Fiberoptic Acoustic Receiver Resonator for Sensitivity and Directivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiberoptic acoustics receivers face challenges in achieving improved sensitivity and specific Q factor combinations, particularly in terms of frequency bandwidth and directivity, which are crucial for effective acoustic signal reception.

Innovation Solution

The design of fiberoptic acoustics receivers involves an acoustic resonator body with multiple materials of varying acoustic impedances and geometries, such as concentric or parallel layered structures, to optimize sensitivity and Q factor, with optical fibers wound or embedded to enhance resonance characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the extension of the sensor is increased to improve directivity sensitivity, then sensitivity to a beam within which the sensor is located and oriented is increased, but omnidirectional sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectivity sensitivityVSAvoidomnidirectional sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic resonator body is divided into multiple resonating elements with different acoustic impedances arranged in concentric or parallel layered geometry. Each element can be optimized for specific directional sensitivity while collectively providing omnidirectional detection capability through their combined response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the acoustic resonator body are assigned different material properties and geometries to create localized resonating elements with specific acoustic impedances. This allows certain regions to enhance directional sensitivity while other regions maintain omnidirectional response characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple materials with different acoustic impedances are used to set predefined Q factor and resonance frequencies, then overall resonance sensitivity with larger bandwidth is obtained, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonance sensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic resonator body is constructed as a composite structure with multiple materials having different acoustic impedances, loss moduli, and viscosities. These materials are arranged in concentric or parallel layered geometry to create resonating elements that collectively provide enhanced resonance sensitivity and adjustable Q factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The physical and chemical properties of the materials used in the acoustic resonator body are systematically varied, including acoustic impedance, loss modulus, viscosity, and thermal capacity. These parameter changes allow precise control over resonance frequencies and Q factor to optimize sensitivity for specific frequency domains

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enhances sensitivity and frequency bandwidth, allowing for improved reception of acoustic signals, including omnidirectional and directional sensitivity, tailored to specific measurement circumstances.

Implementation Method 1

The acoustic resonator body may include a plurality of materials having mutually different acoustic impedances for setting a predefined Q factor and/or resonance frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The mandrel may exhibit variations in winding diameter in response to pressure variations exerted on the mandrel causing also the optical fiber to deform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure variations: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

The length of the optical fiber can be monitored by applying optical sensors e.g. in-line reflectors such as FBGs at ends of the optical fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4679043A1A fiberoptic acoustics receiver, an assembly and a method
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
  • EP4679043A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679043A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679043A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fiberoptic acoustics receiver for receiving acoustic signals. The receiver comprises an acoustic resonator body, and an optical fiber wound relative to the acoustic resonator body. The fiberoptic acoustics receiver further has a pre-defined resonance sensitivity based on design selectivity in terms of material and/or shape of the acoustic resonator body and/or geometry of the optical fiber.