Towed Sensor Carrier Lateral Extension for Sea Bed Surveying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surveying the ocean bed and near region for unexploded ordnance and chemical weapons using magnetometers are inefficient due to limited lateral coverage and slow survey speeds, making them time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A towable system with extended sensor carriers equipped with multiple sensors, deflector mechanisms, and control units to enhance lateral coverage and vertical positioning, allowing for flexible sensor placement and data association with specific geographic positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If one or several magnetometers are towed behind a survey vessel or mounted on an ROV, then ferromagnetic objects can be detected, but the lateral coverage is poor and survey speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function into multiple magnetometers distributed along an extended sensor carrier. Instead of using a single magnetometer, multiple sensors are spaced along the carrier structure, allowing parallel detection across a wider lateral area while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor carrier is extended in length perpendicular to the towing direction, creating a lateral dimension for coverage. This transforms the detection approach from a single-point measurement to a distributed array that covers a broader area simultaneously, increasing survey speed without sacrificing detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If one or several magnetometers are used for surveying, then ferromagnetic objects can be detected, but the area covered is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnetometers are distributed along the sensor carrier, with each sensor contributing to detection accuracy while collectively covering a larger survey area. The segmented arrangement allows the system to maintain precise detection at each point while expanding overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated sensor carrier structure. Multiple magnetometers that would individually cover limited areas are combined on one carrier, creating a unified system that achieves both detection accuracy and expanded area coverage simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If an ROV is used to mount magnetometers, then detection can be performed, but the lateral coverage is limited and survey time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor carrier extends laterally perpendicular to the towing direction, creating a wide coverage area that reduces the number of survey passes required. This dimensional extension allows the system to cover more ground in less time while maintaining detection precision through multiple distributed sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended sensor carrier enables continuous coverage across a broader area during each survey pass, eliminating gaps that would require repeated surveys. The multiple magnetometers work continuously along the carrier length, maintaining detection capability while reducing overall survey time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sea bed survey system being configured to be towed by a towing body (12) is provided. The system comprises at least one sensor carrier (100) having a plurality of sensors (128) disposed along its length, and at least one deflector (110) for controlling the lateral extension and the vertical position of said sensor carrier (100), wherein the lateral extension exceeds 25% of the length of sensor carrier, and the vertical height above the sea bed is less than the lateral extension of said sensor carrier.