Vibrator Truck Auto-Positioning via Predictive Baseplate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic surveys using vibrator trucks are time-consuming and costly due to the need for manual positioning and synchronization of the vibratory system at multiple locations, which can lead to inaccuracies and increased operational time.
Innovation Solution
A positioning assistance system, or auto-guidance unit, that automatically controls the speed and lifting of the baseplate of the vibrator truck, allowing for precise and efficient positioning at target vibration points by triggering the lifting process before arrival, thus optimizing the survey process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning and synchronization of the vibratory system is used at multiple locations, then the driver can control the vibrator truck, but the survey process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-positioning of the vibrator truck using GPS/GNSS receivers and automated baseplate control. The truck autonomously navigates to target locations and synchronizes baseplate deployment without continuous manual intervention, thereby increasing survey productivity while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates optimal baseplate lifting timing based on predicted arrival time at target locations. By triggering the baseplate lifting sequence in advance before the truck actually arrives, the system ensures synchronized deployment without delaying the survey workflow, thus resolving the contradiction between manual control precision and survey speed.
2Measurement precision
If the driver waits for complete stopping at target location before triggering baseplate lifting, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the predicted arrival time at each target location and triggers baseplate lifting in advance based on this prediction. This preliminary action ensures the baseplate is ready for immediate deployment upon arrival, eliminating waiting time while maintaining positioning accuracy through GPS/GNSS-guided navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual position via GPS/GNSS receivers and compares it with the predicted trajectory. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts the baseplate lifting timing to ensure synchronization with actual arrival, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy without requiring excessive waiting time.
3Productivity
If baseplate lifting is triggered early before arrival, then operational time is reduced, but the risk of damage increases if the truck is still moving
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors truck speed and position via GPS/GNSS and dynamically adjusts the baseplate lifting timing. By providing real-time feedback on motion status, the system ensures baseplate deployment is triggered only when the truck is sufficiently close to or has arrived at the target location, preventing damage while maintaining survey efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the baseplate lifting sequence based on real-time truck motion parameters such as speed and position. Rather than using a fixed timing rule, the system adjusts the lifting schedule dynamically to match actual operational conditions, thereby ensuring safety without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
It is proposed a positioning assistance system (1250) for a vibrator truck (1), that is configured to determine a vibration point distance between the vibrator truck (1) and the vibration point location; determine a stopping distance for stopping the vibrator truck (1) at a vibration point location, according to a determined current speed of the vibrator truck and according to a speed profile; determine a time for stopping the vibrator truck (1) at the vibration point location according to the current speed of the vibrator truck, when the stopping distance corresponds to said vibration point distance; and trigger the lifting down of the baseplate (111) of the vibratory system (11), when at least the following condition is met: said stopping time is inferior or equal to a time for lifting down the vibratory system (11) to the ground. A corresponding method is also proposed.