Overmolded Acoustic Array Mounting for Underwater Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater acoustic arrays suffer from vibration interference, which degrades their sensitivity, particularly when mounted on unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), necessitating costly and space-consuming isolation systems.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic array design featuring a base structure with vibration damping material encapsulated in an overmold compound, secured to the vehicle through a mold material that decouples sensors from mounting points, using bolts with damping material washers to reduce noise and vibration interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional isolation systems are used to reduce vibration interference, then vibration noise is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting structure and vibration isolation function into a single integrated base structure. The base structure directly mounts sensors while inherently providing vibration isolation through its design, eliminating the need for separate isolation components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vibration isolation layer as an intermediary between the base structure and mounting surface. This layer acts as a mediator that absorbs and dampens vibrations while allowing the base structure to maintain its sensor mounting function, thereby reducing vibration noise without significantly increasing complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional isolation systems are used to reduce vibration interference, then vibration noise is reduced, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the isolation function into the base structure itself, allowing vibration reduction without adding separate isolation components that would increase the array's volume. The base structure serves dual purposes: sensor mounting and vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin vibration isolation layer within the base structure that provides effective vibration damping without occupying significant space. This thin film approach allows vibration noise reduction while maintaining a compact array design.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are directly mounted to the vehicle, then mounting simplicity is improved, but vibration interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration isolation layer as an intermediary between the base structure and vehicle mounting surface. This layer maintains ease of mounting through simple attachment mechanisms while effectively reducing vibration interference transmitted to the sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vibration isolation function from the mounting process itself, incorporating it into the base structure design. This allows sensors to be mounted simply to the base structure while the isolation layer automatically provides vibration protection without complicating the mounting procedure.
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 design effectively reduces vibration-induced noise, enhancing sensor performance by isolating specific frequencies and providing a neutrally buoyant, conformal array suitable for UUV applications.
Implementation Method 1
portions of vibration damping material in the apertures of the base structure, wherein the vibration damping material does not contact the base structure
Implementation Method 2
a mold material encapsulating the base structure, the sensors and the portions of vibration damping material
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for reducing vibration for an acoustic array. In an embodiment, an acoustic array includes a base structure having apertures and sensors supported by the base structure for providing an acoustic array. Vibration damping material is located in the apertures of the base structure and attachment mechanisms for secure the portions of vibration damping material to a vehicle. A mold material encapsulates the base structure, the sensors and the portions of vibration damping material. The structure and materials are selected to dampen vibration for certain frequencies.