Compact Sonar Transducer Array for High-Quality Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems are bulky and expensive, limiting their use in shallow waters and non-commercial vessels, and lack intuitive, feature-rich user interfaces for providing high-quality, compact, and flexible sonar data and imagery.
Innovation Solution
A compact sonar system with a transducer assembly housing multiple transmission and receive channels, orientation and position sensors, and processing electronics, capable of using CW and FM signals for enhanced imaging, and a pilot display system that integrates sensors and user interfaces for situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sonar systems use large transducer assemblies for high-quality imaging, then image quality is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sonar imaging function into multiple independent transducer elements that can be operated separately. Each element contributes to the overall image quality while the modular structure keeps individual component sizes manageable, resolving the contradiction between image quality and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple transducer elements into a single integrated array system that functions as one cohesive unit. This merging approach achieves high-quality imaging through collective operation of smaller elements, avoiding the need for a single large transducer assembly
2Measurement precision
If conventional sonar systems use large transducer assemblies for high-quality imaging, then image quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple smaller, less expensive transducer elements instead of a single large, costly transducer assembly. The modular design allows for more economical manufacturing while achieving comparable or superior imaging quality through the combined output of multiple elements
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the imaging function across multiple smaller transducer elements, the system reduces the cost of individual components while maintaining overall system performance, making high-quality sonar imaging more accessible and cost-effective
3Measurement precision
If conventional sonar systems use large transducer assemblies, then image quality is improved, but adaptability to different vessels and environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable transducer element arrangements that can be adapted to different mounting configurations and operational environments. This dynamic design allows the same system to be deployed on various vessel types and adjusted for different imaging requirements, resolving the contradiction between quality and adaptability
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 system provides high-quality, compact, and flexible sonar data and imagery, enabling accurate navigation and underwater exploration while being cost-effective and user-friendly, with enhanced imaging techniques and intuitive display systems.
Implementation Method 1
A sonar system can include a transducer and associated processing and control electronics
Implementation Method 2
Received return signals comprising echoes of the ensonifying signals are processed into image data sets
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing enhanced sonar images includes ensonifying a target column of water with sonar beams corresponding to pulses of continuous wave (CW) and pulse compression (FM) signals. Received acoustic returns are processed to generate sonar image data corresponding to the CW signals and the FM signals. The CW and FM sonar image data are then displayed contemporaneously such that one sonar image data set overlays another. Techniques are also disclosed to provide situational imagery. A pilot display system includes a user interface, a logic device, and a speed sensor mounted to a mobile structure. The user interface is configured to receive user input and provide user feedback, and the logic device is configured to receive a speed of the mobile structure from the speed sensor, generate corresponding situational image data, and render the situational image data via at least one display of the user interface.