Planar receiver transducer array for deep-sea mapping and its implementation method

Abstract

This invention provides a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping and its implementation method, comprising: fixing all spherical array elements of the multibeam transducer array using a positioning mold, and performing a first encapsulation with polyurethane; removing the upper spherical positioning fixture, cleaning the surface of the spherical elements, preheating them in an 80°C oven for 1 hour, then coating the surface of the spherical elements and the upper end of the polyurethane with a coupling agent, and placing them in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour before performing a second polyurethane encapsulation; flipping the receiving transducer array over, completing the array lead welding, and performing a third encapsulation of the receiving transducer array; preheating the receiving transducer array after three encapsulations for 1 hour, coating the surface with a coupling agent, placing it in a fourth encapsulation mold to complete a fourth encapsulation, curing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 8 hours, and then demolding it after it naturally cools to room temperature; and finally, assembling the fastening clamps onto the fastening studs of the encapsulated receiving transducer array to obtain a planar receiving transducer array suitable for deep-sea mapping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea topographic and geomorphological exploration technology, specifically to a planar receiving transducer array system for deep-sea mapping and its implementation method, and more specifically to a planar receiving transducer array system for large-angle beam scanning for deep-sea mapping and its implementation method. Background Technology

[0002] In marine exploration and development activities, the first step is to complete a comprehensive mapping of the seabed topography. The full-ocean-depth multibeam echo sounder is a typical example of a system for completing seabed topographic mapping tasks. It can complete full-coverage measurements of the measurement area, and has the ability to accurately and quickly acquire underwater topography, as well as the ability to detect targets, identify seabed types, and perform image recognition of seabed targets.

[0003] The underwater wet-end of the deep-sea multibeam reconnaissance system comprises both transmitting and receiving modules. Compared to traditional reconnaissance systems, the multibeam reconnaissance system can simultaneously transmit and receive multiple beams with different pointing angles. Through multi-sector, multibeam scanning and subsequent overlay processing, it obtains real-time seabed topographic images of the target area, greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of seabed mapping. To achieve large-area multibeam scanning, the underwater receiving transducer array of the deep-sea multibeam reconnaissance system often uses spherical elements as the basic array elements, supplemented by sound-absorbing wedges or acoustic baffles to achieve the large-angle receiving capability of the receiving transducer. This results in a complex transducer array structure, which is prone to cracking and detachment during array molding and long-term underwater operation, affecting the watertightness of the underwater wet-end and causing irreversible damage to the multibeam testing system. In severe cases, it may be necessary to return to the dry-end dock for complete replacement. Optimizing the design of the receiving transducer array structure and molding process to improve the long-term watertight reliability of the receiving transducer and extend the actual service life of the multibeam reconnaissance system is essential.

[0004] Patent document CN100339721C (application number: 200410066560.3) discloses a phased transducer array and phased method for an acoustic Doppler current profiler. In the phased transducer array, nearly a thousand transducers are evenly arranged in a circular plane at half-wavelength intervals. The transducers are grouped according to the condition of generating grating lobes in the transducer array. The group at the center of the phased transducer array is used as the reference group. The transducers with the same relative position in each group are connected in parallel with the corresponding transducers in the reference group to form 16 transducers. By controlling the phase and amplitude of the transmitted and received signals of these 16 transducer groups, four phased transmit beams and receive beams with an oblique orthogonal structure at a 30° angle to the vertical of the phased transducer array are realized. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping and its implementation method.

[0006] A method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to the present invention includes:

[0007] Step S1: Complete the preliminary assembly and bonding of the main body of the receiving transducer array. The spherical element sits on the support screw and passes through the sound-absorbing wedge and the rear support base plate. The lead wire of the spherical element is introduced to the back of the support base plate.

[0008] Step S2: Use the tooling mold to cover the main body of the receiving transducer array, use the upper cover plate of the tooling mold to fix all the spherical elements of the receiving transducer array, and use polyurethane for the first potting to complete the positioning and installation of the spherical elements and the supporting screws.

[0009] Step S3: Remove the top cover plate, clean the surface of the spherical unit, and place it in an oven that meets the preset requirements for a preset time. Then, apply a coupling agent to the surface of the spherical unit and the upper end of the polyurethane, and place it in an oven that meets the preset requirements for a preset time before injecting the second polyurethane.

[0010] Step S4: Remove the tooling mold and invert the current receiver transducer array body, weld the array leads, and complete the third potting of the receiver transducer array after the array lead welding is completed.

[0011] Step S5: After preheating the receiver transducer array that has completed three potting cycles for a preset time, coat the surface with coupling agent, and then put it into the fourth potting mold. After inserting the fastening studs, the fourth potting of the receiver transducer array is completed. Place it in an oven that meets the preset requirements for curing for a preset time, and then let it cool naturally to room temperature before demolding.

[0012] Step S6: Install the fastening clamps onto the fastening studs of the potted receiving transducer array to obtain a planar receiving transducer array that can be used for deep-sea mapping.

[0013] Preferably, step S2 includes: using a tooling mold to cover the main body of the receiving transducer array, the upper cover plate has several rows of spherical element positioning grooves to ensure the height of the spherical elements and the accuracy of the array position, horizontally placing it to complete the first room temperature polyurethane potting, the first potting surface to the lower end face of the spherical element, and after potting and curing, the positioning of the supporting rod and the preliminary positioning of the spherical element can be realized.

[0014] Preferably, in step S2, the first potting uses room-temperature curing polyurethane with a density of 1.05 g / cm³. 3 .

[0015] Preferably, step S3 includes: removing the top cover plate, cleaning the surface of the spherical element, preheating it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour, then coating the surface of the spherical element and the end face of the first potting with coupling agent, placing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour, pouring the second polyurethane, curing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 8 hours after the second polyurethane potting is completed, and then naturally cooling it to room temperature. The second potting cover is 1mm to the upper end face of the spherical element, thus completing the precise positioning and installation of the spherical element.

[0016] Preferably, the second polyurethane infusion includes: using water-sealed polyurethane and employing an open-type pouring method.

[0017] Preferably, step S4 includes: removing the tooling mold and inverting the current receiving transducer array body, installing the watertight cable, bracket and four fastening bolts and completing the welding of the spherical element leads, installing the tooling mold to complete the third potting, the potting surface submerging the lead wires and reaching 1 / 2 the height of the bracket, and ensuring that there is a 5-8mm thickness margin on the back of the fourth potting.

[0018] Preferably, step S5 includes: placing the receiving transducer array body and positioning studs in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour for preheating, coating with coupling agent and accurately positioning them in the mold to complete the fourth potting, and then placing them in an 80°C constant temperature oven for curing for 8 hours and allowing them to cool naturally to room temperature for demolding.

[0019] Preferably, the fourth potting is a watertight potting of the entire receiving transducer array, and before potting, the receiving transducer array is a regular cuboid.

[0020] Preferably, the array is formed in a convex shape after the fourth potting, ensuring that the array can be installed on the bottom of the ship or on the mounting platform with a smooth and uneven surface.

[0021] The planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping provided by the present invention is obtained by the above-described method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. This invention adopts a four-stage potting method. The first three potting processes complete the high-precision positioning of the receiving transducer array and the back lead encapsulation. Without affecting the acoustic radiation performance of the array, the complex structure of the receiving transducer array is transformed into a regular near-cubic-pole shape, ensuring the consistency of the thickness of each contact surface in the water-sealed potting process. This greatly reduces the shrinkage stress during the polyurethane water-sealing process and improves the reliability of the transducer array for long-term underwater operation.

[0024] 2. The positioning studs for array positioning and installation provided by the present invention have no physical structural contact with the main array surface of the receiving transducer. The entire array body is fully enclosed in watertight polyurethane rubber, which ensures the watertight integrity of the array and improves the reliability of the transducer array for long-term underwater operation.

[0025] 3. The fastening clamp provided by the present invention provides fastening protection for the four fastening studs that are physically connected to the transducer array. The fastening studs have waterproof grooves. After being fastened by the clamp, the watertight characteristics of the fastening studs can be further ensured, thereby improving the watertight reliability of the transducer receiving array during long-term underwater operation.

[0026] 4. In view of the structural characteristics of the receiving transducer of the multi-beam detection system, the different assembly processes of the receiving transducer array are completed through multiple potting processes. This completes the high-precision installation and positioning of the receiving transducer array and water-tight packaging, realizing the long-term watertight reliability of the transducer array, thereby extending the actual service life of the transducer and improving its receiving, compression resistance, and sound insulation and decoupling capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0027] 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:

[0028] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the receiving transducer array.

[0029] Figure 2 Positioning diagram of the main body of the receiving transducer array.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a view of the main body of the receiving transducer array after the first potting.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a view of the main body of the receiving transducer array after the second potting.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a view of the main body of the receiving transducer array after the third potting.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a view of the main body of the receiving transducer array after the fourth potting.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a view of the main body of the receiving transducer array after the fourth potting.

[0035] Figure 8 A physical image of a planar receiving transducer array used for deep-sea mapping. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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 scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] A method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to the present invention includes:

[0039] Step 1: Complete the preliminary assembly and bonding of the main body of the receiving transducer array. The spherical element sits on the support screw and passes through the sound-absorbing wedge and the rear support base plate. The lead wire of the spherical element is introduced to the back of the support base plate.

[0040] Step 2: Use tooling molds to cover the main body of the multi-beam transducer array, use the upper cover plate of the tooling molds to fix all the spherical elements, position the spherical elements with high precision, and use polyurethane for the first potting to complete the positioning and installation of the spherical elements and support screws.

[0041] Step 3: Remove the top cover plate, clean the surface of the spherical unit, and preheat it in an 80°C oven for 1 hour. Then, apply coupling agent to the surface of the spherical unit and the upper end of the polyurethane, and pour the second polyurethane after placing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour.

[0042] Step 4: Remove the tooling mold and invert the current main body of the receiving transducer array. Weld the array leads and complete the third potting of the receiving transducer array after the array lead welding is completed.

[0043] Step 5: After the receiving transducer array has completed three potting processes, preheat it for 1 hour, coat the surface with coupling agent, and then put it into the fourth potting mold. After inserting the fastening studs, the fourth water seal potting of the receiving transducer array is completed. Place it in an 80°C constant temperature oven to cure for 8 hours and then remove the mold after it naturally cools to room temperature.

[0044] Step 6: Assemble the four fastening clamps onto the four fastening studs of the potted receiving transducer array, and finally obtain a planar receiving transducer array that can be used for deep-sea mapping.

[0045] Specifically, the first potting uses room-temperature curing polyurethane, which has a density of 1.05 g / cm3, low shrinkage, and excellent flowability.

[0046] The first potting process only extends to the connection point between the spherical array element and the screw, primarily completing the initial precise positioning of the supporting screw and the spherical array element.

[0047] Specifically, the second encapsulation uses water-sealed polyurethane and is performed using an open-type pouring method.

[0048] The second potting process only extends 1mm to the top surface of the spherical array element, completing the precise positioning and installation of the spherical array element.

[0049] Specifically, the third potting process uses room temperature polyurethane potting to complete the wrapping of the back lead wire.

[0050] Specifically, the fourth potting process involves watertight potting of the entire receiving transducer array. Before potting, the receiving transducer array is a regular rectangular prism.

[0051] Specifically, the positioning stud is positioned with high precision by the positioning pin and the mold, and has no structural contact with the receiving transducer array.

[0052] The fourth potting process creates a convex array appearance, ensuring a smooth, uneven mounting surface when the array is installed on the bottom of the ship or on a mounting platform.

[0053] According to the present invention, a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping is obtained by using the above-described planar receiving transducer array implementation method for deep-sea mapping. The planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping includes: a transducer array body 1, eight mounting and positioning studs 2 and four fastening studs 3.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] Example 2 is a preferred example of Example 1.

[0056] This invention provides a method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping, such as... Figures 1 to 8 As shown, it includes:

[0057] Step S1: As Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the receiving transducer array has completed the initial assembly and bonding. The spherical element sits on the support rod and passes through the sound-absorbing wedge and the rear support base plate to guide the lead wire of the spherical element to the back of the support base plate.

[0058] Step S2: As Figure 2 As shown, the main body of the receiver transducer array is encased using a tooling mold. The upper cover plate has several rows of spherical array element positioning grooves to ensure the height and array position accuracy of the spherical array elements. The first stage of room-temperature polyurethane potting is completed by placing the substrate horizontally. The first potting surface reaches the lower end face of the spherical array elements. After potting and curing, the positioning of the supporting rods and the initial positioning of the spherical array elements are achieved. The resulting product is shown in the attached figure. Figure 3The main body of the receiving transducer array is shown. Positioning prevents the spherical array elements from tilting or falling off, and ensures that the spherical array elements are aligned horizontally, vertically, and at the same level. The primary purpose of the first potting is to initially fix the screws and spherical array elements without affecting the sound-absorbing baffle effect of the main body.

[0059] Step S3: Remove the top cover plate, clean the surface, preheat in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour, apply coupling agent to the surface of the spherical array element and the end face of the first potting, and complete the second watertight polyurethane potting. After potting, place it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for curing for 8 hours, and then allow it to cool naturally to room temperature. The second potting surface should be 1mm to the top end face of the spherical array element. The result after potting is shown in the attached figure. Figure 4 The main body of the receiving transducer array is shown. The main purpose of the second potting is to fix the spherical array elements without affecting the sound-absorbing baffle effect of the main body, to prevent the subsequent processes from affecting and damaging the array elements, and to ensure that the surface of the main body is flat.

[0060] Step S4: Remove the tooling mold and invert the current receiver transducer array body. Install the watertight cable, bracket, and four fastening bolts, and complete the welding of the spherical element leads. Install the mold to complete the third potting. The potting surface should cover the lead wires and reach 1 / 2 the height of the bracket. Ensure that there is a 5-8mm thickness margin on the back of the fourth potting, forming the shape shown in the attached figure. Figure 5 The main body of the near-cubic-shaped receiver transducer array is shown. The purpose of the third potting is to cover the rear array leads and ensure the flatness of the back of the main body.

[0061] Step S5: Place the main body of the receiving transducer array and eight positioning studs in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour for preheating, apply coupling agent, and precisely position and install it into the mold. Complete the fourth water-tight filling and curing process. Place it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 8 hours for curing. Allow it to cool naturally to room temperature for demolding. Secure the four fastening clamps to the fastening studs on the back of the array, resulting in the product shown in the attached figure. Figure 7 The image shows a physical planar receiving transducer array for large-angle beam scanning used in deep-sea mapping. The transducer array has recessed sides, which improves the flatness of the mounting surface during later installation. The fourth potting layer is primarily for watertight encapsulation of the receiving transducer array, ensuring its normal underwater operation.

[0062] This example demonstrates the fabrication of a planar receiving transducer array for large-angle beam scanning in deep-sea mapping. Multiple planar receiving transducers can be assembled to form a complete array. Therefore, the planar receiving transducer array fabricated according to the method provided in this invention achieves good results.

[0063] 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 method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping, characterized in that, include: Step S1: Complete the preliminary assembly and bonding of the main body of the receiving transducer array. The spherical element sits on the support screw and passes through the sound-absorbing wedge and the rear support base plate. The lead wire of the spherical element is introduced to the back of the support base plate. Step S2: Use tooling molds to cover the main body of the receiving transducer array, use the upper cover plate of the tooling molds to fix all the spherical elements of the receiving transducer array, and use room temperature curing polyurethane for the first potting to complete the positioning and installation of the spherical elements and support screws. Step S3: Remove the top cover plate, clean the surface of the spherical unit, and place it in an oven that meets the preset requirements for a preset time. Then, apply a coupling agent to the surface of the spherical unit and the upper end of the polyurethane, and place it in an oven that meets the preset requirements for a preset time before injecting the second polyurethane. Step S4: Remove the tooling mold and invert the current receiving transducer array body. Weld the array leads. After completing the array lead welding, complete the third potting of the receiving transducer array. The third potting uses room temperature curing polyurethane. Step S5: After preheating the receiver transducer array that has completed three potting cycles for a preset time, coat the surface with coupling agent, and then put it into the fourth potting mold. After inserting the fastening studs, the fourth potting of the receiver transducer array is completed. Place it in an oven that meets the preset requirements for curing for a preset time, and then let it cool naturally to room temperature before demolding. Step S6: Assemble the fastening clamps onto the fastening studs of the potted receiving transducer array to obtain a planar receiving transducer array that can be used for deep-sea mapping. The second polyurethane infusion includes: using water-sealed polyurethane and employing open-type pouring; The fourth potting process is a watertight potting of the entire receiving transducer array. Before potting, the receiving transducer array is a regular rectangular prism.

2. The method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 includes: using tooling molds to cover the main body of the receiving transducer array, with several rows of spherical element positioning grooves on the upper cover plate to ensure the height and array position accuracy of the spherical elements, and placing it horizontally to complete the first room temperature polyurethane potting, with the first potting surface reaching the lower end face of the spherical elements. After potting and curing, the positioning of the supporting rod and the initial positioning of the spherical elements can be achieved.

3. The method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the first potting uses room-temperature curing polyurethane with a density of 1.05 g / cm³. 3 .

4. The method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: removing the top cover plate, cleaning the surface of the spherical element, preheating it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour, then coating the surface of the spherical element and the first potting end face with a coupling agent, placing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour, pouring the second polyurethane, curing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 8 hours after the second polyurethane potting is completed, and then naturally cooling it to room temperature. The second potting cover is 1mm to the upper end face of the spherical element, completing the precise positioning and installation of the spherical element.

5. The method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S4 includes: removing the tooling mold and inverting the current receiving transducer array body, installing the watertight cable, bracket and four fastening bolts and completing the welding of the spherical element lead wires, installing the tooling mold to complete the third potting, the potting surface submerging the lead wires and reaching 1 / 2 the height of the bracket, and ensuring that there is a 5-8mm thickness margin on the back of the fourth potting.

6. The method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S5 includes: placing the receiving transducer array body and positioning studs in an 80°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour for preheating, coating with coupling agent and accurately positioning and installing in the mold to complete the fourth potting, and then placing it in an 80°C constant temperature oven for curing for 8 hours and naturally cooling to room temperature for demolding.

7. The method for implementing a planar receiving transducer array for deep-sea mapping according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the fourth potting, a convex-shaped array appearance is formed, ensuring that the array can be installed on the bottom of the ship or on the mounting platform with a smooth and uneven surface.

8. A planar receiving transducer array that can be used for deep-sea mapping, characterized in that, It is obtained by using the planar receiving transducer array implementation method for deep-sea mapping as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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