Long-range sonar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems, particularly small-scale ones, are limited in their range, unable to detect objects closer than 200 millimeters or further than 2.5 meters, making them inadequate for environments with dense or sparse object arrangements, such as cluttered homes or open spaces.
Innovation Solution
A long-range sonar assembly with a flared bell housing and an ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer, configured to detect objects between 1000 mm and 9500 mm, includes a transportation mechanism and processing device that transmits and receives pulses to determine object positions, using a printed circuit board with tunable transformers and potentiometers to adjust frequencies and sensitivities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small-scale sonar system is used, then the device size is reduced, but the detection range is limited to 200mm-2.5m
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system is divided into two separate assemblies: a short-range sonar assembly for close object detection and a long-range sonar assembly for distant object detection. Each assembly is optimized for its specific range, allowing the robotic device to maintain a compact size while achieving extended overall detection capability through coordinated operation of both segments
Solution Approach 2:
The long-range sonar assembly is positioned within or alongside the short-range sonar assembly, with the long-range assembly having a larger flared bell housing that encompasses the transducer. This nested configuration allows both sonar systems to coexist in a compact arrangement, enabling the robotic device to maintain small size while achieving extended detection range
2Device complexity
If existing sonar systems are used, then the system is simple, but the focus is not narrow enough for short-range operations
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the sonar system are designed with different geometric properties optimized for their specific functions: the short-range sonar uses a compact housing for close object detection, while the long-range sonar uses a flared bell housing configuration that narrows the beam focus for distant object detection. This local optimization of geometric properties allows each component to achieve its intended precision without requiring complete system redesign
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 the robotic device to effectively navigate and map environments with a wider detection range, improving functionality in both cluttered and open spaces by accurately determining object positions and moving the device accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer, configured to detect objects between 1000 mm and 9500 mm
Implementation Method 2
The transducer may be configured to transmit one or more pulses at a transmit frequency and to receive echoed pulses at a receive sensitivity
Implementation Method 3
receive the one or more pulses as echo pulses having reflected off an object in an environment
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic device comprising a long-range sonar assembly configured to detect objects between 1000 mm to 9500 mm from the long range sonar assembly. The long-range sonar assembly comprises a flared bell housing and a transducer. The robotic device also comprises a transportation mechanism configured to move the robotic device in various directions in response to instructions from a processing device that is in communication with the ling-range sonar assembly and the transportation mechanism. The processing device may cause the long-range sonar assembly to, via the transducer transmit one or more pulses and receive the one or more pulses as echo pulses having reflected off an object in an environment. The processing device may then cause a transmitter to transmit instructions to the transportation mechanism to move the robotic device in the environment based on the received one or more pulses.