Variable-Diameter Tow Warp for Marine Seismic Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towing warps used in trawl fishing and marine seismology face instability, premature failure, and high maintenance costs due to the limitations of steel wire cables and synthetic fiber ropes, particularly at points of contact with sheaves and paravanes, leading to safety risks and equipment losses.
Innovation Solution
A tow warp construction method that progressively introduces fibers with varying elasticity and material properties along the rope's length to enhance strength, durability, and resistance to bending fatigue, allowing for a longer lifespan and reduced risk of premature failure by forming strands with increased diameter and specific material properties in critical regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel wire cable is used as towing warp, then strength and durability are improved, but vessel stability deteriorates and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel wire to synthetic fibers, fundamentally altering the physical and mechanical properties of the towing warp. This substitution reduces weight by approximately 70% while maintaining sufficient strength, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and vessel stability.
2Reliability
If synthetic fiber towing warp is used, then vessel stability is improved, but premature failure at bending points occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a strengthened zone at the bending point through increased fiber density and/or different fiber material in the vicinity of sheaves and blocks. This localized reinforcement prevents premature failure at critical stress points while maintaining the overall advantages of synthetic fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different types of synthetic fibers with varying properties (strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance) within the same rope structure. This composite approach optimizes performance at different locations, particularly reinforcing bending zones while maintaining flexibility elsewhere.
3Productivity
If streamer length and equipment quantity are increased, then seismic data collection capability is improved, but drag and tension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the towing warp to synthetic fibers with optimized mechanical properties, including higher strength-to-weight ratio and reduced elasticity. This enables the system to handle increased drag forces from longer streamers and more equipment without compromising vessel safety or operational limits.
4Productivity
If streamer length and equipment quantity are increased, then seismic data collection capability is improved, but tension on superwides increases leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with enhanced strength properties to construct the towing warp, enabling it to withstand the increased tension forces generated by longer streamers and heavier equipment loads. This extends the service life of the superwides by preventing tension-induced failure.
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 method results in a tow warp with increased longevity, reduced risk of premature failure, and lower maintenance needs, enabling full utilization of the cable's life expectancy while minimizing technical complications and financial losses.
Implementation Method 1
The tow warp is designed to have a controlled amount of stretch to absorb the kinetic energy of the impact, reducing the force of the kickback
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a tow warp construction and a process for forming such tow warp construction where such tow warp construction has a longer life span, that is retains its useful dimensions and characteristics longer than known tow warp constructions and consequently has a longer useful life span than known tow warp constructions. Most broadly the construction of the tow warp construction of the present disclosure and process for forming such includes gradually and progressively introducing fibers from a second group of fibers (or "second group of linear elements") into an otherwise conventional stranding process where fibers from a first group of fibers (or "first group of linear elements") are being stranded to form strands (or "third group of linear elements"), so as to either or both increase the diameter of the strands and/or substitute the first group of fibers by fibers from the second group of fibers, so as to: a) in the first instance, increase the diameter of the formed strands and subsequently of a strength member formed of the strands, especially for increasing the diameter and strength of the tow warp's strength member in and about the splice braid zone where it connects to a towed object such as a paravane; and b) in the second instance, substitute in a predetermined region on the long dimension of the strands and subsequently in a predetermined region on a long dimension of a strength member formed of the strands fibers of higher creep and/or lower melting points by fibers of lower creep and/or higher melting points, especially for increasing the resistance of the tow warps strength member to bending fatigue.