Concave Transducer Array for Wide-Angle Fish Finder Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fishing boats require a wide acoustic beam to efficiently cover large areas of water for fish detection, as existing fish finders often have limited beam angles.
Innovation Solution
A transducer device with a concave-shaped transducer element configuration, comprising multiple elongate elements arranged around a radius of curvature, generates a series of acoustic beams that cross and combine to form a wide-angle beam, allowing for enhanced coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a conventional transducer with a flat or simple curved element arrangement is used, then the beam width is limited, but the device structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer elements are arranged in a concave configuration with a radius of curvature between 0.5λ and 2λ, forming a curved array geometry that naturally diverges the acoustic beams to achieve wide-angle coverage (50° to 120°). This curved arrangement transforms the beam pattern without requiring additional mechanical moving parts or complex steering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is divided into multiple discrete elements (at least three elements) that are individually positioned along the concave arc. Each element contributes to the overall wide-angle beam formation, and the segmented structure allows for optimized spacing and positioning to achieve the desired beam width while maintaining structural integrity.
2Area of moving object
If the transducer elements are arranged with a large radius of curvature, then the beam width is reduced, but the transducer fits more easily in compact spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the radius of curvature to be between 0.5λ and 2λ, the design achieves a balance between beam width and device compactness. This specific curvature range provides sufficient angular divergence for wide coverage while keeping the physical footprint manageable for practical installation on fishing vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies optimal parameter ranges for the radius of curvature (0.5λ to 2λ) and element spacing to achieve the desired trade-off between beam width and device size. By tuning these geometric parameters, the system achieves wide-angle coverage without requiring excessive device volume.
3Area of moving object
If the transducer elements are arranged in a concave configuration to achieve wide beam angles, then the manufacturing and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array is segmented into discrete elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the concave arc. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and adjustment, making it easier to achieve the required positioning precision through individual element placement rather than requiring ultra-precise monolithic fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
By defining acceptable ranges for the radius of curvature (0.5λ to 2λ) and element spacing rather than requiring single precise values, the design provides tolerance bands that accommodate manufacturing variations while still achieving the desired wide-angle beam performance.
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 achieves a wide-angle acoustic beam with angles up to 106° laterally and 40° longitudinally, providing improved fish detection capabilities over a large area.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer element configuration can include a series of individual transducer elements, each having an acoustic emission surface, that are positioned in a concave arrangement. The acoustic emission portion can generate a series of acoustic beams that cross each other to collectively form a combined wide-angle acoustic beam.
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer device that can generate a wide, ultra-wide, or wide-angle acoustic beam within or through water. The transducer device can include a transducer element configuration having an acoustic emission portion that has a concave shape for generating a series of acoustic beams that cross each other to collectively form a wide-angle acoustic beam.