Multistatic Underwater Acoustic Detection System with Blind Zone Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic detection systems for underwater infrastructure face challenges in detecting fast-moving threats at sufficient distances due to absorption losses at high frequencies, leading to reduced detection ranges and reaction times, especially for divers and other submerged targets.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic detection system utilizing multistatic detection groups with submerged transmitters operating at low frequencies and multiple receivers arranged in specific configurations to create overlapping detection areas, covering blind zones and optimizing receiver placement for improved detection range and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frequency monostatic sonars are used to detect underwater threats, then detection precision is improved, but detection range is reduced due to absorption losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into separate transmitter and receiver components, with multiple receivers distributed in space. Each receiver independently processes signals, allowing the system to maintain high-frequency precision while extending detection range through spatial distribution of detection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces low-frequency transmitters as intermediaries that illuminate targets without directly detecting them. These transmitters operate at frequencies with lower absorption losses, enabling long-range illumination while high-frequency receivers maintain precise detection capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between range and precision.
2Device complexity
If transmitters are placed close to receivers to form monostatic sonars, then system complexity is reduced, but detection range is limited by transmitter disruption of neighboring receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sonar function into separate transmitter and receiver units. Transmitters operate at low frequencies for long-range illumination while receivers operate at high frequencies for precise detection. This segmentation allows transmitters and receivers to be spatially separated, avoiding mutual disruption while maintaining detection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from collocated monostatic transmitters-receivers to distributed multistatic configurations in three-dimensional space. Receivers are positioned at multiple locations relative to transmitters, creating multiple bistatic detection paths that extend the effective detection volume and range without requiring complex collocated assemblies.
3Productivity
If transmission rate is increased to improve information flow about threats, then productivity is improved, but detection range is reduced due to band allocation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Low-frequency transmitters serve as intermediaries that operate in a frequency band with lower absorption losses, enabling long-range signal propagation. High-frequency receivers process the reflected signals with high precision. This intermediary approach allows high transmission rates for threat information while maintaining extended detection range through the low-frequency illumination path.
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
The system enhances detection capabilities for various threats, including fast-moving divers and underwater vehicles, by increasing detection ranges and providing sufficient reaction time for preventive actions, achieving up to 5-10 times the range of conventional systems and enabling continuous detection of fast threats.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic detection system for detecting various threatening targets, penetrating into a sensitive area defined with respect to an infrastructure to be protected
Implementation Method 2
A submerged transmitter transmitting at low frequencies
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of submerged receivers comprising at least two receivers, each receiver of a given group forming, with the transmitter of the group, a bistatic pair
Implementation Method 4
each bistatic pair generating an elementary detection area surrounding a blind zone
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic detection system for detecting at least partly submerged targets in a sensitive area defined with respect to an infrastructure, wherein the system includes at least one multistatic detection group, each multistatic detection group defining a detection area, and comprising: a submerged transmitter transmitting at low frequencies; a plurality of submerged receivers comprising at least two receivers, each receiver of a given group forming, with the transmitter of the group, a bistatic pair, each bistatic pair generating an elementary detection area surrounding a blind zone, the detection area of the group being formed by all of the elementary detection areas of the receivers of the group, the blind zone of each receiver in a given detection group being at least partly covered by the elementary detection areas of the neighbouring receivers of the detection system.