Compact Acoustic Tag for Small Host Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic tags are too large, have short lifetimes, and inadequate transmission range, making them unsuitable for long-term monitoring of small hosts like juvenile sturgeon, which limits their application in tracking behavior and habitat studies.
Innovation Solution
A new acoustic transmission device with a compact design, powered by a custom lithium carbon fluoride battery, featuring a dual boost converter sub-circuit that delivers a selectable voltage to a piezoelectric transducer, enabling extended tag lifetimes and increased transmission range, with signal intensities between 159 dB and 163 dB, and energy expenditure as low as 283 μJ per transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional acoustic tags are used for tracking small hosts, then identification and location monitoring can be achieved, but the tags are too large for small hosts (30-100 g mass and 180-270 mm length)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the acoustic tag by using a piezoelectric transducer instead of conventional electromagnetic components, enabling a drastic reduction in tag size while maintaining acoustic transmission capability. The tag was reduced to dimensions suitable for small hosts (30-100g mass, 180-270mm length), representing a fundamental parameter change in the device architecture.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional acoustic tags are used, then location data can be transmitted, but the tags have short lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic acoustic transmissions at optimized pulse rate intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds or 15 seconds) rather than continuous transmission. This periodic action significantly extends tag lifetime to at least 98 days at 163 dB signal intensity, while still providing sufficient tracking data for behavioral studies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy consumption parameters by optimizing the balance between signal intensity (159-163 dB) and pulse rate interval. This parameter optimization enables extended operation where the tag can transmit at high intensity when needed but conserve energy during intervals, achieving lifetimes of at least 98 days at 163 dB or at least 365 days at 161 dB.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional acoustic tags are used, then tracking can be performed, but the transmission range is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves extended transmission range (up to 500 meters) by optimizing acoustic signal parameters including intensity (159-163 dB), pulse rate interval (5-15 seconds), and transmission frequency. The piezoelectric transducer enables efficient acoustic energy transmission, expanding the operational range beyond conventional tags while managing power consumption through periodic transmission.
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 device allows for real-time tracking of small hosts in up to three dimensions with extended tag lifetimes (up to 365 days) and a transmission range of up to 500 meters, reducing adverse effects and costs associated with attachment, thus broadening the range of potential applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transducer (PZT) that transmits an acoustic transmission signal at a signal intensity selected between about 159 dB and about 163 dB
Data Source
AI summary
A new acoustic tag and process are disclosed for identifying and tracking underwater hosts in up to three dimensions. The acoustic tag has an operation lifetime up to a year or longer at a pulse rate interval of about 15 seconds. The acoustic tag has a signal detection range up to at least about 500 meters that enhances detection probability.