Acoustic Transducers for Submarine Hull Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for data transfer through solid boundaries like submarine hulls are limited to low data rates and require penetrations, which are costly and prone to failure under stress cycling, making them unsuitable for high-bandwidth applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of carefully selected acoustic transducers and carrier signal frequencies to reduce triple transit signal interference, enabling continuous data communication at bit rates of at least 1 MHz, and up to 18 MHz, without penetrating the hull by employing piezoelectric transducers and radio frequency matching circuits for bi-directional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic signals are used for data transfer through solid substrates, then the need for physical penetration is eliminated, but the data rate is limited to low frequencies due to triple transit signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting specific frequency ranges (25-72 MHz) and corresponding transducer dimensions to operate in a frequency window where triple transit interference is minimized. This allows achieving data rates of 1-18 MHz through acoustic signals without penetrating the hull, thus maintaining both hull integrity and enabling high-bandwidth communication suitable for video data transmission
2Productivity
If high frequency carrier signals are used to increase data rate, then bandwidth is improved, but triple transit signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by identifying and exploiting a specific frequency range (25-72 MHz) where the acoustic properties of the substrate create favorable conditions for signal transmission. Within this localized frequency window, the triple transit interference is naturally reduced, allowing high data rates to be achieved without being overwhelmed by interference from reflected signals
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 approach allows for high-bandwidth data transfer without physical penetration, achieving data rates suitable for video data transmission and enhancing the structural integrity and reliability of the hull by eliminating potential failure points.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric transducers were used to generate acoustic signals for carrying low bit rate data through a ship's hull
Implementation Method 2
a second acoustic transducer, mounted on a second face of the substrate, positioned to receive acoustic signals emitted by the first acoustic transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for transferring data through a submarine hull or other solid boundary using high frequency acoustic signals, so avoiding penetration of the hull or boundary. First and second transducers are mounted on opposed surfaces of the hull and aligned to communicate acoustic signals through the hull. The first transducer is driven by a continuous wave carrier signal modulated with data. A demodulator detects that data in the modulated acoustic signals received by the second transducer. Critically, the dimensions of the first and second transducers and the frequency of the carrier signal are selected so as to reduce the interference by triple transit signals through the hull to a level sufficiently low to enable continuous communication of data through the hull at a bit rate of at least 1MHz. Preferably carrier signals of the order of 40MHz may be used to achieve data bit rates of the order of 15- 18MHz through the hull.