Multi-Frequency 2D Phased Array Transducer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 2D planar array sonar transducers require multiple physically separate units to achieve varying levels of spatial, velocity, and temporal resolution, leading to complex installations and reduced performance due to limited frequency bandwidth and beam independence.
Innovation Solution
A single multi-frequency planar array transducer integrating two electrically and acoustically independent 2D transducers operating at different frequencies within a single flat planar structure, allowing simultaneous or sequential formation of multiple acoustic beams in two axes, thereby achieving high resolution over a range while simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple physically separate 2D planar array transducers are used to achieve varying levels of spatial, velocity, and temporal resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple 2D planar array transducers operating at different frequencies into a single integrated transducer unit. The first 2D planar array transducer and second 2D planar array transducer are merged within one housing structure, allowing both transducers to be installed through a single penetration in the vessel hull, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple beams at different frequencies for improved measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated transducer unit performs multiple functions simultaneously - it can form multiple beams at different frequencies (e.g., 18 kHz and 38 kHz) using a single installation point. The single transducer unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate transducers, each needing its own installation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities
2Device complexity
If a single 2D planar array transducer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the frequency bandwidth is limited to approximately 50% of nominal operating frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency bands (e.g., 18 kHz and 38 kHz) into a single transducer unit, allowing the system to operate at multiple frequencies simultaneously. This expands the effective frequency bandwidth beyond the limitations of a single-frequency transducer while maintaining relatively simple beamformer architecture for each frequency band
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer is segmented into multiple independent 2D planar array transducers, each optimized for specific frequency bands. The first 2D planar array transducer and second 2D planar array transducer can be independently controlled and processed, allowing each to operate optimally at its designated frequency while contributing to the overall versatility of the system
3Measurement precision
If two physically separate transducers are used to achieve high resolution at short range and long range, then measurement precision is improved, but installation complexity increases due to requiring two hull penetrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer functions into a single integrated unit that can be installed through one hull penetration. The integrated transducer contains both the first 2D planar array transducer and second 2D planar array transducer, eliminating the need for separate installations and simplifying the manufacturing and deployment process while maintaining the ability to provide high resolution at both short and long ranges
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 configuration provides comparable performance to multiple discrete transducer designs with improved spatial, velocity, and temporal resolution, while reducing installation complexity by integrating multiple frequencies into a single form factor, thus enhancing operational efficiency and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the array elements is composed of a piezoelectric element
Data Source
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AI summary
Improved two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional planar array transducer is capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming multiple acoustic beams in two axes and at two or more widely separated acoustic frequencies from a single flat planar array transducer. The transducer planar array consists of two or more electrically and acoustically independent two dimensional planar transducer array structures operating at different frequencies that are physically integrated onto a single multi frequency configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, a second higher frequency transducer array is positioned within the aperture area of a lower frequency planar array transducer. Methods of using the aforementioned two- dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer are also disclosed.