Acoustic Doppler Beamforming with 2D Transducer Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic transducers and beamformers used in devices like Acoustic Doppler Velocity Sensors (ADVS) and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) face challenges in generating accurate vertical beams in marine environments, which are sensitive to size, power consumption, and cost, while requiring complex configurations to measure three-axis velocities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-complexity beamforming system using a two-dimensional transducer array with multiple beamforming circuits generates non-orthogonal beams in multiple planes, including a vertical beam, by electrically connecting transducer elements in rows and columns and employing phase or time-delay beamforming networks to form beams simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple narrow conical beams are used to measure three-axis velocities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar beam arrangements to a three-dimensional transducer array configuration. The array includes transducers positioned at different spatial coordinates (x, y, z), enabling the formation of beams in multiple dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows accurate velocity measurement along three orthogonal axes without requiring complex mechanical gimballing or sequential beam steering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can form beams in different directions, measure velocities along multiple axes, and operate at various tilt angles all with a single fixed configuration. The system eliminates the need for separate measurement systems for different orientations by universally measuring three-axis velocities through its multi-dimensional beam-forming capability.
2Measurement precision
If a Janus configuration with four narrow conical beams is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional transducer array where elements are distributed in space along x, y, and z axes. This spatial distribution enables the system to achieve accurate velocity measurements without requiring the large aperture and complex geometry of traditional Janus configurations. The volumetric arrangement of transducers provides equivalent measurement accuracy with a more compact form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extreme tilt angle measurements are required without gimballing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gimbal mechanisms with an electronic beam-forming system. Instead of physically orienting transducers using complex gimbal assemblies, the system uses electronic signal processing and phase control to form beams at various angles. The transducer array remains fixed while the beam directions are dynamically adjusted through electronic means, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability to extreme tilt angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic beam steering capability through electronic control without mechanical movement. The beam directions can be changed in real-time by adjusting the phase and amplitude weights applied to individual transducer elements, allowing the system to adapt to varying tilt angles and measurement requirements while the physical transducer array remains stationary.
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
This solution enables the formation of a vertical beam in the aperture of a two-dimensional transducer array along with beams in other dimensions, enhancing measurement capabilities such as wave and Doppler velocity measurements without increasing size, power consumption, or cost, and allowing for operation at extreme tilt angles without gimballing.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic Doppler Velocity Sensors (ADVS) are widely used for measurement of vertical profiles of water current measurements
Implementation Method 2
three or more beams oriented at different directions may be used to measure the three orthogonal velocity components
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for forming acoustic beams is disclosed. One embodiment is an acoustic system configured to generate a plurality of beams non-orthogonal to a transducer array simultaneously with a vertical acoustic beam orthogonal to the array. The acoustic system includes a plurality of transducer elements arranged to form a two-dimensional array and electrically connected into rows in a first dimension and columns in a second dimension.