A mounting device for a transducer

Abstract

a body 2 configured to secure a transducer; and at least two arms 3 protruding from the body; wherein each arm comprises a through bore 6 configured to receive a rigid elongate fixing member, and a ch

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mounting device for a transducer. In particular, the present invention relates to a mounting device for a transducer suitable for use on marine equipment. Background to the Invention Anti-fouling systems have been developed as a means to tackle biological growth (fouling) onto marine equipment such as vessels and structures. This type of growth predominantly includes algae, microorganisms, barnacles and weeds which can attach onto the external structures of the marine equipment when stationary and / or travelling through a marine environment. Where this occurs on the hull of a vessel, the overall performance of the vessel is diminished due to drag. When this occurs on a marine structure, the weight of the structure may increase significantly, thereby affecting the integrity of the structure. Fouling has traditionally been removed through mechanical force, manual labour, through dry-dock methods (in the case of certain vessels), or diving methods. Other techniques have included using chemical solutions that act as biocidal coating that can prevent the growth of algae or other contaminants. Although such techniques can be successful in preventing fouling of marine structure, they tend to be quite costly, take significant time and labour, and may require the marine equipment to be out of use for extended periods of time. Additionally, the use of biocides and chemicals can introduce certain issues associated with corrosion risk not only to the marine equipment, but also to its surroundings. Secondly, adequate handling and disposal of biocidal chemicals used for anti-fouling means are essential to ensure that chemicals are not accidentally released into the environment to harm marine life. Another method used to mitigate growth of fouling is to mount ultrasonic devices to the marine equipment. Such devices can emit ultrasonic pulses into the marine equipment. It has been found that this can be particularly efficient at inhibiting the growth or external contaminants. This can be a safer, more efficient in-situ method which does not require any further human involvement once installed. However, such ultrasonic devices are often mounted in harsh environments which are exposed to harsh chemicals and / or experience high temperatures. For example, the ultrasonic device may be attached to a keel cooler of a vessel which comprises a heat exchanger for removing heat from coolant flowing through the cooler. Mounting the ultrasonic devices in harsh environments can lead to the mounting device losing integrity over a period of time in use. Consequently, such mounting devices must be replaced periodically which tends to be quite costly, takes significant time and labour, and may require the marine equipment to be out of use for extended periods of time. Furthermore, such ultrasonic devices are often mounted in locations which are difficult to reach. This means replacing the mounting device is often fiddly and particularly time consuming. It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to overcome or at least partially mitigate some of the problems discussed herein. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting device for a transducer, the mounting device comprising a body configured to secure a transducer; and at least two arms protruding from the body; wherein each arm comprises a through bore configured to receive a rigid elongate fixing member, and a channel configured to receive a flexible elongate fixing member. Advantageously, the mounting device of the present invention may be mounted using either rigid elongate fixing members, or flexible elongate fixing members, or both. As such, the mounting device may be readily mounted in several different positions which may be difficult to access using whichever mounting mechanism or combination of mounting mechanisms is appropriate. In this way, it may be possible to securely mount the mounting device regardless of where the device is required to be mounted, or how difficult it may be to access. This may be particularly useful when mounting the device to marine equipment having complex structures such as such as parts of vessels or marine structures. The body may comprise an aperture therethrough. The aperture may be substantially circular. The aperture may be configured to secure the transducer. The aperture may comprise a threaded surface. The threaded surface may be configured to receive a corresponding threaded portion of a transducer. Alternatively, the aperture may comprise a female portion of a bayonet locking mechanism. The female portion of the bayonet locking mechanism may be configured to receive a corresponding male portion of a bayonet locking mechanism of a transducer. The body may comprise a substantially circular, square, triangular, or polygonal cross section. Alternatively, the body may comprise a substantially ovular cross section. In such embodiments, the at least two arms may be contiguous with an outer perimeter of the body. Provision of a body having a substantially ovular cross section may help maximise the surface area of the mounting device such that to enable a sufficient amount of adhesive or glue to be applied to a lower surface if desired. The at least two arms may comprise a semicircular, square, rectangular, triangular or polygonal cross section. The at least two arms may be equally spaced about the body. For example, where the mounting device comprises two arms, they may diametrically oppose one another. Providing the at least two arms equally spaced about the body may help ensure the stresses placed upon the mounting the mounting device during use are evenly distributed. In such cases, the number of stress concentrations formed which may provide points of weakness is minimised. Each through bore may be provided towards the centre of the arm. Each through bore may be provided in the channel of the arm. Each channel may be formed on an upper surface of the arm. Each channel may be substantially linear. Each channel may be delimited by a first wall and a second wall. The first wall may be provided at the intersection between the body and the arm. The first wall may be provided by an external surface of the body. The second wall may be provided at an outer edge of the arm. The first wall and the second wall may be of the same height. The first wall and the second wall may be parallel. As such, the channel may have a constant depth and width. Each channel may have a smooth surface. Each channel may have a width of at least 5 mm, preferably of at least 10 mm, or more preferably of at least 15 mm. Each channel may have a width no more than 35 mm, preferably no more than 30 mm, or more preferably no more than 25 mm. Each channel may have a width in the range of 5 mm- 35 mm, preferably in the range of 10 mm- 30 mm, or more preferably in the range of 15 mm- 25 mm. Preferably, each channel may have a width of 20 mm. Each channel may have a depth of at least 0.5 mm, preferably of at least 1 mm, or more preferably of at least 1.5 mm. Each channel may have a depth no more than 5 mm, preferably no more than 3.5 mm, or more preferably no more than 2.5 mm. Each channel may have a depth in the range of 0.5 mm- 5 mm, preferably 1 mm- 3.5 mm, or more preferably 1.5 mm- 2.5 mm. Preferably, each channel may have a depth of 2 mm. Each arm may comprise a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis may extend along the width of the arm. The minor axis may extend perpendicular to the major axis. Each channel may extend along the major axis of the arm. In this way, each channel extends in a plane substantially parallel to a tangent of the body. The rigid elongate fixing member may comprise any suitable rigid fixing member. Suitable rigid elongate fixing members may include but are not limited to a stud, a bolt, or a screw. The rigid elongate fixing member may be configured to secure the mounting device to a surface. The surface may be planar or curved. For example, the planar surface of a structure or the curved surface of a pipe. Securing the mounting device using stud welding provides an efficient method of mounting the device which may help provide a secure attachment capable of withstanding harsh environments for a prolonged period of time. The flexible elongate fixing member may comprise any suitable fixing member. Suitable flexible elongate fixing members may include but are not limited to a tape, strap, rope, belt, or a chain. Furthermore, a suitable flexible elongate fixing member may be resiliently deformable along its axis. Preferably the flexible elongate fixing member may be formed from a corrosion resistant material. This may help minimise galvanic corrosion occurring as a result of contact between the channel and flexible elongate fixing member. The flexible elongate fixing member may have a width corresponding to the width of the channel. The mounting device may be configured to be mounted to any suitable surface. Suitable surfaces may include but are not limited to planar or curved surfaces, surfaces of vessels, surfaces of pipes, or surfaces of marine equipment and structures. The mounting device may be formed from polyetherketone (PEEK). Forming the mounting device from PEEK may help provide a mounting device capable of withstanding harsh environments such as high temperatures and harsh chemicals, without losing integrity over time. Furthermore, forming the mounting device from PEEK helps provide a device of sufficient strength and dimensional stability to withstand the pressures experienced during use, such as on marine equipment. The mounting device may comprise at least one duct. The at least one duct may be provided on a lower surface of the mounting device. The at least one duct may be substantially linear. The at least one duct may extend along the minor axis of each arm. Provision of a duct may allow the device to be mounted to either planar surfaces or curved surfaces such as pipes of varying diameters. As such, a single mounting device may be mounted to a variety of different surfaces, thereby minimising the number of different mounting devices required and subsequently minimising costs associated with the design and manufacture of said devices. The duct may have a width of at least 5 mm, preferably of at least 10 mm, or more preferably of at least 15 mm. The duct may have a width no more than 35 mm, preferably no more than 30 mm, or more preferably no more than 25 mm. The duct may have a width in the range of 5 mm- 35 mm, preferably in the range of 10 mm- 30 mm, or more preferably in the range of 15 mm- 25 mm. Preferably, the duct may have a width of 20 mm. The duct may have a depth of at least 1 mm, preferably of at least 3 mm, more preferably of at least 4 mm. The duct may have a depth no more than 10 mm, preferably no more than 8 mm, or more preferably no more than 6 mm. The duct may have a depth in the range of 1 mm- 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2.5 mm- 8 mm, or more preferably in the range of 4 mm- 6 mm. Preferably, the duct may have a depth of 5 mm. The lower surface of the mounting device may be planar. The lower surface of the mounting device may be configured to receive an adhesive or adhesive tape. Suitable adhesives may include but are not limited to acrylics, cyanoacrylates, urethanes, epoxies and other curable adhesives. Suitable adhesive tapes may comprise a substrate with an adhesive coating on both sides. The substrate may be of any suitable material, including but not limited to acrylic or modified acrylic, acrylic or modified acrylic foam, urethane or modified urethane, urethane or modified urethane foam or the like. The adhesive coating may comprise any suitable adhesive including but not limited to acrylic or modified acrylic, urethane or modified urethane, cyanoacrylates or modified cyanoacrylates. The adhesive tape may comprise a release liner on one or both sides. Provision of a planar lower surface configured to receive an adhesive or adhesive tape may help provide additional strength when mounting the mounting device to a surface. This may enable the mounting device to remain securely attached to the surface such that less frequent replacement of said mount is required. The mounting device may have a maximum diameter of at least 100 mm, preferably of at least 110 mm, or more preferably of at least 120 mm. The mounting device may have a maximum diameter no more than 160 mm, preferably no more than 140 mm, or more preferably no more than 140 mm. The mounting device may have a maximum diameter in the range of 100 mm- 160 mm, preferably in the range of 110 mm- 150 mm, or more preferably in the range of 120 mm- 140 mm. Preferably, the mounting device may have a maximum diameter of 130 mm. The mounting device may have a maximum depth of at least 10 mm, preferably of at least 15 mm, or more preferably of at least 20 mm. The mounting device may have a maximum depth no more than 35 mm, preferably no more than 30 mm, or more preferably no more than 25 mm. The mounting device may have a maximum depth in the range of 10 mm- 35mm, preferably 15 mm- 30 mm, or more preferably 20 mm- 25 mm. Preferably, the mounting device may have a maximum depth of 21 mm. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a transducer assembly comprising the mounting device of the first aspect and at least one transducer. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a vessel comprising the mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding aspect. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a mounting device for a transducer according to the first aspect of the present invention to mount a transducer comprising the steps of: a. providing a mounting device for a transducer according to the first aspect of the present invention; b. mounting the mounting device to any suitable surface using at least one of a rigid elongate fixing member or a flexible elongate fixing member. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a view of an upper surface of a mounting device for a transducer according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a view of a lower surface of the mounting device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of the mounting device of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of the mounting device of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 shows a view of the mounting device of Figures 1 -4 mounted to a surface using rigid elongate fixing members; Figure 6 shows a view of the mounting device of Figures 1 -4 mounted to a surface using a flexible elongate fixing member; Figure 7 shows a view of the mounting device of Figures 1-4 securing a transducer; Figure 8 shows a view of an upper surface of an alternative embodiment of a mounting device for a transducer according to the present invention; Figure 9 shows a view of a lower surface of the mounting device of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a top view of the mounting device of Figures 8 and 9; Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the mounting device of Figures 8 -10; Figure 12 shows a view of the mounting device of Figures 8-11 mounted to a surface using rigid elongate fixing member; Figure 13 shows a view of the mounting device of Figures 8-11 securing a transducer; and Figure 14 shows a view of the lower surface of the mounting device of Figures 8-11 securing a transducer. In marine applications, transducers, and in particular ultrasonic transducers, are mounted to marine equipment such as vessels and structures to inhibit biological growth (fouling). As fouling affects a variety of marine equipment, transducers are often mounted in harsh environments and in a variety of locations which are often difficult to reach. Turning now to Figures 1-7, a first embodiment of a mounting device 1 for a transducer is shown. The mounting device 1 comprises a body 2 which is configured to secure a transducer 15 (seen best in Figure 7) and two diametrically opposed arms 3 which protrude therefrom. In this particular embodiment, the body 2 comprises a substantially circular cross section although the skilled person will appreciate that the body 2 may comprise an alternatively shaped cross section. The body 2 comprises a substantially circular aperture 4 therethrough. The aperture 4 comprises a threaded surface 5 which is configured to receive a corresponding threaded portion of the transducer 15 thereby securing the transducer 15. Each arm 3 has a substantially rectangular cross section and comprises a through bore 6 configured to receive a rigid elongate fixing member 7 (seen best in Figure 5) and a channel 8 configured to receive a flexible elongate fixing member 9 (seen best in Figure 6). In this particular embodiment, each through bore 6 is provided in the channel 8, positioned centrally within the arm 3. Each arm 3 has a major axis which extends along the length of the rectangular cross section and a minor axis which extends along the width of the rectangular cross section, perpendicular to the major axis. Each channel 8 extends along the major axis of the arm 3 in a plane substantially parallel to a tangent of the body 2. Each channel 8 is formed on an upper surface of the arm 3. Each channel 8 is delimited by a first wall 10 provided by an external surface of the body 2 at the intersection between the body 2 and the arm 3, and a second wall 11 provided as a projection at an outer edge of the arm 3. In this particular embodiment, each first wall 10 is parallel to the corresponding second wall 11 and are of substantially the same height such that each channel 8 is substantially linear and has a constant depth and width. With particular reference to Figure 2, a lower surface of the mounting device 1 comprises a substantially linear duct 12. The duct 12 extends continuously along the minor axis of each arm 3 and allows the mounting device 1 to be mounted on a variety of different surfaces. In particular, the duct 12 enables the mounting device 1 to be mounted to a pipe 13 (seen best in Figures 5 and 6) or other curved surface whereby the pipe 13 or other curved surface is positioned within the duct 12, in addition to planar surfaces such as may be provided on a variety of marine equipment. As such, a single mounting device 1 may be mounted to a variety of different surfaces thereby minimising the number of bespoke devices required and their associated design and manufacturing costs. The mounting device 1 is formed from polyetherketone (PEEK) which helps the device withstand harsh environments such as high temperature or harsh chemical environments without losing integrity over time. Furthermore, forming the mounting device 1 from PEEK helps provide sufficient strength and dimensional stability to withstand the pressures experienced during use. With reference now to Figures 5 and 6, in use, the mounting device 1 is positioned on a suitable surface. In this particular embodiment, the mounting device 1 is positioned on a pipe 13 such that the length of the pipe is provided within the duct 12. The pipe 13 may be, for example, a pipe of a marine vessel, a pipe of a cooling system or other mechanical system, a cooling pipe, a propellor and bow thruster, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a strainer or the like. In this particular embodiment, the mounting device 1 may be positioned on a suitable surface having a diameter less than approximately 1300 mm. The mounting device 1 is then secured to the pipe 13 using at least one of a rigid elongate fixing member 7 or a flexible elongate fixing member 9. Once the mounting device 1 has been secured to the pipe 13, a transducer 15 comprising a threaded portion corresponding to that of the threaded surface 5 of the aperture 4 may be screwed into position (seen best in Figure 7). With reference to Figure 5, the mounting device 1 is mounted by passing a rigid elongate fixing member 7 through each through bore 6 and into a corresponding aperture within the pipe 13. In this embodiment, the rigid elongate fixing member 7 is a bolt 7 however, the skilled person will appreciate that a variety of alternative rigid elongate fixing members 7 such as screws or studs suitable for stud welding may also be used to secure the mounting device 1 to a surface. An additional or alternative method of mounting the mounting device 1 is shown in Figure 6 whereby the mounting device 1 is mounted using a flexible elongate fixing member 9. Each channel 8 receives a flexible elongate fixing member 9 which in this embodiment is a metal tape 9. The metal tape is then secured about the pipe 13, securing the mounting device 1 thereto. The metal tape 9 has a width slightly less than that of the channel 8 such that it may be securely received and retained in place by the first wall 10 and the second wall 11 without slipping out of the channel 8 during use.With reference now to Figures 8-14, an alternative embodiment of a mounting device 1 is shown. The mounting device 1 of Figures 8-14 shares many features with the embodiment shown in Figures 1-7 so only differing features will be described herein. The mounting device 1 comprises a substantially ovular cross section and each of the diametrically opposed arms 3 comprises a substantially semicircular cross section. The arms 3 are contiguous with an outer perimeter of the ovular body 3. Each channel 8 is delimited by a first wall 10 provided by an external surface of the body 2 at the intersection between the body 2 and the arm 3, and a second wall 11 provided as a projection at an outer edge of the arm 3. The second wall 11 comprises an inner surface Ila which is substantially planar and provided parallel to the first wall 10, and an outer surface 11b which is curved about the vertex of the ovular body 3. However, in this embodiment, the first wall 10 has a greater height than the second wall 11. The lower surface of the mounting device 1 is planar and in this embodiment does not comprise a duct 12. In use, the lower surface of the mounting device 1 may be configured to receive an adhesive such as an acrylic, cyanoacrylate, urethane, epoxy or other curable adhesive. Alternatively, the lower surface may be configured to receive an adhesive tape such as a tape comprising a substrate with an adhesive coating on both sides. Provision of such a planar lower surface may help provide additional strength when mounting the device 1 to a surface 14, helping to remain securely attached to the surface 14 such that less frequent maintenance and replacement of the mount is required. Furthermore, provision of a body 3 comprising a substantially ovular cross section helps maximise the surface area of the mounting device 1 to allow a sufficient amount of adhesive or adhesive tape to be applied if desired. With particular reference to Figure 12, in use the mounting device 1 is positioned on a suitable surface 14. In this particular embodiment, the mounting device is positioned on a planar surface 14 such that the lower surface of the mount 1 contacts the surface 14. The planar surface 14 may be, for example, a panel of a marine vessel, a panel of a cooling system or other mechanical system, a sea chest, a hull, a plate cooler, a propeller stern tube, a bow thruster or the like. In this particular embodiment, the mounting device 1 may be positioned on a suitable surface having a diameter greater than approximately 1300 mm. The device is then secured to the planar surface 14 using a rigid elongate fixing member 7 which in this particular embodiment is a bolt. However, the skilled person will appreciate that in addition to using a rigid elongate fixing member 7, a flexible elongate fixing member 9 may also be used to secure the mounting device 1 to the surface 14. In such embodiments, the flexible elongate fixing member 9 may be retained in the channel 8 and secured to the surface 14 at a point distal from the mounting device 1. With particular reference to Figures 13 and 14, the aperture 4 of the body 2 comprises a threaded surface 5 which is configured to receive a corresponding threaded portion of the transducer 15, thereby securing the transducer 15. The transducer 15 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the corresponding threaded portion of the 5 transducer 15 is provided around the outer perimeter of the lower portion thereof. As such, the transducer 15 may be secured by the mounting device 1 by screwing the threaded portion of the transducer 15 into the aperture 4 until a lower surface 16 of the transducer 15 is level with the lower surface of the mount 1. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. 10 Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mounting device for a transducer, the mounting device comprising:a body configured to secure a transducer; andat least two arms protruding from the body;wherein each arm comprises a through bore configured to receive a rigid elongate fixing member, and a channel configured to receive a flexible elongate fixing member.

2. A mounting device for a transducer according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises an aperture therethrough configured to secure the transducer.

3. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein the body comprises a substantially circular, square, triangular, or polygonal cross section.

4. A mounting device for a transducer according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the body comprises a substantially ovular cross section.

5. A mounting device for a transducer according to claim 4 wherein the at least two arms are contiguous with an outer perimeter of the body.

6. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein the at least two arms are equally spaced about the body.

7. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim whereineach through bore is provided in the channel of the arm.

8. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein each channel is formed on an upper surface of the arm and is delimited by a first wall and a second wall.

9. A mounting device for a transducer according to claim 8 wherein the first wall is provided at the intersection between the body and the arm.

10. A mounting device for a transducer according to any one of claim 8 or 9 wherein the second wall is provided at an outer edge of the arm.

11. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein the channel has a constant depth and width.

12. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein the rigid elongate fixing member comprises any suitable rigid fixing member including a stud, a bolt, or a screw.

13. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible elongate fixing member comprises any suitable fixing member including a tape, strap, rope, belt, or a chain.

14. A mounting device for a transducer according to claim 13 wherein the suitable flexible elongate fixing member is resiliently deformable along its axis.

15. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting device is formed from polyetherketone (PEEK).

16. A mounting device for a transducer according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one duct provided on a lower surface of the mounting device.

17. A mounting device for a transducer according to claim 16 wherein the at least one duct is substantially linear.

18. A mounting device for a transducer according to any one of claims 1-15 wherein the lower surface of the mounting device is planar.

19. A mounting device for a transducer according to claim 18 wherein the lower surface of the mounting device is configured to receive an adhesive or adhesive tape.

20. A transducer assembly comprising the mounting device of any preceding claim and at least one transducer.

21. A vessel comprising the mounting device for a transducer according to any one of claims 1-19.

22. A method of using a mounting device for a transducer according to any one of claims 1-19 to mount a transducer comprising the steps of:providing a mounting device for a transducer according to any one of claims 1-19;andmounting the mounting device to any suitable surface using at least one of a rigid elongate fixing member or a flexible elongate fixing member.

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