Underwater acoustic sensor and underwater acoustic detection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an underwater acoustic sensor and an underwater acoustic detection system including the same. An underwater acoustic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a centrally formed hollow for receiving a hydrophone and a plurality of seawater inflow channels formed to radially surround the hollow for receiving a hydrophone, a tube extending in one direction, a plurality of underwater hydrophones arranged at predetermined intervals in the hollow for receiving a hydrophone of the tube, and an arrangement maintaining member inserted into each of the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube to maintain the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater acoustic sensor and an underwater acoustic detection system using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Sonar is widely used as the most effective method for detecting surface and underwater targets in the ocean. Hydrophones are utilized for this purpose, and dozens to hundreds of hydrophones are arranged linearly at regular intervals to increase detection range and distinguish the direction of sound transmission.

[0003] In addition, linear array acoustic sensors are classified into towed linear array acoustic sensors and seabed-mounted linear array acoustic sensors depending on the method of operation. Both towed and seabed-mounted types are identical in that multiple underwater hydrophones are linearly arranged at regular intervals.

[0004] In the towing type, when a surface vessel suspends a linear array acoustic sensor from its stern using a towing cable and moves at a constant speed, the linear array acoustic sensor detects sound waves while being towed at a constant depth.

[0005] On the other hand, in the underwater type, sound waves are detected while a linear array of acoustic sensors is installed in a straight line on the seabed.

[0006] Linear array acoustic sensors are subjected to various external forces, such as tensile, bending, torsional, and compressive forces, during the installation process. Furthermore, once installed at depths of tens or hundreds of meters, the linear array acoustic sensors are surrounded by seawater while subjected to seawater pressure.

[0007] In particular, when linear array acoustic sensors are operated on submersibles or surface vessels, miniaturization and lightweighting present challenges in maintaining linearity or ensuring durability at constant depths and speeds. For instance, to maximize internal space, the hose surrounding the sensor must be made as thin as possible; however, maintaining linearity is difficult due to currents or sensor sagging, and as the hose becomes thinner, durability decreases, making it susceptible to damage. The problem to be solved

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides an underwater acoustic sensor and an underwater acoustic detection system with improved durability and detection performance.

[0009] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0010] An underwater acoustic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises a centrally formed hollow for receiving a hydrophone and a plurality of seawater inflow channels formed to radially surround the hollow for receiving a hydrophone, a tube extending in one direction, a plurality of underwater hydrophones arranged at predetermined intervals in the hollow for receiving a hydrophone of the tube, and an arrangement maintaining member inserted into each of the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube to maintain the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones.

[0011] Seawater may flow into the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube, and the hollow space for receiving the acoustic device of the tube may be configured to be separated from the plurality of seawater inflow channels so as to block the inflow of seawater.

[0012] The above array retaining member may be a metal wire made of shape memory alloy.

[0013] If the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones deviates from a preset linear arrangement state, the arrangement maintaining unit may be configured to restore the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones to a preset linear arrangement state.

[0014] The above array maintenance unit can be restored to a preset shape by the temperature of the seawater flowing into the seawater inflow channel.

[0015] The above-described underwater acoustic sensor may further include a plug portion formed with a seawater inlet hole connected to the plurality of seawater inlet passages, which is coupled to both ends of the tube to block the inflow of seawater into the hollow receiving the hydrophone.

[0016] In addition, the above tube can be made of polyurethane (PU).

[0017] In addition, an underwater acoustic detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an underwater acoustic sensor, a measuring station that receives a sound wave signal detected by the underwater acoustic sensor, and a cable connecting the underwater acoustic sensor and the measuring station. Here, the underwater acoustic sensor includes a hollow for receiving a hydrophone formed in the center and a plurality of seawater inflow channels formed to radially surround the hollow for receiving a hydrophone, a tube extending in one direction, a plurality of underwater hydrophones arranged at predetermined intervals in the hollow for receiving a hydrophone of the tube, and an arrangement maintaining member inserted into each of the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube to maintain the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones.

[0018] The above-mentioned measuring station may be located on the water, underwater, or on land.

[0019] Seawater may flow into the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube, and the hollow space for receiving the acoustic device of the tube may be configured to be separated from the plurality of seawater inflow channels so as to block the inflow of seawater.

[0020] The array retaining part of the above underwater acoustic sensor may be a metal wire made of shape memory alloy.

[0021] If the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones deviates from a preset linear arrangement state, the arrangement maintaining unit may be configured to restore the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones to a preset linear arrangement state.

[0022] The above array maintenance unit can be restored to a preset shape by the temperature of the seawater flowing into the seawater inflow channel.

[0023] The underwater acoustic sensor may further include a plug portion formed with a seawater inlet hole connected to a plurality of seawater inlet passages, which is coupled to both ends of the tube to block the inflow of seawater into the hollow receiving the hydrophone.

[0024] The tube of the above underwater acoustic sensor can be made of polyurethane (PU). Effects of the invention

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the durability and detection performance of an underwater acoustic sensor and an underwater acoustic detection system can be reliably improved.

[0026] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 shows an underwater acoustic detection system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows an underwater acoustic sensor used in the underwater acoustic detection system of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the tube used in the underwater acoustic sensor of Figure 2 cut open. Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view based on the longitudinal direction of the underwater acoustic sensor of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the plug used in the underwater acoustic sensor of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the stopper of Figure 5 is coupled to one end of the tube. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0029] In the drawings, thicknesses have been enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals have been used for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it means that there is no other part in between.

[0030] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0031] An underwater acoustic detection system (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention is for detecting surface and underwater targets in the ocean.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an underwater acoustic detection system (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an underwater acoustic sensor (501) used in the underwater acoustic detection system (101).

[0033] In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, both sides of the underwater acoustic sensor (501) are shown separately. That is, in FIG. 2, a plurality of underwater hydrophones (510), which will be described later and are placed inside a tube (550), are shown as dotted lines on one side of the underwater acoustic sensor (501), and an array maintenance unit (520), which will be described later and is placed inside a tube (550), is shown as dotted lines on the other side of the underwater acoustic sensor (501). However, in the underwater acoustic sensor (501) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the underwater hydrophones (510) and the array maintenance unit (520) are not separated on both sides of the underwater acoustic sensor (501) and are both placed therein.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the underwater acoustic detection system (101) includes an underwater acoustic sensor (501) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a measuring station (200), and a cable (600).

[0035] The measuring station (200) receives a sound wave signal detected by the underwater acoustic sensor (501) described later. At this time, the measuring station (200) may be located on the surface, underwater, or land. For example, the measuring station (200) may be installed on land on a coastline, on a floating body floating on the surface, or on an underwater vehicle located underwater. Here, the floating body may be a surface vessel, and the underwater vehicle may be a submarine.

[0036] The cable (600) connects the measurement station (200) and the underwater acoustic sensor (501). That is, the cable (600) transmits the sound wave signal detected by the underwater acoustic sensor (501) to the measurement station (200).

[0037] The underwater acoustic sensor (501) can detect surface and underwater targets in the ocean. Depending on the method of operation, the underwater acoustic sensor (501) can be classified into a towed array acoustic sensor and a seabed-mounted array acoustic sensor.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, the underwater acoustic sensor (501) includes a tube (550), a plurality of hydrophones (510), and an array holding member (520). Additionally, the underwater acoustic sensor (510) may further include a plug member (540).

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the tube (550) of the underwater acoustic sensor (501) cut open, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view with respect to the longitudinal direction of the underwater acoustic sensor (501).

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tube (550) includes a centrally formed hydrophone receiving hollow (551) and a plurality of seawater inflow channels (552) formed to radially surround the hydrophone receiving hollow (551). The tube (550) extends in one direction. At this time, the one direction is the longitudinal direction of the underwater acoustic sensor (501).

[0041] Seawater can flow into the multiple seawater inflow channels (552) of the tube (550). On the other hand, the hollow (551) for receiving the hydrophone in the tube (550) is separated from the multiple seawater inflow channels (552), thereby blocking the inflow of seawater. That is, the multiple underwater hydrophones (510) received in the hollow (551) for receiving the hydrophone in the tube (550) do not come into contact with seawater.

[0042] Additionally, the tube (550) may be made of polyurethane (PU). Polyurethane has the properties of being tough and resistant to chemicals, excellent insulation and thermal insulation, and excellent elasticity.

[0043] The underwater hydrophone (510) is also called SONAR and can detect targets using sound waves. Multiple underwater hydrophones (510) are arranged in a linear arrangement at predetermined intervals in the hydrophone receiving hollow (551) of the tube (550). At this time, the predetermined intervals can be set differently depending on the performance and use of the underwater acoustic sensor (501) and the type of underwater hydrophone (510). For example, the predetermined intervals may be half-wavelength intervals of the center frequency.

[0044] If a plurality of underwater hydrophones (510) of such an underwater acoustic sensor (501) fail to maintain a preset linear arrangement, detection performance and accuracy may be reduced.

[0045] The arrangement maintenance unit (520) is inserted into each of the multiple seawater inflow channels (552) of the tube (550) to maintain the linear arrangement of multiple underwater hydrophones (510).

[0046] Additionally, the array maintenance unit (520) may be a metal wire made of a shape memory alloy. When the array state of a plurality of underwater hydrophones (510) deviates from a preset linear array state, the array maintenance unit (520) may be configured to restore the array state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones (510) to a preset linear array state. At this time, the array maintenance unit (520) may be restored to a preset form by the temperature of the seawater flowing into the seawater inflow channel (552).

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the stopper portion (540), and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the stopper portion (540) connected to one end of the tube (550).

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the plug portion (540) is coupled to both ends of the tube (550) to block the inflow of seawater into the hollow (551) receiving the acoustic device, and the plug portion (540) may have a seawater inlet hole (542) connected to a plurality of seawater inflow channels (552).

[0049] That is, seawater flows into the seawater inflow channel (552) of the tube (550) through the seawater inflow hole (542) of the plug portion (540), and the seawater flowing into the seawater inflow channel (552) restores the arrangement maintenance portion (520) made of shape memory alloy to a preset linear arrangement state.

[0050] Additionally, a connector (560) for connecting to a cable (600) may be attached to one end of the underwater acoustic sensor (501), namely the plug portion (540). This connector (560) can mechanically, electrically, or optically connect the underwater acoustic sensor (501) and the cable (600). Furthermore, the plug portion (560) may include an electrical converter or an optical converter that converts a digital acoustic signal transmitted from the underwater acoustic sensor (501) into an optical signal so that it can be transmitted to the measurement station (200) through the cable.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by such a configuration, the durability and detection performance of the underwater acoustic sensor (501) and the underwater acoustic detection system (101) including the same can be reliably improved.

[0052] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of underwater hydrophones (510) deviate from a preset linear arrangement state due to an external force, the arrangement maintenance unit (520) restores them to a preset linear arrangement state, thereby stably maintaining the durability and detection performance of the underwater acoustic detection system (101).

[0053] Although the actions are depicted in a specific order in the drawings, it should not be understood that the actions must be executed in the specific order depicted or in sequential order, or that all depicted actions must be executed to obtain the desired result.

[0054] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present embodiment, and a person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs would be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present embodiment, and the scope of the technical concept of the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present embodiment. Explanation of the symbols

[0055] 101: Underwater Acoustic Detection System 200: Measurement station 501: Underwater acoustic sensor 510: Hydrophone 520: Array maintainer 540: Stopper 542: Seawater inlet 550: Tube 560: Connector 551: Hollow housing for the phono 552: Seawater inflow channel 600: Cable

Claims

Claim 1 An underwater acoustic sensor comprising: a tube extending in one direction, including a centrally formed hollow for receiving a hydrophone and a plurality of seawater inflow channels formed to radially surround the hollow for receiving a hydrophone; a plurality of underwater hydrophones arranged in a linear arrangement at predetermined intervals in the hollow for receiving a hydrophone of the tube; and an arrangement maintaining member inserted into each of the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube to maintain the linear arrangement of the plurality of underwater hydrophones. Claim 2 An underwater acoustic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that seawater flows into the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube, and the hollow of the tube receiving the hydrophone is separated from the plurality of seawater inflow channels to block the inflow of seawater. Claim 3 An underwater acoustic sensor according to claim 1, wherein the array retaining member is a metal wire made of a shape memory alloy. Claim 4 An underwater acoustic sensor characterized in that, in paragraph 3, when the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones deviates from a preset linear arrangement state, the arrangement maintaining unit restores the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones to a preset linear arrangement state. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the underwater acoustic sensor is characterized in that the array maintaining part is restored to a preset shape by the temperature of the seawater flowing into the seawater inflow channel. Claim 6 An underwater acoustic sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a plug portion coupled to both ends of the tube to block the inflow of seawater into the hollow receiving the hydrophone, wherein the plug portion has a seawater inflow hole formed therein connected to the plurality of seawater inflow channels. Claim 7 An underwater acoustic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube is made of polyurethane (PU). Claim 8 An underwater acoustic detection system comprising: an underwater acoustic sensor; a measuring station for receiving sound wave signals detected by the underwater acoustic sensor; and a cable connecting the underwater acoustic sensor and the measuring station, wherein the underwater acoustic sensor comprises: a tube extending in one direction, the tube including a centrally formed hollow for receiving a hydrophone and a plurality of seawater inflow channels formed to radially surround the hollow for receiving a hydrophone; a plurality of underwater hydrophones arranged in a linear arrangement at predetermined intervals in the hollow for receiving a hydrophone of the tube; and an arrangement maintaining member inserted into each of the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube to maintain the linear arrangement of the plurality of underwater hydrophones. Claim 9 An underwater acoustic detection system according to claim 8, characterized in that the above-mentioned measuring station is located on the surface, underwater, or land. Claim 10 An underwater acoustic detection system according to claim 8, characterized in that seawater flows into the plurality of seawater inflow channels of the tube, and the hollow of the tube receiving the hydrophone is separated from the plurality of seawater inflow channels to block the inflow of seawater. Claim 11 An underwater acoustic detection system according to claim 8, characterized in that the array maintaining part of the underwater acoustic sensor is a metal wire made of a shape memory alloy. Claim 12 An underwater acoustic detection system according to claim 11, characterized in that when the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones deviates from a preset linear arrangement state, the arrangement maintaining unit restores the arrangement state of the plurality of underwater hydrophones to a preset linear arrangement state. Claim 13 In claim 11, the underwater acoustic detection system is characterized in that the array maintenance unit is restored to a preset form by the temperature of the seawater flowing into the seawater inflow channel. Claim 14 An underwater acoustic detection system according to claim 8, wherein the underwater acoustic sensor is coupled to both ends of the tube to block the inflow of seawater into the hollow receiving the hydrophone, and further comprises a plug portion having a seawater inflow hole formed therein connected to the plurality of seawater inflow channels. Claim 15 An underwater acoustic detection system according to claim 8, characterized in that the tube of the underwater acoustic sensor is made of polyurethane (PU).

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