Adaptive Transducer Arrays for Misaligned Acoustic-Electric Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transducer alignment issues significantly impact the efficiency of power and data transmission through acoustic-electric channels, particularly in applications where precise alignment is difficult or impossible, leading to reduced performance and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of piezoelectric transducer arrays that can operate with some degree of misalignment, where send and receive elements are optimized by activating only those that result in the strongest signal transmission, and deactivating others to minimize power loss and maximize efficiency, using a process that can be repeated periodically to account for movement or changes in alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If transducers are perfectly aligned, then transmission efficiency is maximized, but alignment precision requirements become extremely difficult or impossible to meet in practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single transducer into multiple sub-elements arranged in arrays on both transmitting and receiving sides. Instead of requiring one perfect alignment, the system segments the transducer function across multiple elements that can tolerate individual misalignments while collectively achieving effective transmission through adaptive selection and weighting of sub-element signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by continuously adjusting the weighting and selection of active sub-elements based on real-time alignment conditions. The system dynamically reconfigures which sub-elements are active and their respective weightings to compensate for misalignment, rather than relying on fixed perfect alignment.
2Reliability
If adaptive optimization processes are implemented to compensate for misalignment, then transmission reliability improves, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment optimization during system setup or idle periods, establishing optimal sub-element weightings and active element selections before actual transmission begins. This pre-computation reduces the complexity during active transmission by using pre-determined configurations rather than real-time optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where transmission performance is monitored and used to adjust sub-element weightings and selections. The system receives feedback about alignment conditions and transmission effectiveness, then adapts the configuration accordingly to maintain reliability while managing complexity through iterative improvement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all transducer elements are activated, then coverage and adaptability are maximized, but power consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and activates only the necessary subset of transducer sub-elements that contribute most effectively to transmission, rather than activating all elements. By identifying and using only the essential elements based on alignment conditions, the system reduces power consumption and processing load while maintaining adaptability through selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different activation states and weightings to different local regions of the transducer array based on their individual contribution to transmission. Instead of uniform activation, each sub-element is treated locally with its own activation status and weighting factor, optimizing the balance between adaptability and resource consumption.
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 reliable and efficient power and data transmission with minimal loss even in imperfectly aligned conditions, extending the usability of acoustic-electric channels in challenging environments such as submerged or moving surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A send arrangement is coupled to the first surface and includes a send array comprising a plurality of send elements. Each send element comprises a transducer... The transducers are positioned at least partially on opposite sides of the same region of the channel medium... piezoelectric transducer arrays
Implementation Method 2
A channel medium is provided having a first surface and a second surface. The channel medium is capable of transmitting acoustical energy from the first surface to the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method for transmitting power, data, and instructions using acoustic-electric channels having one or more transducer arrays, and to compensate for imperfect alignment of transducer arrays. Transducer arrays each include multiple transducer elements coupled to a channel barrier. Each element can be independently controlled, and misaligned transducers are selectively deactivated to improve overall channel performance. Arrays are optimized by testing different combinations of elements, and the combinations which are the most effective or efficient are used for transmissions. The system and the optimization features can be used to communicate between surfaces which have relative movement, such as between water craft hulls. Optimization can be periodic or constant to compensate for movement within the channel. The arrays can be used with curved substrates. Methods of designing adaptable arrays are also provided.