sonar probe

Abstract

The application discloses a sonar probe, which comprises a probe body, a damping component and a mounting base. The damping component is an elastomer, and the damping component is provided with a first mounting groove. The probe body is embedded in the first mounting groove. The mounting base is provided with a second mounting groove, and the damping component is embedded in the second mounting groove. The above scheme can solve the problem of low signal-to-noise ratio and detection accuracy of the existing sonar probe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sonar probe technology, and more particularly to a sonar probe. Background Technology

[0002] Sonar probes are widely used in underwater target detection, topographic mapping, and other fields, and are typically mounted on ships or other moving platforms. In practical applications, the ship hull generates strong mechanical vibrations during operation. These vibration sources include engine operation, propeller rotation, and water flow impact. These vibrations are directly transmitted to the sonar probe body (primarily the piezoelectric components) through the mounting structure. Due to the piezoelectric effect, the probe body generates an electrical signal when subjected to mechanical stress. When external ship vibrations are transmitted to the probe body, they force unintended deformations, leading to piezoelectric interference signals. These vibration-induced interference signals overlap with the useful signals generated by underwater target echoes in both the frequency and time domains, making it impossible for the receiving circuit to effectively distinguish them, severely reducing the signal-to-noise ratio and detection accuracy of the sonar probe. Therefore, existing sonar probes suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios and low detection accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses a sonar probe to solve the problems of low signal-to-noise ratio and low detection accuracy of existing sonar probes.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows: This application discloses a sonar probe, which includes a probe body, a damping component, and a mounting base. The damping component is an elastic body. The damping component has a first mounting groove, in which the probe body is embedded. The mounting base has a second mounting groove, in which the damping component is embedded.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following technical effects: The sonar probe disclosed in this application has a damping component, in which the probe body is embedded in the first mounting groove of the damping component. This allows the damping component to tightly wrap around the side and back of the probe body. When the ship's hull vibration is transmitted through the mounting base, the damping component, as an elastic body, can effectively attenuate the mechanical vibration energy, reduce the intensity of the vibration transmitted to the probe body, and thus alleviate the problem of interference signals caused by the piezoelectric effect induced by vibration. This can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and detection accuracy of the sonar probe. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the sonar probe disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams of the damping component disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention from different perspectives; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding component disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic base disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are schematic diagrams of the sonar probe disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0007] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100-Probe body, 200-Damping component, 201-First mounting groove, 202-Pressure relief notch, 203-Elastic protrusion, 204-Glue flow channel, 205-First settling groove 300-Mounting base, 310-Shielding component, 301-Second mounting slot, 301a-First through hole, 301b-Threaded connection hole, 302-Injection hole, 302a-First sub-hole, 303-Vent hole, 303a-Second sub-hole, 311-Annular enclosure, 312-Grounding connection terminal. 320 - Flexible base, 302b - Third sub-hole, 303b - Fourth sub-hole, 321 - Third mounting groove, 321a - Clearance hole, 322 - Second recessed groove, 323 - Mounting hole, 324 - Positioning post, 325 - Second annular sealing protrusion. 330-Sensor mounting structure, 410 - Grounding bolt, 420 - Grounding ring. Detailed Implementation

[0008] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0009] The technical solutions disclosed in the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7 This invention discloses a sonar probe, which includes a probe body 100, a damping component 200, and a mounting base 300.

[0011] The probe body 100 can be a piezoelectric transducer, and the specific material can be piezoelectric ceramic, piezoelectric single crystal or piezoelectric composite material, etc. The probe body 100 is used to transmit and receive acoustic signals.

[0012] The damping component 200 is an elastic body and has good damping characteristics. The mounting base 300 is the mounting base for at least some of the other components of the sonar probe, and the mounting base 300 is used to fix the entire sonar probe to the hull or other moving vehicle.

[0013] The damping component 200 has a first mounting groove 201, and the probe body 100 is embedded in the first mounting groove 201, achieving a tight enclosure of the probe body 100 by the damping component 200. It should be noted that the side of the probe body 100 facing the opening of the first mounting groove 201 (the front of the probe body 100) is not enclosed by the damping component 200, while the other parts of the probe body 100 (the sides and back of the probe body 100) are enclosed by the damping component 200. The probe body 100 mainly emits and receives sound wave signals from the side facing the opening of the first mounting groove 201.

[0014] The mounting base 300 has a second mounting groove 301, and the damping component 200 is embedded in the second mounting groove 301. The groove opening of the first mounting groove 201 and the groove opening of the second mounting groove 301 can be the same.

[0015] The sonar probe disclosed in this application embodiment has a damping component 200, in which the probe body 100 is embedded in the first mounting groove 201 of the damping component 200. This allows the damping component 200 to tightly wrap around the side and back of the probe body 100. When the ship's hull vibration is transmitted through the mounting base 300, the damping component 200, as an elastic body, can effectively attenuate the mechanical vibration energy, reduce the intensity of the vibration transmitted to the probe body 100, and thus alleviate the problem of interference electrical signals caused by the piezoelectric effect induced by vibration, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the sonar probe.

[0016] To further improve assembly quality and acoustic performance, optionally, a pressure relief notch 202 is provided on the side wall of the first mounting groove 201, which can communicate with the internal space of the first mounting groove 201. When the probe body 100 is pressed into the first mounting groove 201, the pressure relief notch 202 can release the gas inside the first mounting groove 201, ensuring that the probe body 100 fits tightly with the damping component 200. Moreover, the pressure relief notch 202 can provide deformation allowance in the circumferential direction of the first mounting groove 201, so that when installing the probe body 100, the probe body 100 can be easily pressed into the first mounting groove 201. After the probe body 100 is pressed into the first mounting groove 201, it is tightly wrapped by the elastic action of the damping component 200, making the installation of the probe body 100 more stable.

[0017] Optionally, the outer surface of the damping component 200 opposite to the sidewall of the second mounting groove 301 may be provided with a plurality of elastic protrusions 203. The plurality of elastic protrusions 203 may be distributed at intervals around the central axis of the first mounting groove 201, and the plurality of elastic protrusions 203 may elastically engage with the sidewall of the second mounting groove 301 (e.g., interference fit).

[0018] The sonar probe disclosed in this application has multiple elastic protrusions 203 on the outer surface of the damping component 200 opposite to the side wall of the second mounting groove 301. On the one hand, the elastic protrusions 203 can ensure that the damping component 200 is stably embedded in the second mounting groove 301 and prevent loosening; on the other hand, the elastic deformation of the elastic protrusions 203 can further absorb vibration and enhance the vibration isolation effect.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the edge of the mounting base 300 may have an annular barrier 311. The annular barrier 311 may surround the outside of the second mounting groove 301. The annular barrier 311 may be higher than the opening of the second mounting groove 301. The probe body 100 and the damping component 200 may both be lower than or flush with the opening of the second mounting groove 301, thereby forming a recessed adhesive-containing space within the area enclosed by the annular barrier 311. This allows the sealant to form a protective layer covering the probe body 100 and the damping component 200 when sealant is subsequently poured into this adhesive-containing space, providing waterproofing, corrosion protection, and further damping.

[0020] To achieve reliable glue injection, the mounting base 300 may optionally have an injection hole 302 and a vent hole 303. Both the injection hole 302 and the vent hole 303 can be located between the second mounting groove 301 and the annular enclosure 311, and both can penetrate the mounting base 300 along the extension direction of the central axis of the second mounting groove 301. The injection hole 302 can be used to inject sealant into the glue-containing space formed by the area enclosed by the annular enclosure 311, and the vent hole 303 can be used to expel gas from the glue-containing space during the injection process, ensuring that the sealant is densely filled and free of air bubbles.

[0021] In the specific glue injection process, firstly, the first end of the annular barrier 311 (the end of the annular barrier 311 that is higher than the opening of the second mounting groove 301) is attached to the auxiliary substrate (smooth flat plate). Then, on the side of the mounting base 300 facing away from the opening of the second mounting groove 301, sealant is injected into the glue-containing space through the glue injection hole 302. After the sealant covers the probe body 100 and the damping component 200, the excess sealant flows out from the vent hole 303. After the glue injection is completed and solidified, the auxiliary substrate is removed.

[0022] Optionally, the outer surface of the damping component 200 opposite to the bottom wall of the second mounting groove 301 may be provided with an adhesive channel 204, and the side wall of the second mounting groove 301 may be provided with a first through hole 301a communicating with the glue injection hole 302. The adhesive channel 204 may be connected to the first through hole 301a, that is, the first through hole 301a connects the space enclosed by the adhesive channel 204 and the second mounting groove 301.

[0023] The sonar probe disclosed in this application has an adhesive channel 204 formed on the outer surface of the damping component 200 opposite to the bottom wall of the second mounting groove 301, and a first through hole 301a connected to the glue injection hole 302 is formed on the side wall of the second mounting groove 301. The adhesive channel 204 is connected to the first through hole 301a, so that during the process of injecting sealant into the adhesive space through the glue injection hole 302, part of the sealant can enter the adhesive channel 204 through the first through hole 301a, thereby filling the adhesive channel 204. This allows the damping component 200 and the mounting base 300 to be further bonded by the sealant located in the adhesive channel 204, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0024] It should be noted that when multiple elastic protrusions 203 are provided on the outer surface of the damping component 200 opposite to the sidewall of the second mounting groove 301, excess sealant entering the adhesive channel 204 will flow towards the area between the damping component 200 and the sidewall of the second mounting groove 301. This achieves venting and increases the bonding area between the damping component 200 and the mounting base 300 via sealant, thereby further improving the connection strength. When no elastic protrusions 203 are provided on the outer surface of the damping component 200 opposite to the sidewall of the second mounting groove 301, vent holes can be formed in the damping component 200 extending along the central axis of the first mounting groove 201. These vent holes can communicate with the adhesive channel 204 to expel gas from the adhesive channel 204 during the adhesive injection process.

[0025] Optionally, the sonar probe may also include a signal line. The side wall of the first mounting groove 201 may have a pressure relief notch 202. The pressure relief notch 202 may be opposite to the first through hole 301a in the circumferential direction of the second mounting groove 301. The first end of the signal line may be connected to the probe body 100. The second end of the signal line may pass through the pressure relief notch 202, the first through hole 301a and the glue injection hole 302 in sequence, and extend out of the mounting base 300 along the side away from the groove opening of the second mounting groove 301.

[0026] The sonar probe disclosed in this application cleverly utilizes existing channels for wiring, so that the pressure relief notch 202, the first through hole 301a, and the glue injection hole 302 retain their original venting and flow guiding functions, while also serving as channels for signal line routing. This eliminates the need for additional wiring holes, simplifying the sonar probe's structure and improving its overall strength. Furthermore, after glue injection, the sealant wraps around the outside of the signal line, not only fixing it but also providing a sealing and protective function.

[0027] Optionally, the bottom wall of the first mounting groove 201 may be provided with a first recessed groove 205. The first recessed groove 205 may be connected to the pressure relief notch 202. The first recessed groove 205 may be used to avoid the connection joint between the signal line and the probe body 100. The connection joint (such as solder joint or plug) between the signal line and the probe body 100 may be accommodated in the first recessed groove 205 to avoid affecting the installation and positioning of the probe body 100 or causing local stress concentration due to the protrusion of the connection joint.

[0028] The mounting base 300 can be a one-piece structure. In another embodiment, the mounting base 300 can be a split structure. Specifically, the mounting base 300 may include a shielding member 310 and an elastic base 320. The shielding member 310 may have a second mounting groove 301 and an annular enclosure 311. The elastic base 320 may have a third mounting groove 321. The shielding member 310 can be installed in the third mounting groove 321, and the opening orientation of the third mounting groove 321 may be the same as the opening orientation of the second mounting groove 301. The shielding member 310 can be a conductive metal part (such as stainless steel, copper, or aluminum), and the shielding member 310 can have good electromagnetic shielding performance. When the sonar probe is installed on the hull, the shielding member 310 can be connected to the hull to achieve grounding. The elastic base 320 can be an elastic element. The sonar probe may include a grounding wire. The first end of the grounding wire can be connected to the probe body 100, and the second end of the grounding wire can be connected to the shielding member 310.

[0029] The sonar probe disclosed in this application configures the mounting base 300 to include a shield 310 and an elastic base 320, with the shield 310 being a conductive metal component and the elastic base 320 being an elastic component. This allows the shield 310 to achieve electromagnetic shielding and the elastic base 320 to achieve vibration isolation, thereby effectively suppressing electromagnetic noise interference.

[0030] Specifically, the bottom wall of the second mounting groove 301 may be provided with a grounding connection terminal 312, and the second end of the grounding wire may be connected to the grounding ring 420. The grounding ring 420 may be connected to the grounding connection terminal 312 by a grounding bolt 410.

[0031] Specifically, the shielding member 310 may have a first sub-hole 302a and a second sub-hole 303a, and the elastic base 320 may have a third sub-hole 302b and a fourth sub-hole 303b. The first sub-hole 302a and the third sub-hole 302b may communicate with each other in the extension direction of the central axis of the second mounting groove (301) to form an injection hole 302. The second sub-hole 303a and the fourth sub-hole 303b may communicate with each other in the extension direction of the central axis of the second mounting groove 301 to form an exhaust hole 303.

[0032] Specifically, the bottom wall of the third mounting groove 321 may have a clearance hole 321a, and the bottom wall of the second mounting groove 301 may have a threaded connection hole 301b. The clearance hole 321a and the threaded connection hole 301b are opposite to each other in the extension direction of the central axis of the third mounting groove 321. A threaded connector can pass through the clearance hole 321a and be threadedly connected to the threaded connection hole 301b to connect the shielding member 310 to the elastic base 320. To further enhance the connection stability between the shielding member 310 and the elastic base 320, optionally, the third mounting groove 321 may have a second recess 322, which can communicate with the third sub-hole 302b. During assembly, glue can be injected into the second recess 322 through the third sub-hole 302b to make the connection between the shielding member 310 and the elastic base 320 more stable.

[0033] Optionally, the resilient base 320 may have mounting holes 323. Multiple mounting holes 323 may be provided, distributed around the third mounting groove 321. The inner wall of the mounting hole 323 may have a first annular sealing protrusion. The mounting hole 323 can be used to mate with a mounting post on a mounting base (e.g., a ship's hull). During installation, the mounting hole 323 allows the mounting post to pass through, serving a positioning function. The first annular sealing protrusion can be used for a sealing fit (e.g., an interference fit) with the mounting post, thereby forming a multi-layer seal to prevent water from seeping in through the installation gaps.

[0034] Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the elastic base 320 may have a second annular sealing protrusion 325, which can be used to seal with the mounting groove on the mounting base, thereby further improving waterproof reliability.

[0035] Optionally, a positioning post 324 is provided on the side of the elastic base 320 opposite to the third mounting groove 321. The positioning post 324 is used to position and cooperate with the positioning groove on the mounting base when the sonar probe is installed on the mounting base.

[0036] In one alternative embodiment, the damping component 200 may be made of a sound-absorbing material, such as silicone, polyurethane, or other viscoelastic sound-absorbing materials.

[0037] The sonar probe disclosed in this application embodiment sets the damping component 200 to a structure made of sound-absorbing material, so that the damping component 200 can effectively absorb useless sound waves generated by the probe body 100 itself (such as sound waves radiated from the side and back of the probe body 100), and prevent them from being reflected internally and causing interference.

[0038] The sound-absorbing material possesses the following characteristics: First, its porous or polymer chain structure can convert incident sound energy into heat energy through viscous internal friction, thus achieving sound absorption. Second, the material itself has high damping properties, enabling it to dissipate mechanical vibration energy into heat energy through relative slippage and friction between molecular chains, thereby achieving vibration reduction. Therefore, the damping component 200, composed of sound-absorbing material, can simultaneously achieve the dual functions of absorbing unwanted sound waves generated by the probe body 100 and attenuating externally transmitted mechanical vibrations, which is the key material basis for the composite vibration reduction and noise reduction achieved in this invention.

[0039] Optionally, the mounting base 300 may also have a sensor mounting structure 330, which can be used to mount a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor. The sensor mounting structure 330 can be a mounting hole, a snap-fit, or other similar structure; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the structure of the sensor mounting structure 330. The pressure sensor can be used to monitor the water pressure in the sonar probe's working environment, and the temperature sensor can be used to monitor the temperature in the sonar probe's working environment. Information such as water pressure and temperature in the sonar probe's working environment can provide compensation for signal processing, improving detection accuracy.

[0040] The above embodiments of the present invention focus on describing the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sonar probe, characterized in that, The device includes a probe body (100), a damping component (200), and a mounting base (300). The damping component (200) is an elastic body. The damping component (200) has a first mounting groove (201) in which the probe body (100) is embedded. The mounting base (300) has a second mounting groove (301) in which the damping component (200) is embedded.

2. The sonar probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting groove (201) has a pressure relief notch (202) on its side wall, and the pressure relief notch (202) is connected to the groove space inside the first mounting groove (201).

3. The sonar probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the damping component (200) opposite to the side wall of the second mounting groove (301) is provided with a plurality of elastic protrusions (203). The plurality of elastic protrusions (203) are distributed at intervals around the central axis of the first mounting groove (201) and elastically engage with the side wall of the second mounting groove (301).

4. The sonar probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (300) has an annular barrier (311) around the outside of the second mounting groove (301). The annular barrier (311) is higher than the opening of the second mounting groove (301). The probe body (100) and the damping component (200) are both lower than the opening of the second mounting groove (301) or flush with the opening of the second mounting groove (301).

5. The sonar probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting base (300) is provided with an injection hole (302) and an exhaust hole (303). The injection hole (302) and the exhaust hole (303) are both located between the second mounting groove (301) and the annular enclosure (311), and penetrate the mounting base (300) in the extension direction of the central axis of the second mounting groove (301).

6. The sonar probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer surface of the damping component (200) opposite to the bottom wall of the second mounting groove (301) is provided with an adhesive channel (204), and the side wall of the second mounting groove (301) is provided with a first through hole (301a) communicating with the glue injection hole (302). The adhesive channel (204) is connected to the first through hole (301a).

7. The sonar probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sonar probe also includes a signal line. The side wall of the first mounting groove (201) is provided with a pressure relief notch (202). The pressure relief notch (202) and the first through hole (301a) are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the second mounting groove (301). The first end of the signal line is connected to the probe body (100). The second end of the signal line passes through the pressure relief notch (202), the first through hole (301a) and the glue injection hole (302) in sequence, and extends out of the mounting base (300) along the side away from the groove opening of the second mounting groove (301).

8. The sonar probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the first mounting groove (201) is provided with a first recess (205), which is connected to the pressure relief notch (202). The first recess (205) is used to avoid the connection joint between the signal line and the probe body (100).

9. The sonar probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting base (300) includes a shield (310) and an elastic base (320). The shield (310) has a second mounting groove (301) and an annular enclosure (311). The elastic base (320) has a third mounting groove (321). The shield (310) is installed in the third mounting groove (321), and the groove opening of the third mounting groove (321) faces the same direction as the groove opening of the second mounting groove (301). The shield (310) is a conductive metal part, and the elastic base (320) is an elastic part. The sonar probe includes a grounding wire. The first end of the grounding wire is connected to the probe body (100), and the second end of the grounding wire is connected to the shield (310).

10. The sonar probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The shielding member (310) has a first sub-hole (302a) and a second sub-hole (303a), and the elastic base (320) has a third sub-hole (302b) and a fourth sub-hole (303b). The first sub-hole (302a) and the third sub-hole (302b) are connected in the extension direction of the central axis of the second mounting groove (301) to form an injection hole (302). The second sub-hole (303a) and the fourth sub-hole (303b) are connected in the extension direction of the central axis of the second mounting groove (301) to form an exhaust hole (303).

11. The sonar probe according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the third mounting groove (321) is provided with a second recess (322), which is connected to the third sub-hole (302b).

12. The sonar probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The elastic base (320) has a mounting hole (323), and the inner wall of the mounting hole (323) is provided with a first annular sealing protrusion. The mounting hole (323) is used to cooperate with the mounting column on the mounting base, and the first annular sealing protrusion is used to seal with the mounting column.

13. The sonar probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer peripheral edge of the elastic base (320) has a second annular sealing protrusion (325), which is used to seal with the mounting groove on the mounting base.

14. The sonar probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping component (200) is made of sound-absorbing material.

15. The sonar probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (300) is also provided with a sensor mounting structure (330) for mounting a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

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