Miniature Acoustic Tags for Juvenile Salmon Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic tags used in the Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System (JSATS) are too large for smaller juvenile Chinook salmon, causing reduced survival and growth rates, and are not suitable for tracking smaller aquatic species, necessitating a need for smaller, lighter, and more efficient tracking devices.
Innovation Solution
Development of new acoustic transmission devices with reduced size, weight, and volume, including injectable tags that can be attached to hosts via injection, equipped with advanced power sources, sensors, and encoding capabilities for real-time tracking in up to three dimensions, utilizing a combination of thermosetting polymers, piezoelectric transducers, and efficient power management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current acoustic tags are used for tracking juvenile Chinook salmon, then tracking capability is achieved, but the tags are too large for smaller juvenile salmon causing reduced survival and growth rates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic tag is divided into multiple functional modules including a power module with battery and voltage regulator, a control module with microcontroller, a transmission module with piezoelectric transducer, and a housing module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for size and function, enabling the overall tag to be reduced to dimensions suitable for smaller juvenile salmon while maintaining all necessary functions for tracking and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the circuit board is folded into a compact configuration and positioned within the cylindrical housing. The piezoelectric transducer is mounted at one end of the housing with its back side facing the circuit board, creating a space-efficient nested structure. The battery is positioned within the housing to maximize use of internal volume. This nesting approach allows all components to be contained within a minimal volume suitable for small fish.
2Weight of moving object
If current acoustic tags are used, then tracking function is provided, but the weight and volume are too high for smaller aquatic species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter optimization across multiple components: the battery capacity is selected to provide required power while minimizing weight; the piezoelectric transducer is chosen for high efficiency at minimal mass; the housing dimensions are optimized to the smallest practical size. These parameter changes collectively reduce the tag weight to levels suitable for smaller aquatic species while maintaining tracking functionality and extending application range to include species previously unsuitable for acoustic tagging.
3Volume of moving object
If tag size is reduced for smaller fish, then applicability to more species is improved, but power supply capacity and transmission range may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible printed circuit board that can be folded and positioned within the compact cylindrical housing. This flexible circuit board allows for efficient routing of electrical connections between the battery, voltage regulator, microcontroller, and piezoelectric transducer within the limited space. The flexible nature of the circuit board enables optimization of electrical pathways to minimize power loss while maintaining the compact form factor required for small fish applications.
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 new acoustic tags provide extended range and lifetime, reduced bio-handling stress, and broader application capabilities, enabling the tracking of smaller fish and other aquatic species while maintaining compatibility with existing receiver equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic signal from at least one piezoelectric transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Acoustic tags and a process for fabrication are disclosed for identifying and tracking various hosts including inanimate and animate objects in up to three dimensions. The acoustic tags may be powered by a single power source. Tags can have an operation lifetime of up to 90 days or longer at a transmission rate of 3 seconds. The acoustic tags have an enhanced signal range that enhances detection probability when tracking the hosts.