Non-uniform spacing underwater acoustic projector cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater acoustic projector systems with uniform spacing between projectors face limitations in cavitation depth, leading to potential damage from dynamic pressure forces, and existing solutions like increasing the number of projectors or hydrostatic pressurization are either impractical or costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a linear array of acoustic projectors with non-uniform spacing, where the spacing between projectors near the center is increased and near the ends is decreased, to distribute peak dynamic pressure uniformly across the array, thereby reducing cavitation risk without altering the overall resonant frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform spacing is used between projectors, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but cavitation depth is limited and dynamic pressure forces cause potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from uniform spacing to non-uniform spacing between projectors. Specifically, the spacing varies along the array with greater spacing near the center and smaller spacing near the ends, creating an asymmetric distribution that equalizes dynamic pressure across all projectors and reduces cavitation depth limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making each position in the projector array have different spacing characteristics. The spacing is optimized locally at each position along the array, with the distance between adjacent projectors varying according to its position (greater at center, smaller at ends) to achieve uniform pressure distribution across different locations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of projectors is increased to reduce cavitation, then cavitation depth improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the spacing parameter between projectors rather than changing the number of projectors. By adjusting the spacing parameter to be non-uniform (varying along the array), the system achieves reduced cavitation depth while maintaining the same number of projectors, thus avoiding increased device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hydrostatic pressurization is used to prevent cavitation, then cavitation depth improves, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurization function from the system by eliminating the need for external hydrostatic pressurization equipment. Instead, the spacing configuration itself generates the pressure distribution needed to prevent cavitation, removing the complex and costly pressurization subsystem while achieving the same protective effect
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-uniform spacing is implemented, then dynamic pressure distribution is equalized and cavitation is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spacing configuration adaptable to the acoustic field distribution. The non-uniform spacing is designed to dynamically balance the pressure loads across projectors based on their positions, with the spacing pattern optimized to match the acoustic interference patterns and equalize forces throughout the array
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 approach effectively minimizes cavitation depth by equalizing dynamic pressure distribution across the projectors, maintaining the system's resonant frequency and bandwidth, and avoiding the need for additional projectors or expensive pressurization systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of acoustic projection means for generating acoustic waves in water in response to an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic projectors interact with one another when they produce acoustic pressures
Implementation Method 3
effectively minimizes cavitation depth by equalizing dynamic pressure distribution across the projectors
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An underwater acoustic projector system that includes a linear array of acoustic projectors in close proximity such that the acoustic projectors interact with one another when they produce acoustic pressures, wherein each acoustic projector in the linear array is spaced apart from an adjacent acoustic projector by a respective distance, and wherein the respective distance between two acoustic projectors proximate the center of the linear array is greater than the respective distance between two acoustic projectors proximate the end of the linear array.