A modular adjustable mounting device for an underwater acoustic transducer array

Abstract

A modular adjustable fixing device for an underwater acoustic transducer array includes a main support rod, a central structural component, a transducer fixing ring, and a sliding connector. One end of the main support rod is fixedly connected to the interior of the central structural component through three sets of square holes. The other end extends to form a Y-shaped array frame. The extended end of the main support rod is used to fix the transducer fixing ring, which is fixed to the main support rod by the sliding connector and suspended from the rear side of the central structural component. The sliding connector is slidably fitted onto the main support rod and positioned by fasteners, with its end connected to the transducer fixing ring. The central transducer fixing ring is fixed to the top of the central structural component. This invention allows for flexible adjustment of the baseline length of the underwater acoustic transducer array by adjusting the position of the sliding connector, meeting the acoustic testing requirements of different array models. Furthermore, its modular design facilitates easy disassembly and is suitable for stable fixing of transducer arrays in complex aquatic environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of underwater acoustic signal transmission testing, specifically a modular adjustable fixing device for underwater acoustic transducer arrays. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater acoustic transducers are the core components of underwater acoustic systems, used to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. They are widely used in sonar detection, underwater communication, marine resource exploration, and military reconnaissance. The acoustic performance of a single transducer (such as directivity, transmission power, and frequency response) is often limited, making it difficult to meet the demands of complex underwater environments. Therefore, multiple transducers are typically arranged in a specific geometric structure to form transducer arrays (such as linear arrays, circular arrays, and Y-arrays) to improve signal gain, enhance directivity, and optimize the sound field distribution.

[0003] In practical applications, the stability of the transducer array and the flexibility of its configuration are key factors affecting its performance. Due to the complexity of the underwater environment, disturbances such as currents and waves can cause transducer displacement, thus affecting the accuracy and stability of the acoustic signal. Furthermore, traditional transducer array mounting devices are typically structurally simple with fixed baseline lengths, making them difficult to adapt to the needs of different testing scenarios. This not only limits the diversity of array models but also increases the difficulty of transportation and deployment.

[0004] In recent years, some improved fixing devices have attempted to address the above problems, such as by using telescopic supports or modular designs. However, these solutions still have the following shortcomings:

[0005] Low adjustment accuracy: Some devices use a sliding sleeve to adjust the baseline length, but lack a reliable locking mechanism, which can easily cause positional deviation due to water flow impact.

[0006] Insufficient structural stability: Although some lightweight designs are easy to transport, they are prone to swaying in strong water flow environments, affecting the accuracy of acoustic measurements.

[0007] High maintenance costs: The complex mechanical structure may cause parts to rust or wear, increasing the difficulty of underwater maintenance.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a modular, adjustable, and highly stable underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device. Utility Model Content

[0009] To address the need for stable sound generation from transducer arrays, this application provides a fast-assembly underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device with continuously adjustable baseline length, in order to solve technical problems such as limited performance of individual transducers, monotonous array configuration, poor environmental adaptability, and easy disturbance of transducer positions.

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objectives of this utility model, the technical solution provided in this application is as follows:

[0011] A modular adjustable fixing device for an underwater acoustic transducer array, characterized in that it includes:

[0012] The central structural component is a cubic structure with a set of through holes on each of its three adjacent sides.

[0013] Three main support rods pass through the three sets of through holes of the central structural component and are distributed radially at a 120° angle to form a Y-shaped array skeleton.

[0014] The suspension rod is vertically fixed to the top surface of the central structural member;

[0015] Multiple sliding connectors are slidably sleeved onto the main support rod;

[0016] Multiple transducer retaining rings are fixed to each sliding connector respectively;

[0017] The transducer center fixing ring is fixed at the top center position of the central structural component.

[0018] Furthermore, the main support rod is a galvanized steel rod with length markings on its surface and an annular limiting groove at its end.

[0019] Furthermore, the sliding connector includes two symmetrically arranged semi-circular clamping parts, the inner side of which is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove that matches the main support rod; and an M4 fastening bolt for locking the two clamping parts; thereby ensuring that the sliding connector can slide continuously and lock on the main support rod, and making the spacing between adjacent transducer fixing rings adjustable.

[0020] Furthermore, a silicone anti-slip pad is provided inside the arc-shaped groove.

[0021] Furthermore, the transducer fixing ring is a metal ring with four M4 threaded holes evenly distributed on the ring body for fixing the transducer.

[0022] Furthermore, the central fixing ring is fixed to the top of the central structural component by an M6 internal hex screw.

[0023] Furthermore, the suspension rod is connected to the central structural member via flange bolts.

[0024] Furthermore, the surface of the main support rod is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0025] Furthermore, the central structural component is made of aluminum alloy and its surface is anodized.

[0026] Furthermore, all connection points use standardized interfaces, including:

[0027] The main support rod is connected to the central structural component using M6 bolts;

[0028] All components of the sliding connector are connected using M4 bolts;

[0029] The transducer retaining ring and the sliding connector are connected by M6 bolts.

[0030] The suspension rod is fixed to the outside of the central structural member and connected to external anchor points such as bridge piers, so that the array is vertically suspended in the water, forming a stable transducer array sound generation process.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0032] 1) Through a unique Y-shaped three-arm radial structure design (uniformly distributed at 120°) and a sliding adjustable adapter mechanism, the baseline length of the transducer array is continuously adjustable within the range of 0.5-2m. Compared with traditional fixed structures, this device can be quickly reconfigured into different array models (such as Y-type, T-type, etc.) to meet the differentiated needs of high-resolution detection in shallow water and large-scale monitoring in deep water.

[0033] 2) All structural components can be flexibly disassembled and assembled, facilitating transportation and field testing, greatly satisfying the needs of underwater acoustic testing in different waters and avoiding huge transportation costs.

[0034] The iron rod above the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device of this application can be fixed to an external building. The iron hoop of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device of this application can fix the underwater acoustic transducer with screws, thereby minimizing the shaking of the array caused by underwater disturbances and thus affecting the measurement of underwater acoustic signals. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a right-side perspective view of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a front view of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 3 Enlarged detail of the central structural component and central iron hoop of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 This application embodiment features a close-up detail of the bottommost iron hoop of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device.

[0039] Figure 5 A magnified detail of the right side iron hoop of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device in this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 A magnified detail of the left iron hoop of the underwater acoustic transducer array fixing device in this embodiment.

[0041] Reference numerals: 1-Central structural component; 2-Main support rod; 3-Suspension rod; 4-Sliding connector; 5-Transducer fixing ring; 6-Transducer central fixing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of this utility model will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0043] Please see Figures 1-6 A water acoustic transducer array fixing device includes a central structural component 1 and a main support rod 2. One end of the main support rod 2 is fixedly connected to the inside of the central structural component, and a suspension rod 3 is fixed to the outside of the central structural component. A transducer fixing ring 5 is fixed on the main support rod 2, and a central iron hoop 6 is fixed above the central structural component 1.

[0044] The central structural component 1 is a cubic assembly structure with a pair of square through holes (side length 10mm ± 0.1mm, hole spacing 20mm) on each of its three pairs of sides for inserting three galvanized main support rods 2 (diameter 8mm, length 2m). The top of the central structural component 1 has an M6 threaded hole for fixing the central iron hoop 6 (inner diameter 60mm, wall thickness 3mm) with a flat-head hexagonal screw. An M6 threaded hole is reserved on the rear side for fixing the upper iron rod (diameter 8mm, length 2m).

[0045] Three main support rods 2 are inserted into three sets of square holes in the central structural member 1 to ensure the verticality of the rods. The suspension rod 3 is connected to the rear side of the central structural member by flange bolts (GB / T5783-M6×30) to form a suspension fulcrum. An annular groove (1mm deep and 2mm wide) is machined 50mm from the end of each iron rod for limiting and fixing the sliding connector 4.

[0046] The sliding connector 4 adopts a split design, with the components tightened together using M4 screws. The inner side has a semi-circular groove (8.2mm in diameter, with a silicone anti-slip pad) that matches the main support rod 2. The transducer fixing ring 5 can be quickly locked to the underwater acoustic transducer using four M4 screws. During operation, the connector is slidably moved along the main support rod 2 to a predetermined position (e.g., at a Y-shaped array baseline length of 0.8m).

[0047] During the underwater implementation, the upper iron rod is fixed to the bridge pier by ropes, allowing the device to enter the water vertically. The transducer fixing ring 5 and the central iron hoop 6 are arranged in a Y-shaped array (each arm with an angle of 120°) for four underwater acoustic transducers. By adjusting the position of the sliding connector 4 on the main support rod 2, the baseline length can be continuously adjusted within the range of 0.5-2m to meet the testing requirements of different acoustic signal array models.

[0048] Standardized interfaces are used at all connections. The main support rod 2 and suspension rod 3 are connected to the central structural component 1 with M6 screws. The components between the sliding connectors 4 are connected with M4 screws. The sliding connectors 4 are connected to the transducer fixing ring 5 with M6 hexagon socket screws. The central structural component 1 is connected to the iron hoop 6 with M6 hexagon socket screws. The entire device can be disassembled into smaller components, making it suitable for rapid deployment in open waters.

[0049] During assembly, insert the three main support rods 2 into the through holes of the central structural component 1, ensuring that the rod axes intersect at the geometric center. Slide the transition structural component 4 to the preset scale position of the main support rod 2 (e.g., at the baseline 0.8m), and tighten the M4 bolts to lock them in place. Insert the transducer into the iron hoop 5 and lock it in place with four-way M4 screws. Fix the suspension rod 3 to the anchor point on the bridge pier to secure the entire array. After entering the water, the array's own weight and hydrodynamics are balanced, maintaining stability even in complex underwater environments.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any equivalent structural improvement made based on the design concept of this utility model within the spirit and principles of this utility model, including but not limited to material substitution, size scaling or equivalent transformation of connection method, should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A modular adjustable fixture for an underwater acoustic transducer array, characterized by, include: The central structural component (1) is a cubic structure with a set of through holes on each of its three adjacent sides; Three main support rods (2) pass through three sets of through holes in the central structural member (1) and are distributed radially at a 120° angle to form a Y-shaped array skeleton. The suspension rod (3) is vertically fixed to the top surface of the central structural member (1); Multiple sliding connectors (4) are slidably sleeved on the main support rod (2); Multiple transducer fixing rings (5) are respectively fixed on each sliding connector (4); The transducer center fixing ring (6) is fixed at the top center position of the central structure (1).

2. The modular adjustable fixture for an underwater acoustic transducer array of claim 1, wherein, The main support rod (2) is a galvanized steel rod with length markings on its surface and an annular limiting groove at its end.

3. The modular adjustable fixture for underwater acoustic transducer arrays of claim 1, wherein, The sliding connector (4) includes two symmetrically arranged semi-circular clamping parts, the inner side of which is provided with an arc-shaped sliding groove that matches the main support rod (2); and an M4 fastening bolt for locking the two clamping parts; thereby ensuring that the sliding connector (4) can slide continuously and lock on the main support rod (2), and making the spacing between adjacent transducer fixing rings (5) adjustable.

4. The modular adjustable fixture for an underwater acoustic transducer array of claim 3, wherein, A silicone anti-slip pad is provided inside the arc-shaped groove.

5. The modular adjustable fixing device for the underwater acoustic transducer array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transducer fixing ring (5) is a metal ring with four M4 threaded holes evenly distributed on the ring body for fixing the transducer.

6. The modular adjustable fixing device for the underwater acoustic transducer array according to claim 5, characterized in that, The central fixing ring (6) is fixed to the top of the central structural member (1) by an M6 internal hex screw.

7. The modular adjustable fixing device for the underwater acoustic transducer array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension rod (3) is connected to the central structural member (1) by flange bolts.

8. The modular adjustable fixing device for the underwater acoustic transducer array according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The surface of the main support rod (2) is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

9. The modular adjustable fixing device for the underwater acoustic transducer array according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The central structural component (1) is made of aluminum alloy and its surface is anodized.

10. The modular adjustable fixing device for the underwater acoustic transducer array according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, All connection parts use standardized interfaces, including: The main support rod (2) is connected to the central structural component (1) by M6 bolts; The sliding connector (4) is connected by M4 bolts. The transducer fixing ring (5) and the sliding connector (4) are connected by M6 bolts.

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