Modular Towed-Antenna Winch Drum for Continuous Changeover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional winches used for deploying and retrieving towed antennas and sonars are not adaptable to different lengths and diameters, limiting their versatility and requiring specific, non-variable towing setups, which restricts their application and flexibility in seismic surveys and underwater operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular winch system with multiple drums and automatic connection units allows for the seamless transition and extension of towed antennas, enabling variable lengths and diameters, and automatic overflow mechanisms to maintain continuous operation without interrupting the deployment or retrieval process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional winch with a single drum is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different towed antenna lengths and diameters is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is divided into multiple independent drums (first drum, second drum, third drum), each capable of holding different towed antennas or cable combinations. This segmentation allows the system to handle various lengths and diameters by selecting appropriate drum-antenna pairings, directly resolving the adaptability issue while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The winch system is designed with multiple drums that can serve different functions - some drums hold towed antennas, others hold towing cables, and they can be combined in various configurations. This multi-functionality enables a single winch system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring complete system replacement, achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined length towed antenna is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the flexibility in operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The towed antenna system is segmented into multiple sections that can be stored on different drums and connected during operation. This allows the operational length to be varied by selecting which segments to deploy and how to connect them, providing flexibility without requiring complex manufacturing of variable-length antennas. Each segment can be manufactured simply with standard lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection units serve as intermediaries between different towed antenna segments and between the towed antenna and towing cable. These standardized connection mechanisms enable flexible length configuration during operation while keeping the manufactured segments simple and uniform, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and manufacturing simplicity.
3Productivity
If the towed antenna is manually handled during drum change, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic changeover mechanisms that enable the winch to autonomously switch between different drums and towed antenna configurations without requiring manual intervention. The automatic connection units and drum switching mechanisms perform the changeover operations themselves, significantly improving productivity while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection units are pre-configured and positioned on the drums before operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid automatic connection and changeover during deployment and retrieval operations, eliminating manual handling time and improving productivity without requiring overly complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
4Productivity
If the towed antenna is continuously deployed without interruption, then the productivity is high, but the risk of damage during drum change increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is designed with multiple drums that can be switched between without interrupting the deployment or retrieval operation. The automatic changeover mechanisms maintain continuous tension and control on the towed antenna throughout the drum switching process, enabling uninterrupted operation while protecting the antenna from damage through controlled, automated transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates protective mechanisms that are activated before drum changeover occurs, such as controlled tension reduction and positioning systems that prepare the towed antenna for safe transition. These preliminary protective actions prevent damage during the changeover process while maintaining continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drum for a towed antenna, comprising a drive, wherein the drum has a first towed antenna, and wherein a second drum having a second towed antenna can be associated with the drum, wherein, in a case of association, the first towed antenna is connected to the second towed antenna by means of a first connecting unit such that, in the case of a switch from the first drum to the second drum, the first towed antenna runs over onto the second towed antenna or, in the case of a switch from the second drum to the first drum, the second towed antenna runs over onto the first towed antenna. The invention further relates to a winch for a towed antenna, to a towed antenna for towing in water, and to a ship for towing a towed antenna in water.