Retractable Hull Transducer Mount for Sonar Beam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transducer mounting solutions in watercraft hulls face issues with large housing structures that either protrude and risk damage or require large holes, compromising the hull's integrity and beam projection.
Innovation Solution
A retractable transducer system with a housing and biasing mechanism allows the transducer to extend and retract, maintaining angular coverage without increasing the housing diameter and protecting the transducer from underwater hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large structure housing is mounted to protrude below the hull to accommodate tilted transducer, then the transducer can be mounted with proper tilt angle, but the housing is prone to damage from underwater objects
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer housing is designed to be movable relative to the hull, transitioning between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration allows the housing to protrude when needed for proper tilt angle accommodation and retract when protection from underwater objects is required, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed housing mounted to the hull and a movable transducer assembly. This segmentation allows the transducer to be independently positioned at various tilt angles while the housing remains protected when retracted, addressing both the tilt angle accommodation need and the protection requirement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger housing is installed within the hull to account for beam width spacing, then the sonar beam can exit without hitting the hull, but a very large diameter hole must be drilled into the hull
Solution Approach 1:
The movable transducer housing allows the system to achieve proper beam projection angles dynamically without requiring a permanently large hole in the hull. The housing can extend to provide the necessary spacing for the beam and retract when not in use, eliminating the need for complex hull modifications
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the horizontal diameter of the housing to accommodate beam width, the system uses vertical movement and tilt angles to achieve the same effect. This dimensional change allows proper beam projection without requiring a very large hole in the hull, simplifying the manufacturing process
3Productivity
If the transducer is kept in an extended position for continuous operation, then acoustic data can be captured continuously, but the transducer is exposed to damage from underwater objects
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer housing is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. During operation, the housing can be extended to capture acoustic data continuously, and when not in use or when threatened by underwater objects, it can be retracted to the protected position within the hull, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
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 enables unobstructed acoustic beam emission and protects the transducer from damage while maintaining a reasonable housing diameter, accommodating various tilt angles and underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
The retractable portion may be biased to an extended position from a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic element may be at least partially positioned outside of the hull of the watercraft and aimed in a facing direction to capture sonar return data corresponding to a portion of an underwater environment
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic element may be self-aligning such that it tilts according to a gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
Examples devices and systems are provided herein for mounting a transducer within a hull of a watercraft. Such devices and systems include a housing that defines an interior volume, a biasing mechanism, and a retractable portion disposed at least partially within the interior volume and connected to the biasing mechanism. The retractable portion includes an acoustic element and an acoustic fluid. The retractable portion is biased to a first position from a second position. When the retractable portion is in the first position, the acoustic element is at least partially positioned outside of the hull of the watercraft and aimed in a facing direction to capture sonar return data corresponding to a portion of an underwater environment. When the retractable portion is in the second position, the acoustic element is positioned fully inside the hull of the watercraft so as to protect the device from external elements.