Universal Hermaphroditic Seismic Cable Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic survey systems face challenges in efficiently connecting cable sections without the need for directional placement, back-to-back connectors, and are prone to electrical leakage due to water ingress, which increases complexity and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal hermaphroditic seismic cable connector design that can be semi-permanently affixed to both ends of receiver-line and base-line cable sections, allowing connections in either direction without adapters, while blocking geophone channels at junctures to prevent electrical leakage and withstand various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional directional cable connectors are used, then cable sections must be placed in specific directions, but this increases deployment complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design uses asymmetric internal blocking structures (blocking towers) that automatically prevent incorrect directional connections. The blocking towers are positioned to block geophone channels when connectors are joined in wrong orientations, while allowing proper signal transmission in correct orientations, thus eliminating the need for manual directional configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal hermaphroditic type that can connect cable sections in either direction without requiring different connector types or additional adapters. The same connector design works for all cable section connections, simplifying inventory and deployment procedures.
2Productivity
If back-to-back connectors are used to join cable sections, then connections can be made, but this increases the number of components and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of directional control, electrical blocking, and mechanical connection into a single hermaphroditic connector design. This eliminates the need for separate back-to-back connectors or adapters, as the same universal connector performs all these functions when joining cable sections.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal connector design replaces multiple specialized connector types (directional connectors, back-to-back connectors, adapters). The connector can join any cable section to any other cable section or equipment module without requiring different connector types, reducing component inventory and assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If cable connectors are exposed to environmental conditions, then connections can be made, but water ingress causes electrical leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates sealing structures including gaskets or sealing films that prevent water and contaminants from entering the electrical contact areas. These sealing elements maintain electrical isolation while allowing the connector to remain accessible for field deployment and connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking towers are designed to extend into the connector interface area, physically blocking water pathways and preventing water ingress into the electrical contacts. The blocking structures serve dual purposes: electrical isolation and environmental sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A hermaphroditic connector for a multiple conduit cable assembly comprises a cylindrical protective collar surrounding an inner cylindrical core. The collar is axially secured to the inner core but partially rotatable about the core. The distal end of the collar is formed to rotatively mesh with another collar of the same shape to mechanically secure a joint of two collars. Cable conduits enter the assembly through one axial end for electrical junction to terminals imbedded within the inner core. The terminals are functionally aligned with one of four parallel chord sections on the distal end-face of the inner core. The cross-sectional area of the inner core end-face is divided into two half-area sections; two parallel chord sections in each half-area section. The distal end-faces of the several chord sections are profiled to three, axially spaced, cross-sectional planes to axially mesh respective connector pins and sockets.