cost-effective seismic exploration in various challenging environments, including urban areas and low-access locations, and is suitable for monitoring CO2 storage sites and subsurface reservoirs.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating body that is eccentric and rotates about a rotation shaft, and a drive unit that generates vibration by rotating the rotating body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS20250208309A1Seismic exploration method, subsurface monitoring method, seismic exploration system, and seismic source device

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 THE UNIV OF TOKYO

AI summary

A seismic exploration method includes: causing a seismic source device disposed in a subsurface to generate a vibration; and acquiring, by a signal acquisition device, a vibration signal based on the vibration generated by the seismic source device. The seismic source device includes rotating bodies that are eccentric, and each rotates about a rotation shaft, and a drive unit that generates vibration by rotating the rotating bodies.