Reverse Acoustic Calibration for Hydrophone Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic calibration methods for underwater sensors require disassembly and independent testing of reference hydrophones, which is time-consuming and costly, and do not allow for efficient recalibration at different pressures and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A reverse calibration method using a calibrated reverse hydrophone positioned within the tank to calculate the free field voltage sensitivity of reference hydrophones without disassembly, allowing for recalibration at various pressures and temperatures through iterative processes with known acoustic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used requiring disassembly and independent testing of reference hydrophones, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but system downtime increases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional calibration approach by using a calibrated hydrophone to measure and determine the sensitivity of reference hydrophones, rather than independently testing each reference hydrophone. This reverse calibration method allows calibration to be performed with the system assembled, reducing downtime while maintaining accuracy through the use of a known calibrated reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calibrated hydrophone as an intermediary element that facilitates the calibration process. This calibrated hydrophone acts as a mediator to transfer the calibration information to the reference hydrophones, enabling accurate calibration without requiring disassembly or independent testing of each component.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used requiring disassembly and independent testing of reference hydrophones, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted calibration method eliminates the need for complex disassembly and independent testing procedures, thereby reducing maintenance costs. By using a calibrated hydrophone to determine reference hydrophone sensitivities in-situ, the process becomes simpler and less costly while maintaining calibration accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recalibration at different pressures and temperatures is performed using traditional methods, then calibration accuracy under various conditions can be achieved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibrated hydrophone serves as an intermediary that enables rapid recalibration at different pressures and temperatures without requiring system disassembly. This mediator allows the system to adapt to various environmental conditions quickly, maintaining accuracy while minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in pressure and temperature to perform recalibration using the calibrated hydrophone as a reference. By measuring the responses of reference hydrophones to known acoustic signals at different pressure and temperature conditions, the system can determine updated sensitivities without disassembly, enabling versatile calibration under various operating conditions.
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective recalibration of acoustic test tanks without system downtime, maintaining operational status and reducing maintenance costs by allowing calibration within the tank.
Implementation Method 1
A known acoustic wave is created in the tank using the calibrated reverse hydrophone
Implementation Method 2
the opposite reference hydrophone output is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating an acoustic calibration tank providing the tanks with reference hydrophones positioned along the tank. The tank is filled with a fluid at a known temperature and pressure. A calibrated reverse hydrophone is positioned in the tank, opposite one of the reference hydrophones. A known acoustic wave is created in the tank using the calibrated reverse hydrophone and the opposite reference hydrophone output is measured. Free field voltage sensitivity is computed for the reference hydrophone. This gives the calibration factor for the reference hydrophone. The calibrated reverse hydrophone can be repositioned. An iterative process can be utilized for the other reference hydrophones, and other known pressures and temperatures.