Frequency Steered Sonar Array Orientation for Marine Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional recreational scanning sonar systems are unable to generate real-time sonar imagery when stationary and existing frequency steered sonar systems are unsuitable for boat mounting due to their configuration, which disrupts water flow and causes unpredictable handling.
Innovation Solution
A frequency steered transducer array configuration positioned on the bow-stern plane of a vessel in a fan-shaped arrangement, using piezoelectric elements to transmit sonar beams in varying angular directions, allowing continuous imaging even when the boat is in motion and minimizing drag and hydrodynamic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency steered sonar arrays are used to provide high quality imaging, then imaging quality and framerate are improved, but the system size and configuration become unsuitable for boat mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system is divided into multiple frequency steered array elements that are spatially separated and mounted at different locations on the vessel (bow, stern, ports, starboard). Each element independently transmits and receives sonar signals, allowing the system to maintain high imaging quality while adapting to boat mounting constraints through distributed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single planar array configuration to a three-dimensional distributed array configuration across the vessel. Elements are positioned at multiple vertical levels and horizontal locations, creating a volumetric sonar coverage that maintains imaging quality while solving the mounting suitability problem
2Loss of information
If traditional sidescan sonar systems are used, then historical sequence imaging is provided, but real-time sonar imagery cannot be generated when the boat is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency steered array elements continuously transmit sonar beams across multiple frequency channels, enabling real-time image generation at near video framerates. This continuous operation maintains both historical sequence capability and real-time imaging productivity simultaneously, regardless of vessel motion state
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes frequency steering to dynamically change beam direction by varying the frequency of transmitted signals. This allows the sonar system to sweep through different angular directions and maintain real-time imaging capability without requiring physical movement of the array, enabling operation when the boat is stationary
3Area of stationary object
If frequency steered arrays are configured for wide field of view, then coverage area is improved, but multiple arrays must be used in coordination increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frequency steered array elements are merged into a coordinated system where each element contributes to the overall wide field of view. The elements are positioned at different locations (bow, stern, ports, starboard) and their combined coverage areas create an extensive three-dimensional sonar field, achieving wide coverage while distributing the complexity across independent but synchronized units
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
Enables real-time sonar imaging and historical sequence display while maintaining laminar flow and symmetric handling, suitable for stationary and moving boats, with improved hydrodynamic characteristics and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the transducer array elements includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The frequency steered transducer array elements are configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer assembly comprises a housing and a plurality of frequency steered transducer array elements. Each of the transducer array elements includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The frequency steered transducer array elements are configured to receive a transmit electronic signal including a plurality of frequency components and to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water. Each sonar beam is transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal. The frequency steered transducer array elements are positioned within the housing in a fan-shaped configuration where an end section of at least two of the frequency steered transducer array elements are within an intersection range of each other.