Highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer

Abstract

The application provides a high-integration multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer in the technical field of underwater acoustic transducers, which comprises a multi-beam parametric array, a multi-beam depth transducer array, a pressure-resistant substrate and a metal plate, the multi-beam parametric array and the multi-beam depth transducer array are connected to the pressure-resistant substrate respectively, the pressure-resistant substrate is connected to the metal plate, and the lead-out wires of the multi-beam parametric array and the multi-beam depth transducer array are led out from the metal plate; the multi-beam parametric array comprises a large-area transmitting array and a multi-channel receiving transducer array; and the multi-beam depth transducer array comprises a first linear array transmitting array, a multi-channel linear array receiving array and a second linear array transmitting array. The multi-beam parametric array and the multi-beam depth transducer array are integrated, shallow bottom layer and topography detection can be simultaneously realized, and a sonar transducer with small volume and light weight can realize high-resolution imaging of underwater or seabed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater acoustic transducer technology, and more specifically, to a highly integrated, multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing intensity of human research and development activities on marine resources and the environment, high-frequency multibeam sonar has become one of the most important marine survey and exploration instruments in marine scientific research, seabed resource development, and marine engineering construction both domestically and internationally. Seabed topography, as a major component of the marine environment, has significant value in the field of marine development. Multibeam bathymetry sonar, as one of the main tools for seabed topographic measurement, can generate data that, after processing, can be used for seabed topographic mapping. Nonlinear parametric arrays use nonlinear parametric principles for target detection and identification; their low-frequency beam directivity is good, with no sidelobes, resulting in high resolution; and their transducers are small, lightweight, and easy to install. Traditionally, multibeam bathymetry sonar and shallow-bottom sounding sonar are two independent sonars using two separate transducers. However, in some platforms, such as small UUVs, there are strict requirements on the weight and size of the equipment. Integrating the two sonars can save a significant amount of space and weight, which is of great significance for the development of miniaturized UUVs.

[0003] Sonar integration primarily involves the innovative integration of transducer arrays. The challenge lies in integrating multibeam bathymetry transducers and parametric arrays within a limited space. This invention proposes a highly integrated, multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer that effectively addresses this problem. Currently, there is limited literature on the integration of multibeam bathymetry transducer arrays and parametric arrays. This invention simplifies the fabrication and manufacturing process of sonar transducers, improves practicality, and reduces size and weight. No identical technologies or methods have been found in existing documents or literature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a highly integrated, multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer.

[0005] According to the present invention, a highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer includes a multibeam parametric array, a multibeam depth sounding transducer array, a pressure-resistant substrate, and a metal plate. The multibeam parametric array and the multibeam depth sounding transducer array are respectively connected to the pressure-resistant substrate, which is connected to the metal plate. The lead wires of the multibeam parametric array and the multibeam depth sounding transducer array pass through the metal plate.

[0006] The multi-beam parametric array includes a large-area transmitting array and a multi-channel receiving transducer array. The large-area transmitting array is located on the front of the radiating surface of the voltage-resistant substrate, and the multi-channel receiving transducer array is located in the middle of the radiating surface of the voltage-resistant substrate.

[0007] The multi-beam depth sounding transducer array includes a first linear transmitting array, a multi-channel linear receiving array, and a second linear transmitting array. The first and second linear transmitting arrays are located on opposite sides of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate, respectively, while the multi-channel linear receiving array is located on the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate.

[0008] Preferably, the angle between the normal direction of the radiating surface of the first linear array and the second linear array and the normal direction of the large-area array is in the range of 30°-70°.

[0009] Preferably, the radiating surfaces of the large-area transmitting array, the multi-channel receiving transducer array, and the multi-channel linear receiving array are on the same plane.

[0010] Preferably, the radiating surfaces of the large-area transmitting array, the multi-channel receiving transducer array, and the multi-channel linear receiving array are flush.

[0011] Preferably, the centers of the radiating surfaces of the large-area transmitting array, the multi-channel receiving transducer array, and the multi-channel linear receiving array are on a straight line.

[0012] Preferably, the number of channels and the direction of channel separation are the same for both the large-area transmitting array and the multi-channel receiving transducer array.

[0013] Preferably, the direction of the segmented channels of the multi-channel linear receiver array is consistent with the direction of the multi-channel receiver transducer array.

[0014] Preferably, the center lines connecting the elements of the multi-channel linear receiving array are perpendicular to the extension lines of the first linear transmitting array and the second linear transmitting array, respectively.

[0015] Preferably, the first linear array and the second linear array are parallel to the lines connecting the large-area array, the multi-channel receiving transducer array, and the multi-channel linear receiving array, respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the first linear array and the second linear array have the same structure, and the number of array elements, size, resonant frequency, directivity and transmission voltage response level of the first linear array and the second linear array are the same.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention integrates a multibeam parametric array and a multibeam bathymetry transducer array, enabling simultaneous detection of shallow seabed and topographic features; and achieves high-resolution imaging of underwater or seabed using a small-volume, lightweight sonar transducer. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0021] Numbering on the map:

[0022] 1. Large-area transmission array; 2. First linear transmission array; 3. Multi-channel receiving transducer array; 4. Multi-channel linear receiving array; 5. Pressure-resistant substrate; 6. Metal plate; 7. Second linear transmission array. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] Example

[0025] According to the present invention, a highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the array includes a multi-beam parametric array, a multi-beam depth sounding transducer array, a pressure-resistant substrate 5, and a metal plate 6. The multi-beam parametric array and the multi-beam depth sounding transducer array are embedded or bonded to the pressure-resistant substrate 5, which is fixed to the corrosion-resistant metal plate 6. The leads of the multi-beam parametric array and the multi-beam depth sounding transducer array pass through the metal plate 6 and enter the electronic compartment. The multi-beam parametric array includes a large-area transmitting array 1 and a multi-channel receiving transducer array 3. The large-area transmitting array 1 is located on the front of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate 5, and the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3 is located in the middle of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate 5. The multi-beam depth sounding transducer array includes a first linear transmitting array 2, a multi-channel linear receiving array 4, and a second linear transmitting array 7. The first linear transmitting array 2 and the second linear transmitting array 7 are located on both sides of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate 5, and the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 is located on the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate 5.

[0026] The number of channels and the direction of the dividing channels of the large-area transmitting array 1 and the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3 are consistent. The direction of the dividing channels of the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 is consistent with the direction of the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3. The radiating surfaces of the large-area transmitting array 1, the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3, and the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 are on the same plane, and the radiating surfaces of the large-area transmitting array 1, the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3, and the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 are flush. The centers of the radiating surfaces of the large-area transmitting array 1, the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3, and the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 are on a straight line.

[0027] The center lines connecting the elements of the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 are perpendicular to the extension lines of the first linear transmitting array 2 and the second linear transmitting array 7, respectively. The number of elements, size, resonant frequency, directivity, and transmission voltage response levels of the first linear transmitting array 2 and the second linear transmitting array 7 are identical. The first linear transmitting array 2 and the second linear transmitting array 7 are parallel to the lines connecting the large-area transmitting array 1, the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3, and the multi-channel linear receiving array 4, respectively. Furthermore, the angle between the normal direction of the radiating surface of the first linear transmitting array 2 and the second linear transmitting array 7 and the normal direction of the large-area transmitting array 1 ranges from 30° to 70°.

[0028] More specifically, based on the operating frequency and directional angle determined in the overall demonstration of the high-frequency sonar system, the dimensions of the multi-beam depth sounding array and the multi-beam parametric array are determined through finite element simulation calculations. The transmitting voltage response and direction of the transmitting array elements are calculated, as are the receiving sensitivity and directionality of the receiving array elements. Then, the material and dimensions of the piezoelectric ceramic are optimized and selected, and the piezoelectric ceramic is purchased from the manufacturer. Alternatively, piezoelectric ceramics of the required dimensions can be cut. In this embodiment, the resonant frequency of the multi-beam depth sounding array is 500kHz, the number of array elements in the first linear transmitting array 2 or the second linear transmitting array 7 is 10, and the number of channels in the multi-channel linear receiving array 4 is 96. The resonant frequency of the multi-beam parametric array is 200kHz, the number of channels in the large-area transmitting array 1 is 40, and the number of channels in the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3 is 40. The transmitting transducer uses PZT4 type piezoelectric ceramic, and the receiving transducer uses PZT5 type piezoelectric ceramic.

[0029] The pre-defined PZT4 type piezoelectric ceramic strip is bonded to the substrate and then transversely cut. The cutting blade thickness is 0.3 mm, and the center-to-center distance is 2 mm. After cutting, epoxy resin is poured into the gaps, followed by debubbling. Excess epoxy resin is cleaned, and the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic is thoroughly cleaned. The cut wafer is then installed into a mold, a matching layer is poured, and after the matching layer has cured, it is polished to the required thickness to obtain the array elements of the first linear emission array 2 or the second linear emission array 7. Finally, the array elements with the matching layer are installed into the voltage-resistant substrate 5. The same method is used to obtain the array elements of the large-area emission array 1.

[0030] Copper foil was bonded to the bottom surface of PZT5 piezoelectric material, then cut, a matching layer was poured in, and then cut again to obtain a multi-channel receiving transducer array 3. The array elements of the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3 were bonded to a pressure-resistant substrate 5. After curing, the positive and negative terminals of the signal lines were soldered to the upper and lower surfaces of the multi-channel receiving transducer array 3. Then, watertight sealing was performed according to the potting requirements of underwater acoustic transducers.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0032] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer, characterized in that, It includes a multibeam parametric array, a multibeam depth sounding transducer array, a pressure-resistant substrate (5), and a metal plate (6). The multibeam parametric array and the multibeam depth sounding transducer array are respectively connected to the pressure-resistant substrate (5), and the pressure-resistant substrate (5) is connected to the metal plate (6). The lead wires of the multibeam parametric array and the multibeam depth sounding transducer array pass through the metal plate (6). The multi-beam parametric array includes a large-area transmitting array (1) and a multi-channel receiving transducer array (3). The large-area transmitting array (1) is located on the front of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate (5), and the multi-channel receiving transducer array (3) is located in the middle of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate (5). The multibeam echo sounding transducer array includes a first linear transmitting array (2), a multi-channel linear receiving array (4), and a second linear transmitting array (7). The first linear transmitting array (2) and the second linear transmitting array (7) are located on opposite sides of the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate (5), and the multi-channel linear receiving array (4) is located on the radiating surface of the pressure-resistant substrate (5). The angle between the normal direction of the radiation surface of the first linear array (2) and the second linear array (7) and the normal direction of the large area array (1) is in the range of 30°-70°. The radiation surfaces of the large-area transmitting array (1), the multi-channel receiving transducer array (3), and the multi-channel linear receiving array (4) are on the same plane.

2. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation surfaces of the large-area transmitting array (1), the multi-channel receiving transducer array (3), and the multi-channel linear receiving array (4) are flush.

3. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centers of the radiation surfaces of the large-area transmitting array (1), the multi-channel receiving transducer array (3), and the multi-channel linear receiving array (4) are on a straight line.

4. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of channels and the direction of channel separation are the same for both the large-area transmitting array (1) and the multi-channel receiving transducer array (3).

5. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of the segmented channels of the multi-channel linear receiver array (4) is consistent with the direction of the multi-channel receiver transducer array (3).

6. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center lines of the array elements of the multi-channel linear receiving array (4) are perpendicular to the extension lines of the first linear transmitting array (2) and the second linear transmitting array (7), respectively.

7. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first linear array transmitter (2) and the second linear array transmitter (7) are parallel to the lines connecting the large area transmitter array (1), the multi-channel receiving transducer array (3) and the multi-channel linear receiving array (4), respectively.

8. The highly integrated multifunctional underwater acoustic transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first linear array transmitter array (2) and the second linear array transmitter array (7) have the same structure. The number of array elements, size, resonant frequency, directivity and transmission voltage response level of the first linear array transmitter array (2) and the second linear array transmitter array (7) are the same.

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