Wing Releasing System for Navigation Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation control devices for seismic streamers in marine environments face issues with reliability and stability when encountering fishing nets or foreign objects, leading to increased noise, loss of control, and potential damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
An active wing releasing system using an actuator activated by a releasing decision circuit that detects foreign objects based on load measurements, noise levels, and motor consumption, allowing for precise and automatic release of wings to maintain equipment integrity and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a passive mechanical fuse is used to release wings when foreign objects are detected, then the streamer is protected from damage, but the system loses reliability due to unwanted releases caused by load variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of load patterns before triggering wing release. The processing unit analyzes load signal patterns over time to distinguish between harmful foreign objects and normal operational variations, only initiating release when confident a foreign object is present. This preliminary action prevents false releases while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors load signals and uses feedback loops to adjust release decisions. The processing unit compares real-time load patterns against established thresholds and patterns, allowing the system to learn and adapt to normal operational variations. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable distinction between genuine foreign objects and benign load changes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire bird is released when a wing is caught by a net, then the streamer is protected, but the navigation control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the release action to affect only the specific wing component that detected the foreign object, rather than releasing the entire bird. The actuator is configured to release individual wings independently while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the remaining bird components. This segmentation preserves navigation control capability while providing targeted protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and removes only the problematic wing component that is caught by the foreign object, leaving the rest of the bird intact and functional. This selective extraction allows the navigation control device to maintain its operational capabilities while eliminating the source of the problem.
3Stability of the object's composition
If no release mechanism is provided, then the bird structure remains intact, but the streamer can be damaged by foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares release mechanisms in advance that can be activated when foreign objects are detected. The actuator and processing unit are pre-configured to quickly release wings if foreign objects are detected, providing protective cushioning against potential streamer damage while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
4Device complexity
If manual monitoring and control is used, then the system remains simple, but productivity decreases due to increased monitoring time and potential downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-action through automated detection and release mechanisms. The processing unit continuously analyzes load signals and automatically triggers wing release when foreign objects are detected, eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring. This self-service capability maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving productivity by reducing downtime and enabling continuous seismic data acquisition.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is proposed a wing releasing system for releasing at least one wing (12c) of a set of wing or wings of a navigation control device (40), the navigation control device being adapted for controlling the depth and/or the lateral position of a towed acoustic linear antenna (20a) and comprising a body (11) to which is attached the set of wing or wings. The wing releasing system comprises: a releasing decision circuit (44), for generating a release request signal when detecting that a foreign object is caught by at least one wing of the set of wing or wings; and an actuator (50) comprised in the navigation control device, for releasing from the body the at least one wing of the set of wing or wings, when receiving the release request signal.