Acoustic Transducer Array for Remote Sound Speed Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring sound speed in oceans are limited, particularly in remote areas, as they often require direct sampling or complex seismic reflection techniques, and lack efficient mechanisms for estimating sound speed profiles over varying depths and salinity levels.
Innovation Solution
A system of transducers attached to a vessel generates acoustic beams that measure sound speed by transmitting pulses and receiving reflections from scattering layers, using curvature estimation and correlation techniques to calculate sound speed, even in areas where depth and salinity vary significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct sampling or complex seismic reflection techniques are used to measure sound speed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling systems and seismic reflection equipment with an acoustic transducer system that uses sound wave transmission and reception. The system measures sound speed by transmitting acoustic signals through water and analyzing the travel time and curvature of the sound waves, eliminating the need for physical sampling or complex seismic equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure sound speed indirectly. Instead of directly measuring physical properties or using complex seismic methods, the system transmits sound waves through the water and uses the interaction between the acoustic waves and the water medium (including reflections from scattering layers and curvature changes) to derive sound speed, simplifying the measurement process.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic beams are used to measure sound speed remotely, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate in areas with varying depth and salinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water column into multiple depth segments by transmitting acoustic beams at different angles and analyzing reflections from scattering layers at various depths. The system measures sound speed for each depth segment separately and constructs a complete sound speed profile, allowing accurate measurement in areas with varying depth and salinity while maintaining ease of remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point sound speed measurement to three-dimensional sound speed profiling by using arrays of transducers that emit acoustic beams in multiple directions. The system analyzes the curvature and travel time of sound waves from different angles to construct vertical sound speed profiles, adding the depth dimension to the measurement and improving precision in variable environments.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple transducers are used to generate acoustic beams, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transducer array so that each transducer can serve multiple functions: transmitting acoustic beams at different angles, receiving reflected signals from scattering layers, and acting as both source and receiver in different measurement configurations. This multi-functionality increases measurement coverage while minimizing the number of transducers needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 method allows for accurate estimation of sound speed profiles over varying depths and salinity levels, providing improved spatial and temporal resolution for ocean heat content monitoring, enhancing climate regulation monitoring and acoustic propagation prediction.
Implementation Method 1
A system of transducers attached to a vessel generates acoustic beams that measure sound speed by transmitting pulses and receiving reflections from scattering layers
Implementation Method 2
transmitting pulses and receiving reflections from scattering layers
Implementation Method 3
The speed of sound in water increases with increasing water temperature, increasing salinity, and increasing depth
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A system and method of remote sound speed measurement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for estimating a sound speed comprises a plurality of transducers configured to i) transmit a first acoustic signal from a first location, ii) transmit a second acoustic signal at a second location, iii) receive a first reflected signal at a third location, and iv) receive a second reflected signal at a fourth location, the reflected signals comprising at least one echo from at least one of the acoustic signals; and a microprocessor configured to i) estimate a travel time based on at least the first or second reflected signals, ii) estimate a travel time difference based on at least the first and second reflected signals, and iii) estimate a sound speed based on at least the estimated travel time and estimated travel time difference.