Handheld Sonar Light Integration for Diver Depth Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater diving poses challenges due to the need for cumbersome and large sonar systems that are difficult for divers to carry and operate effectively, especially in dark environments where additional tools like light sources are required for navigation and depth awareness.
Innovation Solution
A handheld sonar system integrated with a sonar transducer and a light source, allowing for simultaneous emission of sonar signals and illumination in a forward direction, with a trigger assembly to activate both components, providing accurate range information and illumination for divers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sonar systems are used for underwater diving, then accurate range information can be obtained, but the systems are large and cumbersome to carry and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diving tools (sonar transducer, light source, depth gauge, pressure sensor) into a single handheld device. The sonar transducer and light source are integrated into one housing with a common trigger assembly, allowing divers to carry and operate multiple functions in one compact unit rather than separate cumbersome equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions simultaneously: sonar ranging, illumination, depth measurement, and pressure monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized tools, making the system both portable and comprehensive for diving operations
2Illumination intensity
If divers carry separate light sources for illumination, then visibility in dark environments is improved, but the overall equipment complexity and number of tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is integrated into the same housing as the sonar transducer, with both components activated by the same trigger assembly. This merging of illumination and sonar functions into one unit reduces the total number of separate tools divers must carry and manage
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides both illumination and sonar ranging capabilities in a single unit, allowing divers to perform multiple functions (visibility and range measurement) without carrying separate specialized equipment for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are carried for diving activities, then comprehensive diving functionality is achieved, but the equipment becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple diving tools (sonar transducer, light source, depth gauge, pressure sensor) are merged into a single handheld device with unified controls. The common trigger assembly activates both the sonar transducer and light source, simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive diving functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves universal diving functionality by integrating sonar ranging, illumination, depth measurement, and pressure monitoring in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining operational simplicity
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 divers to accurately determine range and depth information while illuminating their surroundings, enhancing safety and efficiency by providing a compact, user-friendly device that can withstand underwater pressures and operate in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sonar transducer is configured to generate a sonar signal emittable in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
The light source is configured to generate light emittable in the forward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld underwater sonar system comprising a housing and a sonar transducer housed within the housing. The sonar transducer is configured to generate a sonar signal emittable in a forward direction with respect to the housing. The sonar system additionally comprises a light source housed within the housing. The light source is configured to generate light emittable in the forward direction. The sonar system further comprises a trigger assembly associated with the housing. The trigger assembly is configured to selectively activate the sonar transducer or the light source.