Servo-Hydraulic Vibrator Inertial Mass Transfer for Low Frequencies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic vibrators face challenges in producing sufficient energy at very low frequencies without increasing the carrier vehicle's size or weight, and without degrading high-frequency performance, as adding inertial mass or increasing stroke length leads to logistical and cost issues.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using non-rigid coupling with hydraulic dampers to capture mass from the carrier vehicle frame and its load, adjusting damping in real-time to enhance low-frequency output, and incorporating the damper force into the weighted sum of ground force measurement to improve energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If inertial mass is increased to improve low-frequency output capability, then low-frequency energy production is improved, but vehicle weight and size increase leading to logistical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibrator system with the carrier vehicle by using the vehicle's existing mass as the reaction mass. The baseplate is rigidly attached to the carrier vehicle frame, combining two separate systems into one integrated unit, thereby eliminating the need for a separate heavy reaction mass while improving low-frequency output.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier vehicle serves multiple functions: it provides transportation, supports the vibrator equipment, and acts as the inertial reaction mass for vibration generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated reaction mass components, reducing overall system weight while maintaining low-frequency capability.
2Power
If stroke length is increased to improve low-frequency output, then low-frequency energy production is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is rigidly integrated with the carrier vehicle frame, merging the actuation system with the vehicle structure. This integration allows the use of the vehicle's mass and structure as part of the actuation system, improving low-frequency output without requiring a longer or more complex actuator stroke.
3Reliability
If hold-down force is increased to maintain baseplate coupling, then vibration stability is improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates due to wheel lift-off
Solution Approach 1:
By rigidly attaching the baseplate to the carrier vehicle frame, the patent creates a unified structural system. The vehicle's entire mass becomes part of the coupled system, allowing for effective vibration transmission without requiring excessive hold-down force that would cause wheel lift-off and vehicle instability.
4Power
If reaction mass is added to improve low-frequency output, then low-frequency energy production is improved, but manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier vehicle is designed to serve as the reaction mass, eliminating the need for separate reaction mass components. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs and system weight while maintaining improved low-frequency output capability.
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
This approach significantly increases low-frequency output capability while maintaining high-frequency performance, reducing harmonic distortion and vehicle instability, and minimizing weight and cost increases.
Implementation Method 1
System and method to transfer inertial mass... capture mass from the carrier vehicle frame and its load... adding this mass to the reaction mass
Implementation Method 2
non-rigid coupling on demand using dampers connected between the reaction mass and the carrier vehicle's frame
Implementation Method 3
non-rigid coupling on demand using dampers connected between the reaction mass and the carrier vehicle's frame
Implementation Method 4
actuator which is a double acting hydraulic cylinder... ports high pressure hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic power supply
Data Source
AI summary
Earth vibrators, such as servo-hydraulic vibrators, are improved to produce more output force and less distortion at very low frequencies by capturing mass from the vehicles which carry them, adding sufficient inertial mass to the reaction mass without adding much vehicle and equipment weight while also avoiding increases to the servo-hydraulic vibrator's stroke length. In particular, improvements to servo-hydraulic vibrators, at low frequencies, will couple some mass from the carrier vehicle frame and its load using non-rigid coupling only when additional mass is needed using dampers connected between the reaction mass and the carrier vehicle's frame, with the added damping being applied by a control system at very low frequencies of output where the vibrator is otherwise unable to produce force equal to its hold-weight.