Rotatable Fan Beam Transducer for Fish Finder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish finding devices with fixed beam orientation are limited in versatility and utility, as they cannot effectively detect fish outside the narrow range of their conical acoustic beams.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable fan beam transducer assembly that generates a fan-shaped acoustic beam with a generally elliptical cross-sectional shape, allowing the major and minor axes to be oriented at various angles relative to the direction of travel, enabling wider detection of fish by adjusting the beam's width and length in relation to the direction of travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed beam orientation is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer assembly incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows the fan beam transducer to be rotated about the beam generation axis, transforming the fixed orientation into an adjustable dynamic configuration. This enables the beam to be oriented at different angles relative to the direction of travel, improving adaptability while adding controlled complexity through the rotation and locking mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If a conical acoustic beam is used, then the device is simple, but the detection coverage and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed conical beam to an adjustable fan-shaped beam by rotating the transducer assembly. The rotation mechanism allows the beam orientation to be changed dynamically, expanding the coverage area by enabling the beam to sweep across different angles and detect fish outside the narrow conical range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the acoustic beam by adjusting the orientation of the fan-shaped beam relative to the direction of travel. By rotating the transducer, the beam's angular parameters are modified, transforming it from a narrow conical shape to a wider fan-shaped coverage that can detect targets at various angles.
3Area of stationary object
If the beam width is increased, then the detection coverage is improved, but the beam resolution and precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over beam orientation through rotation, allowing the operator to adjust the beam width and angle based on the specific fishing conditions and target locations. This dynamic adjustment enables optimization between coverage area and precision by positioning the beam to sweep through different angular ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the beam's geometric parameters through rotational adjustment of the transducer assembly. By modifying the orientation parameters of the fan-shaped beam, the system can adjust the beam width and angular spread to balance between coverage area and detection precision for different fishing scenarios.
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 rotatable transducer assembly enhances fish detection capabilities by increasing the beam's width and detection time of fish, providing a more comprehensive signature on the display, allowing for better bottom discrimination and wider coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a fan beam transducer (28) having a beam generation axis (V), for generating a fan shaped acoustic beam (16) along the beam generation axis (V)
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer assembly including a fan beam transducer having a beam generation axis for generating a fan shaped acoustic beam along the beam generation axis. The fan shaped acoustic beam can have a generally elliptical cross sectional shape with a major axis and a minor axis across a plane generally perpendicular to the beam generation axis. The transducer can be housed in a housing and have a direction of travel axis. The fan shaped acoustic beam can be rotatable relative to the direction of travel axis. The housing can have a release locking arrangement for rotationally releasing and locking the position of the fan shaped acoustic beam for orienting at least one of the major axis and minor axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam at a desired position relative to the direction of travel axis.