A detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of underwater acoustic detection equipment and discloses a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure and a manufacturing method. The structure comprises a ceramic element, a fixture, a first conductor, a second conductor and an outer shell; the ceramic element is provided with an annular spider-web hole structure; the ceramic element is clamped in the fixture, and the outer shell comprises a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are interlocked and threaded, and the fixture is placed in the second shell, wherein the other end of the first conductor is connected to an electrode end through the first shell; the other end of the second conductor is connected to an electrode end through the second shell; castor oil is filled in the first shell and the second shell; by adopting the spider-web structure, the curvature critical point of a traditional disc during vibration is changed, the range of consistent curvature is expanded, and the sensitivity of the hydrophone is effectively improved; the hydrophone can be disassembled at any time and the ceramic element can be replaced by the screwing action of the disassembly groove and the thread of the second shell, thereby increasing the service life of the hydrophone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of underwater acoustic detection equipment, and in particular to a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the field of ocean exploration, the rational development of marine resources and the effective protection of marine safety are both highly dependent on the accurate acquisition of information. Due to their long-distance propagation ability in water and their immunity to electromagnetic interference, sound waves have become the preferred energy carrier for underwater communication and detection. Therefore, underwater acoustic detection technology is widely used in various fields of ocean exploration and has become an indispensable technical means. In underwater acoustic detection systems, sensors are mainly divided into two categories: generating transducers and receiving transducers. The receiving transducer, also known as a hydrophone, is specifically responsible for capturing and analyzing underwater acoustic signals, providing critical data support for ocean exploration and safety monitoring.

[0003] Hydrophones can be divided into two categories based on their operating principles: active and passive. Compared to active hydrophones, passive hydrophones generate their own electrical response independently of external energy input and do not introduce additional interference, thus playing an important role in the field of hydrophones. Currently, the most common passive hydrophones are piezoelectric hydrophones and flexoelectric hydrophones. Compared to piezoelectric hydrophones, flexoelectric hydrophones use more universally applicable component materials, and their fabrication process is simpler and more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the flexoelectric effect is size-dependent, meaning that flexoelectric hydrophones allow for reductions in the size of core components while maintaining high sensitivity, thereby enhancing their potential in hydrophone applications. These advantages have led to increasing interest in flexoelectric hydrophones. However, the low sensitivity of common disc-type flexoelectric hydrophones no longer meets current low-frequency detection requirements. Furthermore, traditional hydrophones cannot be disassembled to replace damaged components, resulting in a short service life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure and a manufacturing method to solve the technical problem of how to improve the sensitivity and service life of the hydrophone in the prior art.

[0005] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, comprising a ceramic element, a fixture, a first wire, a second wire, and an outer shell;

[0007] The ceramic element is provided with an annular spider web structure;

[0008] The ceramic element is used to be clamped in the fixture, wherein one end of the first wire is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element and the inner wall of the top of the fixture through the top of the fixture; one end of the second wire is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element and the inner wall of the bottom of the fixture through the bottom of the fixture;

[0009] The outer shell includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are screwed together, the clamp is placed in the second shell, wherein the other end of the first wire is connected to the electrode end through the first shell; the other end of the second wire is connected to the electrode end through the second shell; the first shell and the second shell are filled with castor oil;

[0010] A disassembly slot is provided on the top of the second shell for replacing the clamp.

[0011] Preferably, the ceramic element is in a disk structure, wherein the outer surface of the ceramic element is covered with a gold electrode layer; the annular spiderweb structure is in the form of concentric rings on the ceramic element, wherein the annular spiderweb structure includes a plurality of spiderweb holes.

[0012] Preferably, the clamp includes a clamp top cover and a clamp bottom cover;

[0013] The ceramic element is clamped between a top cover and a bottom cover of the fixture, and the top cover and the bottom cover of the fixture are fixedly connected by bolts;

[0014] One end of the first wire is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element and the inner wall of the clamp top cover through the clamp top cover; one end of the second wire is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element and the inner wall of the clamp bottom cover through the clamp bottom cover.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixture top cover includes a first cover body, wherein a first annular groove is provided on one side of the first cover body that clamps the ceramic element;

[0016] The bottom cover of the fixture includes a second cover body, and a second annular groove is provided on one side of the second cover body that clamps the ceramic element;

[0017] The first annular groove and the second annular groove are coaxially arranged correspondingly, and the thickness of the ceramic element is equal to the groove depth after the first annular groove and the second annular groove are buckled;

[0018] The first cover body is provided with a plurality of first bolt holes; the second cover body is provided with a plurality of second bolt holes; the plurality of first bolt holes correspond to the second bolt holes respectively;

[0019] After the first cover body and the second cover body are buckled together, bolts are passed through the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole in sequence.

[0020] Furthermore, the first annular groove is provided with a first wire hole; the second annular groove is provided with a second wire hole;

[0021] One end of the first wire is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element and the inner wall of the first cover through the first wire hole; one end of the second wire is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element and the inner wall of the second cover through the second wire hole.

[0022] Furthermore, a first through hole is concentrically provided in the first annular groove, and the first through hole is provided through the first cover body;

[0023] A second through hole is concentrically provided in the second annular groove; the second through hole is provided through the second cover body;

[0024] The first through hole and the second through hole are coaxially arranged correspondingly, wherein the apertures of the first through hole and the second through hole are both larger than the ring diameter of the annular spider web hole structure on the ceramic component.

[0025] Preferably, a first lead hole is provided on the first housing, and the other end of the first wire is connected to the electrode end through the first lead hole;

[0026] A second lead hole is provided on the second housing; the other end of the second wire is connected to the electrode end through the second lead hole;

[0027] The castor oil is respectively filled into the first shell and the second shell through the first lead hole and the second lead hole; and the first lead hole and the second lead hole are filled with epoxy resin glue for sealing.

[0028] Preferably, the inner wall of the first shell is provided with an internal thread, the top of the second shell is provided with a boss, the boss is an annular structure, and the outer wall of the boss is provided with an external thread; the first shell is connected to the boss by a thread; the disassembly groove is provided on the boss.

[0029] Furthermore, a support platform is formed between the bottom edge of the boss and the top edge of the second shell. The support platform is arranged in a ring shape, and the edge of the clamp is mounted on the support platform.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, based on the above-mentioned detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, comprising the following steps:

[0031] A cylindrical flexoelectric ceramic is fired by a solid phase sintering method, and then the fired flexoelectric ceramic is cut by a diamond wire cutting machine to form a flexoelectric ceramic sheet, and a gold electrode layer is sputtered on the outer surface of the flexoelectric ceramic sheet by a magnetron sputtering instrument;

[0032] The flexoelectric ceramic sheet is cut into ceramic components using CO2 laser cutting technology, and an annular spider web structure is cut on the ceramic components;

[0033] A fixture is formed by 3D printing PLA thermoplastic material using a 3D printer, and the fixture clamps the ceramic component; one end of a first wire is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic component and the inner wall of the top of the fixture through the top of the fixture; one end of a second wire is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic component and the inner wall of the bottom of the fixture through the bottom of the fixture;

[0034] The fixtures are placed in the second shell respectively, wherein the other end of the first wire is connected to the electrode end through the first shell; the other end of the second wire is connected to the electrode end through the second shell; then the first shell is threadedly connected to the second shell, castor oil with a similar water acoustic impedance is filled into the first shell and the second shell, and the first shell and the second shell are sealed to complete the production of the flexoelectric hydrophone structure.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0036] The present invention provides a detachable spiderweb-like, high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure. By providing an annular spiderweb-like structure on a ceramic element, the spiderweb structure modifies the critical curvature point during vibration of a conventional circular disk, expanding the range of consistent curvature and effectively improving the sensitivity of the hydrophone. The outer shell comprises a first shell and a second shell, which are interlocked and threaded together. A clamp is placed within the second shell. The other end of the first wire is connected to the electrode terminal through the first shell, and the other end of the second wire is connected to the electrode terminal through the second shell. The disassembly groove and threaded engagement of the second shell allow the hydrophone to be disassembled and the ceramic element replaced at any time, extending the hydrophone's service life. The hydrophone element also possesses the advantages of being passive and stable.

[0037] Furthermore, the annular spider web structure is in the form of concentric rings on the ceramic element, wherein the annular spider web structure includes a plurality of spider web holes. The annular spider web structure formed by the plurality of spider web holes expands the range of uniform curvature, thereby effectively improving the sensitivity of the hydrophone.

[0038] Furthermore, the top cover and the bottom cover of the fixture are fixedly connected by bolts, which can ensure that a uniform clamping force is applied to the ceramic component to prevent the component from being deformed or damaged due to uneven force. The bolt connection method provides a strong clamping force, which makes the ceramic component not easy to fall off or loosen during testing or working, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the test. One end of the wire is directly clamped between the ceramic component and the inner wall of the fixture, without the need for additional welding or connection steps, which simplifies the connection process between the wire and the ceramic component. Through the clamping action of the fixture, the connection between the wire and the ceramic component is more secure and not easy to fall off or loosen due to vibration or external force.

[0039] Furthermore, the coaxial design of the first and second annular grooves, respectively, on the first and second covers, ensures precise alignment of the ceramic component during clamping, helping to reduce testing errors and component damage caused by inaccurate clamping. When the first and second covers are fastened together, the first and second annular grooves together form a clamping space that matches the thickness of the ceramic component. This not only ensures a stable clamping of the ceramic component, but also prevents movement or shaking during testing or operation.

[0040] Furthermore, the first and second wire holes provide precise positioning points for the wires, ensuring accurate connection to the upper and lower surfaces of the ceramic component, avoiding testing errors or component damage caused by inaccurate wire connections. The wires are clamped between the ceramic component and the inner wall of the fixture through the wire holes, providing a strong clamping force. This ensures that the wires are unlikely to fall off or loosen during testing or operation, improving the security and reliability of the wire connection.

[0041] Furthermore, the design of the first and second through-holes provides airflow channels within the fixture. When the ceramic component generates heat during operation, these through-holes promote air flow and help dissipate heat, thereby maintaining the temperature of the ceramic component within a reasonable range. Because the aperture of the through-holes is larger than the diameter of the annular spiderweb structure on the ceramic component, this ensures that air can flow smoothly through the fixture and ceramic component, improving heat dissipation efficiency, which helps to extend the service life of the ceramic component and enhance its operational stability.

[0042] Furthermore, the design of the first and second lead holes provides a stable electrical connection channel for the wires, ensuring that the wires can be securely connected to the electrode terminals, avoiding electrical failures or test errors caused by unstable connections. Castor oil is used as a filler, and its hydroacoustic impedance is similar to that of water, meeting the acoustic permeability requirements of the hydrophone. When sound waves are incident on the hydrophone, castor oil as a filler ensures that the sound waves are transmitted to the hydrophone's internal ceramic components without reflection or loss, thereby improving the hydrophone's sensitivity and accuracy. Castor oil also has excellent insulating and lubricating properties, effectively protecting the wires and electrode terminals from erosion and damage from the external environment while reducing wear and heat caused by friction. Filling the lead holes with epoxy resin glue forms a tight seal that prevents impurities such as moisture and dust from entering the housing, thereby ensuring the electrical performance and stability of the fixture.

[0043] Furthermore, the first and second shells are connected by a tight fit of internal and external threads, providing high strength and tightness, effectively preventing the fixture from loosening or falling off due to excessive force during testing or operation. The tightness of the threaded connection also prevents castor oil or other liquids filled inside the fixture from leaking due to a loose connection, thereby ensuring the fixture's electrical performance and stability. A disassembly slot on the boss facilitates disassembly. Testers can insert a tool into the disassembly slot to easily separate the first and second shells, allowing for convenient maintenance or replacement of internal components.

[0044] Furthermore, the support platform design provides a stable support surface for the fixture. When the edge of the fixture rests on the support platform, it effectively prevents the fixture from tilting or shaking due to uneven force during testing or operation, thereby improving the fixture's stability. The large contact area of ​​the annular support platform provides stronger support for the fixture, helping to ensure that the fixture remains stable even under high pressure or tension, preventing damage or failure due to insufficient support.

[0045] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure. By cutting a ring-shaped spider-web hole structure on a ceramic element, this design changes the critical point of curvature when the traditional disk vibrates, allowing the ceramic element to produce more uniform and consistent vibrations when subjected to hydroacoustic pressure. This change in vibration mode helps to improve the sensitivity of the hydrophone, enabling it to more accurately capture and respond to hydroacoustic signals. The introduction of the spider-web structure also expands the range of consistent curvature, which means that different parts of the ceramic element can maintain closer curvature changes throughout the vibration process. This helps to reduce signal distortion and errors caused by inconsistent curvature, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and reliability of the hydrophone. A disassembly slot is provided on the second shell, which allows testers to easily use tools to enter and disassemble the hydrophone, simplifying the disassembly process and reducing maintenance costs and time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 2. A top view of the second housing of the detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the disassembly of a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a ceramic element in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly of the fixture in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a ceramic component assembled in a fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structural disassembly of the outer shell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 8 A simulation diagram showing the relationship between the average surface voltage of a spiderweb-type flexoelectric hydrophone and the width between adjacent spiderweb holes provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 9 Diagram of the first four resonant modes of the spiderweb-type flexoelectric hydrophone provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] In the figure: 1. Ceramic element; 2. Gold electrode layer; 3. Spider web hole; 4. Clamp; 5. First wire; 6. Second wire; 7. Outer shell; 41. Clamp top cover; 42. Clamp bottom cover; 411. First cover; 412. First annular groove; 413. First through hole; 414. First bolt hole; 415. First wire hole; 421. Second cover; 422. Second annular groove; 423. Second through hole; 424. Second bolt hole; 425. Second wire hole; 71. First shell; 72. Second shell; 711. First lead hole; 712. Internal thread; 721. Second lead hole; 722. Boss; 723. External thread; 724. Support platform; 725. Disassembly groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] The object of the present invention is to provide a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure and a manufacturing method to solve the technical problem of how to improve the sensitivity and service life of the hydrophone in the prior art.

[0058] The present invention is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0059] Example 1

[0060] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2as well as Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure is provided, comprising a ceramic element 1, a fixture 4, a first wire 5, a second wire 6 and an outer shell 7; the ceramic element 1 is provided with an annular spider-web hole structure; the ceramic element 1 is used to be clamped in the fixture 4, wherein one end of the first wire 5 is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element 1 and the inner wall of the top of the fixture 4 through the top of the fixture 4; one end of the second wire 6 is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element 1 and the inner wall of the bottom of the fixture 4 through the bottom of the fixture 4; the outer shell 7 comprises a first shell 71 and a second shell 72, the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 are threadedly connected, the fixture 4 is placed in the second shell 72, wherein the other end of the first wire 5 is connected to the electrode end through the first shell 71; the other end of the second wire 6 is connected to the electrode end through the second shell 72; the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 are filled with castor oil; the top of the second shell 72 is provided with a disassembly groove 725 for replacing the fixture 4.

[0061] Specifically, according to Figure 4 As shown, the ceramic element 1 is a disc structure, wherein the outer surface of the ceramic element 1 is covered with a gold electrode layer 2; the annular spider web structure is in the form of concentric rings on the ceramic element 1, wherein the annular spider web structure includes a plurality of spider web holes 3. In this embodiment, the ceramic element 1 is a BST ceramic element.

[0062] In this embodiment, the gold electrode layer 2 is corrosion-resistant and non-oxidative. The annular spiderweb structure is formed as concentric rings on the ceramic element. The annular spiderweb structure includes a plurality of spiderweb holes 3. The annular spiderweb structure formed by the plurality of spiderweb holes expands the range of uniform curvature, effectively improving the sensitivity of the hydrophone.

[0063] Specifically, according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixture 4 includes a fixture top cover 41 and a fixture bottom cover 42; the ceramic component 1 is clamped between the fixture top cover 41 and the fixture bottom cover 42, and the fixture top cover 41 and the fixture bottom cover 42 are fixedly connected by bolts; one end of the first wire 5 is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic component 1 and the inner wall of the fixture top cover 41 through the fixture top cover 41; one end of the second wire 6 is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic component 1 and the inner wall of the fixture bottom cover 42 through the fixture bottom cover 42.

[0064] In this embodiment, the top and bottom covers 41 and 42 of the fixture are securely connected by bolts, ensuring uniform clamping force on the ceramic component 1 and preventing deformation or damage to the ceramic component 1 due to uneven force. This bolted connection provides a strong clamping force, making the ceramic component 1 less likely to fall off or loosen during testing or operation, thereby ensuring accurate and stable testing.

[0065] Among them, the clamp top cover 41 includes a first cover body 411, wherein the first cover body 411 is provided with a first annular groove 412 on one side of the ceramic element 1 being clamped; the clamp bottom cover 42 includes a second cover body 421, and the second annular groove 422 is provided on one side of the ceramic element 1 being clamped; the first annular groove 412 and the second annular groove 422 are coaxially arranged correspondingly, and the thickness of the ceramic element 1 is equal to the groove depth after the first annular groove 412 and the second annular groove 422 are engaged; a plurality of first bolt holes 414 are provided on the first cover body 411; a plurality of second bolt holes 424 are provided on the second cover body 421; a plurality of first bolt holes 414 correspond to the second bolt holes 424 respectively; after the first cover body 411 and the second cover body 421 are engaged, bolts are passed through the first bolt holes 414 and the second bolt holes 424 in sequence.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first and second annular grooves 412, 422, respectively provided on the first and second covers 411, 421, are coaxially designed to ensure precise alignment of the ceramic component 1 during the clamping process, helping to reduce testing errors or component damage caused by inaccurate clamping. When the first and second covers 411, 421 are fastened together, the first and second annular grooves 412, 422 together form a clamping space that matches the thickness of the ceramic component 1. This not only ensures that the ceramic component 1 is stably clamped, but also prevents movement or shaking of the ceramic component 1 during testing or operation.

[0067] Among them, a first wire hole 415 is provided on the first annular groove 412; a second wire hole 425 is provided on the second annular groove 422; one end of the first wire 5 is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic component 1 and the inner wall of the first cover body 411 through the first wire hole 415; one end of the second wire 6 is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic component 1 and the inner wall of the second cover body 421 through the second wire hole 425.

[0068] In this embodiment, first and second wire holes 415, 425 provide precise positioning points for the wires, ensuring accurate connection to the upper and lower surfaces of ceramic component 1. This prevents testing errors or component damage caused by inaccurate wire connections. The wires are clamped between ceramic component 1 and the inner wall of fixture 4 through the wire holes, providing a strong clamping force. This ensures that the wires are unlikely to fall off or loosen during testing or operation, improving the security and reliability of the wire connection.

[0069] Among them, a first through hole 413 is concentrically provided in the first annular groove 412, and the first through hole 413 is set through the first cover body 411; a second through hole 423 is concentrically provided in the second annular groove 422; the second through hole 423 is set through the second cover body 421; the first through hole 413 and the second through hole 423 are coaxially arranged correspondingly, wherein the apertures of the first through hole 413 and the second through hole 423 are both larger than the ring diameter of the annular spider web hole structure on the ceramic element 1.

[0070] Specifically, according to Figure 7 As shown, the first shell 71 is provided with a first lead hole 711, and the other end of the first wire 5 is connected to the electrode end through the first lead hole 711; the second shell 72 is provided with a second lead hole 721; the other end of the second wire 6 is connected to the electrode end through the second lead hole 721; the castor oil is filled into the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 through the first lead hole 711 and the second lead hole 721 respectively; and the first lead hole 711 and the second lead hole 721 are filled with epoxy resin glue for sealing.

[0071] The design of the first lead hole 711 and the second lead hole 721 in this embodiment provides a stable electrical connection path for the wires, ensuring a secure connection to the electrode terminals and avoiding electrical failures or test errors caused by unstable connections. Castor oil, used as a filler, has a water-acoustic impedance similar to that of water, meeting the acoustic transparency requirements of the hydrophone. When sound waves enter the hydrophone, the castor oil ensures that the waves are transmitted to the hydrophone's internal ceramic element 1 without reflection or loss, thereby improving the hydrophone's sensitivity and accuracy. Castor oil also has excellent insulating and lubricating properties, effectively protecting the wires and electrode terminals from environmental corrosion and damage while reducing wear and heat caused by friction. Filling the lead holes with epoxy resin glue creates a tight seal, preventing moisture, dust, and other impurities from entering the housing, thereby ensuring the fixture's electrical performance and stability.

[0072] Specifically, the inner wall of the first shell 71 is provided with an internal thread 712, and the top of the second shell 72 is provided with a boss 722, the boss 722 is a circular ring structure, and the outer wall of the boss 722 is provided with an external thread 723; the first shell 71 is connected to the boss 722 by a thread; the disassembly groove is set on the boss 722.

[0073] A support platform 724 is formed between the bottom edge of the boss 722 and the top edge of the second shell 72 . The support platform 724 is arranged in a ring shape, and the edge of the clamp 4 is mounted on the support platform 724 .

[0074] In summary, the present invention provides a detachable, spiderweb-like, high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure. By providing a circular spiderweb-like pore structure on a ceramic element 1, the spiderweb structure modifies the critical curvature point of a conventional circular disk during vibration, expanding the range of consistent curvature and effectively improving the sensitivity of the hydrophone. The outer shell 7 comprises a first shell 71 and a second shell 72, which are interlocked and threaded together. The clamp 4 is placed within the second shell 72. The other end of the first wire 5 is connected to the electrode terminal through the first shell 71, and the other end of the second wire 6 is connected to the electrode terminal through the second shell 72. The disassembly slot 725 of the second shell 72 and the screw thread allow the hydrophone to be disassembled and the ceramic element 1 to be replaced at any time, extending the hydrophone's service life. Furthermore, the hydrophone element possesses the advantages of being passive and having stable performance.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] This embodiment 2 provides a method for manufacturing a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, based on the above-mentioned detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, including the following steps:

[0077] Step 1: Prepare a flexoelectric ceramic sheet.

[0078] The cylindrical flexoelectric ceramics with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 10 mm were fired by the solid phase sintering method. The fired flexoelectric ceramics were cut into flexoelectric ceramic sheets with a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm using a diamond wire cutting machine. The upper and lower surfaces of the flexoelectric ceramic sheets were sputtered with a 20 nm thick gold electrode layer 2 using a magnetron sputtering instrument.

[0079] Step 2: Prepare the spider-web-type flexoelectric ceramic element 1.

[0080] The flexoelectric ceramic sheet prepared above was precisely cut using CO2 laser cutting technology to prepare a spider web-type flexoelectric ceramic element 1. The spider web-type flexoelectric ceramic element 1 had a thickness of 0.5 mm and a diameter of 20 mm.

[0081] Step 3: Prepare a fixture 4 for the spider-web-type flexoelectric ceramic component 1 .

[0082] The material of fixture 4 is PLA thermoplastic, an insulating and environmentally friendly material, which is 3D printed using a 3D printer. Fixture 4 consists of a top cover 41 and a bottom cover 42. They are identical in size and shape, both annular, with an inner diameter of 14 mm, an outer diameter of 33 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm. Four bolt holes with a diameter of 2 mm are evenly spaced circumferentially at 11.5 mm from the center, serving as fixing holes. A small circular hole with a diameter of 1 mm is located 9 mm from the center, serving as a wire hole. Both the top cover 41 and the bottom cover 42 also have an annular groove with the same center, an inner diameter of 14 mm, an outer diameter of 20 mm, and a depth of 0.25 mm.

[0083] Step 4: Fix the spider-web flexoelectric ceramic component 1 with a clamp 4 .

[0084] The spiderweb-shaped flexo-ceramic component 1 is completely embedded in the annular grooves of the fixture's top and bottom covers 41 and 42. The fixing holes of the top and bottom covers 41 and 42 are then aligned. Four bolts and nuts are used to secure the spiderweb-shaped flexo-ceramic component 1, forming a circular structure with fixed supports. A wire is provided between the fixing portions of the spiderweb-shaped flexo-ceramic component 1 and the fixture's top and bottom covers 41 and 42, respectively, and leads out of the wire holes.

[0085] Step 5: Prepare the outer shell 7 of the spider-web flexoelectric hydrophone.

[0086] The outer shell 7 of the spiderweb flexoelectric hydrophone is made of nickel-chromium alloy, which effectively shields interference from electric and magnetic fields. The outer shell 7 consists of two parts: a first shell 71 and a second shell 72. The first shell 71 is a hollow semi-cylindrical shell with an inner diameter of 30 mm, a height of 16 mm, and a wall thickness of 5 mm, integrated with a circular ring with an inner diameter of 37 mm, an outer diameter of 40 mm, and a height of 4 mm. The inner wall of the circular ring has an M4×0.7 internal thread 712 with a depth of 4 mm. A first lead hole 711 with a diameter of 5 mm is located in the center of the outer wall of the first shell 71. The second shell 72 is a hollow semi-cylindrical shell with an inner wall diameter of 30 mm, a height of 20 mm, and a wall thickness of 5 mm, and is integrated with a circular ring with an inner ring diameter of 33 mm, an outer ring diameter of 37 mm, and a height of 4 mm. There is a circle of M4×0.7 external threads 723 with a depth of 4 mm on the outer wall of the circular ring, and a disassembly groove 725 with a depth of 4 mm, a width of 1.5 mm, and a length of 3 mm on the inner wall of the circular ring. At the same time, a support platform 724 with an inner ring diameter of 30 mm, an outer ring diameter of 33 mm, and a depth of 4 mm is formed inside the circular ring. There is also a second lead hole 721 with a diameter of 5 mm in the middle of the outer wall of the second shell 72.

[0087] Step 6: Packaging preparation of spider-web flexoelectric hydrophone.

[0088] Place the fixture 4 that fixed the spider-web-type flexural electro-ceramic element 1 in step 4 into the support platform 724 of the second shell 72. The depth of the groove and the diameter of the outer ring are respectively consistent with the thickness and diameter of the fixture 4, and the fixture 4 can be perfectly fixed in the support platform 724 of the second shell 72. The internal thread 712 of the first shell 71 and the external thread 723 of the second shell 72 are screwed together to fasten the first shell 71 and the second shell 72. Lead out the wires through the lead holes of the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 respectively, and fill them with castor oil with a similar impedance to the water acoustic impedance. Finally, use epoxy resin glue to seal the lead holes of the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 to complete the packaging preparation of the spider-web-type flexural electro-hydrophone.

[0089] In order to verify the correctness of the structure of the present invention, a commercial finite element software (COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5) was selected to establish a finite element model of the present invention, and then the size optimization design and modal analysis were performed on it to obtain the characteristic frequency of the structure and the sensitivity of the hydrophone.

[0090] The material parameters used in the modeling process are shown in the following table:

[0091]

[0092] 1. Size optimization design

[0093] For a given size of spiderweb-shaped flexoelectric ceramic element 1, there is always an optimal width between adjacent spiderweb holes 3 that make up the spiderweb structure. After being secured with fixture 4, the maximum diameter of the portion of the spiderweb-shaped flexoelectric ceramic element 1 that actually vibrates is 14 mm. Parametric sweeps of the model reveal how the average surface voltage of the designed flexoelectric hydrophone varies with the width between adjacent spiderweb holes 3, as shown in the following example: Figure 8 As shown in the figure, when the width between adjacent spider web holes 3 is between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, the average surface voltage of the flexoelectric hydrophone decreases as the width between adjacent spider web holes 3 increases. For the flexoelectric hydrophone with this structure, the width between adjacent spider web holes 3 is selected to be 0.5 mm.

[0094] 2. Modal analysis

[0095] The modal analysis of the spider web structure of the present invention can obtain the first four modes of the designed flexoelectric hydrophone, and its characteristic frequency is 25258 Hz, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 shown.

[0096] 3. Voltage sensitivity of flexoelectric hydrophone ( M) refers to the open circuit voltage at the output end of the flexoelectric hydrophone in the free sound field where the flexoelectric hydrophone is located ( U ) and the free-field sound pressure acting on the acoustic center of the flexoelectric hydrophone ( p ), that is, M=U / p It reflects the ability of the flexoelectric hydrophone to convert sound pressure into voltage signals.

[0097] The free-field sound pressure is selected as 100 Pa and the frequency is 20000 Hz. For the designed spider-web flexoelectric hydrophone, its output open-circuit voltage is 4.196E-5 μV, and the calculated voltage sensitivity is 4.196E-7 μV / Pa. For the traditional disk-type flexoelectric hydrophone of the same size, its output open-circuit voltage is 9.884E-6 μV, and the calculated voltage sensitivity is 9.884E-8 μV / Pa. Therefore, it can be seen that the sensitivity of the spider-web flexoelectric hydrophone is 4.25 times that of the traditional disk-type flexoelectric hydrophone, which has a significant improvement effect.

[0098] In summary, the present invention provides a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure and manufacturing method. When the ceramic element 1 fixed to the boundary vibrates in the first vibration mode, the curvature around its central area is always opposite in sign to the curvature away from the central area. Since the flexural induced voltage in the disk is proportional to the curvature, this will lead to the cancellation of the output electrical signal. This cancellation will significantly weaken the performance of the hydrophone. By adopting a spider-web structure, the curvature critical point of the disk during the first-order vibration can be changed, the range of consistent curvature can be expanded, the output electrical signal of the hydrophone can be enhanced, and the sensitivity of the hydrophone can be improved. The spider-web-type flexoelectric hydrophone provided by the present invention can significantly enhance the sensitivity of traditional disk-type flexoelectric hydrophones, and the components of the hydrophone can be disassembled and replaced at any time, thereby increasing the service life of the hydrophone. At the same time, it has the advantages of being passive and having stable performance.

[0099] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present invention can still be modified or replaced by equivalents. Any modification or equivalent replacement that does not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, characterized in that: It comprises a ceramic element (1), a fixture (4), a first wire (5), a second wire (6), and an outer shell (7); The ceramic element (1) is provided with an annular spider web structure; The ceramic element (1) is used to be clamped in the fixture (4), wherein one end of the first wire (5) is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element (1) and the inner wall of the top of the fixture (4) through the top of the fixture (4); one end of the second wire (6) is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element (1) and the inner wall of the bottom of the fixture (4) through the bottom of the fixture (4); The outer shell (7) comprises a first shell (71) and a second shell (72), wherein the first shell (71) and the second shell (72) are screw-connected, and the clamp (4) is placed in the second shell (72), wherein the other end of the first wire (5) is connected to the electrode end through the first shell (71); the other end of the second wire (6) is connected to the electrode end through the second shell (72); and castor oil is filled in the first shell (71) and the second shell (72); A disassembly slot (725) is provided on the top of the second shell (72) for replacing the clamp (4).

2. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ceramic element (1) is in a disk structure, wherein the outer surface of the ceramic element (1) is covered with a gold electrode layer (2); the annular spider web structure is in the form of concentric rings on the ceramic element (1), wherein the annular spider web structure includes a plurality of spider web holes (3).

3. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamp (4) comprises a clamp top cover (41) and a clamp bottom cover (42); The ceramic element (1) is clamped between a fixture top cover (41) and a fixture bottom cover (42), and the fixture top cover (41) and the fixture bottom cover (42) are fixedly connected by bolts; One end of the first wire (5) is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element (1) and the inner wall of the clamp top cover (41) through the clamp top cover (41); one end of the second wire (6) is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element (1) and the inner wall of the clamp bottom cover (42) through the clamp bottom cover (42).

4. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixture top cover (41) comprises a first cover body (411), wherein a first annular groove (412) is provided on one side of the first cover body (411) for clamping the ceramic element (1); The clamp bottom cover (42) comprises a second cover body (421), and a second annular groove (422) is provided on one side of the second cover body (421) for clamping the ceramic element (1); The first annular groove (412) and the second annular groove (422) are coaxially arranged, and the thickness of the ceramic element (1) is equal to the groove depth after the first annular groove (412) and the second annular groove (422) are engaged; The first cover body (411) is provided with a plurality of first bolt holes (414); the second cover body (421) is provided with a plurality of second bolt holes (424); the plurality of first bolt holes (414) correspond to the second bolt holes (424) respectively; The first cover body (411) and the second cover body (421) are buckled together and are provided with bolts that penetrate the first bolt hole (414) and the second bolt hole (424) in sequence.

5. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first annular groove (412) is provided with a first wire hole (415); the second annular groove (422) is provided with a second wire hole (425); One end of the first wire (5) is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element (1) and the inner wall of the first cover (411) through the first wire hole (415); one end of the second wire (6) is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element (1) and the inner wall of the second cover (421) through the second wire hole (425).

6. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first through hole (413) is concentrically provided in the first annular groove (412), and the first through hole (413) is provided through the first cover body (411); A second through hole (423) is concentrically provided in the second annular groove (422); the second through hole (423) is provided through the second cover body (421); The first through hole (413) and the second through hole (423) are coaxially arranged in correspondence, wherein the apertures of the first through hole (413) and the second through hole (423) are both larger than the annular diameter of the annular spider web hole structure on the ceramic element (1).

7. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first lead hole (711) is provided on the first shell (71), and the other end of the first wire (5) is connected to the electrode end through the first lead hole (711); A second lead hole (721) is provided on the second shell (72); the other end of the second lead (6) is connected to the electrode end through the second lead hole (721); The castor oil is respectively filled into the first shell (71) and the second shell (72) through the first lead hole (711) and the second lead hole (721); and the first lead hole (711) and the second lead hole (721) are filled with epoxy resin glue for sealing.

8. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the first shell (71) is provided with an internal thread (712), the top of the second shell (72) is provided with a boss (722), the boss (722) is annular in structure, and the outer wall of the boss (722) is provided with an external thread (723); the first shell (71) is connected to the boss (722) by means of a thread; the disassembly groove is provided on the boss (722).

9. The detachable spider-web high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A support platform (724) is formed between the bottom edge of the boss (722) and the top edge of the second shell (72). The support platform (724) is arranged in a ring shape, and the edge of the clamp (4) is mounted on the support platform (724).

10. A method for manufacturing a detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure, characterized in that: A detachable spider-web-type high-sensitivity flexoelectric hydrophone structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following process: A cylindrical flexoelectric ceramic is fired by a solid phase sintering method, and the fired flexoelectric ceramic is cut by a diamond wire cutting machine to form a flexoelectric ceramic sheet, and a gold electrode layer (2) is formed on the outer surface of the flexoelectric ceramic sheet by sputtering with a magnetron sputtering device; The flexoelectric ceramic sheet is cut by CO2 laser cutting technology to obtain a ceramic element (1), and an annular spider web structure is cut on the ceramic element (1); A 3D printer is used to 3D print PLA thermoplastic material to obtain a fixture (4), and the fixture (4) clamps the ceramic element (1); wherein one end of the first wire (5) is clamped between the upper surface of the ceramic element (1) and the top inner wall of the fixture (4) through the top of the fixture (4); and one end of the second wire (6) is clamped between the lower surface of the ceramic element (1) and the bottom inner wall of the fixture (4) through the bottom of the fixture (4); The clamps (4) are placed in the second shell (72), wherein the other end of the first wire (5) is connected to the electrode end through the first shell (71); the other end of the second wire (6) is connected to the electrode end through the second shell (72); the first shell (71) is then threadedly connected to the second shell (72), castor oil with a similar impedance to the water acoustic impedance is filled into the first shell (71) and the second shell (72), and the first shell (71) and the second shell (72) are sealed to complete the production of the flexural electrohydrophone structure.

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