Modular Sonar Transducer Assembly with Pivoting Kick-Up Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems are expensive and difficult to manufacture, especially when aiming for smaller, more accurate, and reliable compact designs with high-quality imagery, due to challenges in manufacturing and operating sonar transducer elements with precise tolerances and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A modular sonar system with adjustable transducer assemblies, including a controller, orientation sensors, and actuators, that can adjust transducer orientations based on measured and desired orientations, allowing for accurate and reliable compact sonar systems with improved manufacturing efficiency and higher quality imagery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional sonar systems are designed to be smaller and more accurate, then imaging quality and portability are improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase due to tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar transducer assembly is divided into multiple independent transducer modules (e.g., 102, 104, 106, 108) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each module contains its own transducer element and support structure, allowing for standardized mass production of individual modules while maintaining the capability to create larger arrays with precise geometric relationships between elements
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer modules are designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that allow the same module design to be used in different configurations and positions within the array. The support structure includes adjustable mounting mechanisms that can accommodate various transducer orientations and positions, reducing the need for custom-manufactured components for each specific array configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If transducer elements are manufactured with precise tolerances and orientations, then sonar imaging quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer modules are pre-assembled with their support structures and mounting features before being integrated into the final array configuration. The module frames include pre-formed mounting features and adjustment mechanisms that are manufactured separately, allowing for quality control and calibration to be performed on individual modules before assembly, thereby ensuring precise orientations without requiring complex final-stage adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The module frame acts as an intermediary structure between the transducer element and the final array mounting position. The frame includes adjustment mechanisms and mounting features that facilitate precise positioning of the transducer element relative to the array geometry, while allowing for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to directly mounting transducers to the array structure
3Productivity
If modular transducer assemblies are used, then manufacturing efficiency and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar transducer assembly is divided into multiple independent transducer modules (e.g., 102, 104, 106, 108) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each module contains its own transducer element and support structure, allowing for standardized mass production of individual modules while maintaining the capability to create larger arrays with precise geometric relationships between elements
Solution Approach 2:
The module frame combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides mechanical support for the transducer element, includes mounting features for array integration, incorporates adjustment mechanisms for positioning, and provides structural rigidity. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process compared to using separate components for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing accurate and reliable compact sonar systems for mobile structures. In one embodiment, a sonar system includes a mounting bracket, a transducer support arm, and a pivoting mechanism pivotably coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against such forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.