Deformable Sonar Antenna with Real-Time Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems face limitations in achieving high resolution due to the physical constraints of antenna length and deformation during operation, leading to degraded performance, especially at lower wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A deformable sonar system with a flexible antenna comprising multiple sections connected by ball joints, equipped with inertial units and angular sensors to determine real-time positions and orientations of transducers, allowing for signal processing that reconstructs images equivalent to those from a rigid linear antenna of similar size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the antenna length is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the size of the supporting fish and difficulty of launching and recovering increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be assembled in different configurations. This allows the antenna to achieve greater effective length for high resolution while the supporting fish remains compact for easy deployment. The sections can be connected end-to-end to form a long linear array when needed, but stored in a compact form on the fish.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The antenna can change its effective length and geometry during operation, allowing it to adapt between compact storage mode on the fish and extended deployment mode for high-resolution imaging.
2Ease of operation
If the antenna is made flexible to simplify launching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the resolution degrades due to instantaneous movements during displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Position sensors are integrated into each antenna section to provide real-time feedback on the instantaneous position and orientation of every transducer element. This feedback information is fed to signal processing equipment that dynamically corrects for deviations from the ideal rigid array geometry, thereby maintaining high resolution despite the flexible, deployable nature of the antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rigidity requirement with an electronic/software-based solution. Instead of requiring a physically rigid antenna structure to maintain element positions, the system uses position sensors and digital signal processing to achieve the same effect, allowing a flexible mechanically simple structure to deliver high-resolution performance.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid linear antenna is used to maintain constant shape, then the resolution is maintained, but the ease of operation and launching become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid linear antenna is segmented into multiple sections connected by articulation points. This allows the antenna to be folded or coiled for compact storage on the supporting fish, making launching easier, while still being able to form a rigid linear configuration during operation for high-resolution imaging.
4Productivity
If the carrier speed is increased to improve productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the speed must remain less than half the length of the antenna by recurrence which limits the speed
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure that can extend its effective length. By increasing the antenna length through section extension, the system can operate at higher carrier speeds while maintaining the required recurrence relationship, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing resolution.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
AI summary
Sonar system comprising at least one transmitter and one flexible antenna consisting of a plurality of sections articulated one after the other, each section being furnished with at least one acoustic receiver. The system is equipped with positioning means making it possible to determine the instantaneous position of each of the receivers, and calculation means making it possible to reconstruct an image of the seabed by taking account of the instantaneous micromovements of each of the receivers.