3D Multichannel Sonar System Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems are bulky and expensive, limiting their use in shallow waters and non-commercial applications, and fail to provide high-quality, compact, and flexible sonar imagery.
Innovation Solution
A compact three-dimensional capable multichannel sonar system with a multichannel transducer and associated processing electronics, integrated with orientation and position sensors, actuators, and a user interface, allowing for adjustable orientation and enhanced sonar data processing to provide high-quality imagery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sonar transducer assemblies are used to provide high-quality sonar imagery, then image quality is improved, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system is divided into multiple independent transducer elements arranged in an array, where each element can be individually controlled to form focused beams. This segmentation allows high-quality imaging without requiring a single large transducer assembly, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional sonar imaging to three-dimensional imaging by adding vertical beamforming capabilities through the transducer array configuration. This dimensional enhancement improves image quality and provides volumetric data without proportionally increasing system size, as the same transducer elements are utilized in multiple spatial dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sonar transducer assemblies are used to provide high-quality sonar imagery, then image quality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is designed to perform multiple functions including depth sounding, fish detection, and three-dimensional imaging using the same hardware components. This multi-functionality reduces system cost by eliminating the need for separate specialized transducers for each application, while still delivering high-quality imagery across all modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves high-quality imaging by changing operational parameters such as beamforming weights, signal processing algorithms, and frequency selection rather than relying solely on expensive hardware upgrades. These parameter adjustments allow conventional transducer assemblies to produce high-quality images at reduced cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sonar systems are used, then basic sonar functionality is provided, but adaptability to different applications and environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system incorporates dynamically adjustable beamforming capabilities where the orientation and focus of acoustic beams can be electronically steered and adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control allows the same system to adapt to different applications such as forward-looking imaging, side-scan, or bottom-mapping without physical reconfiguration, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through software control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables accurate and detailed three-dimensional sonar imaging, improving image quality and usability while reducing size and cost, suitable for various mobile structures, including watercraft and drones.
Implementation Method 1
A 3D capable sonar system may include a multichannel transducer and associated processing and control electronics
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide accurate and compact three dimensional (3D) capable multichannel sonar systems for mobile structures. A 3D capable multichannel sonar system includes a multichannel transducer and associated processing and control electronics and optionally orientation and/or position sensors disposed substantially within the housing of a sonar transducer assembly. The multichannel transducer includes multiple transmission and/or receive channels/transducer elements. The transducer assembly is configured to support and protect the multichannel transducer and associated electronics and sensors, to physically and/or adjustably couple to a mobile structure, and/or to provide a simplified interface to other systems coupled to the mobile structure. Resulting sonar data and/or imagery may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.