Searchlight Sonar Variable Preset Angle for Bottom Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Searchlight sonars experience reduced detection efficiency near the bottom of the water due to overlapping adjacent detection regions when the transducer is turned by a predetermined angle, leading to inefficient scanning.
Innovation Solution
The preset angle for changing the ultrasonic wave transmission direction is increased with the depression angle, allowing for reduced overlapping and optimized detection efficiency by adjusting the split rotation in a stepwise manner, ensuring partial or contact overlap between adjacent detection regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the transducer is turned by a predetermined angle to search 360 degrees around the ship, then the detection coverage is improved, but the detection efficiency deteriorates near the bottom of the water due to overlapping detection regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the preset angle variable rather than fixed. The control section dynamically adjusts the preset angle based on the depression angle: using a first preset angle for depression angles of 45 degrees or less, and a second preset angle (larger than the first) for depression angles greater than 45 degrees. This dynamic adjustment optimizes detection efficiency across different water depths while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the preset angle based on the depression angle. By switching between two different preset angle values depending on the depression angle threshold, the system adapts the scanning parameters to match the detection requirements at different depths, reducing overlapping regions near the bottom while maintaining coverage.
2Productivity
If the preset angle is increased to reduce overlapping regions near the bottom, then the detection efficiency is improved, but the detection coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying different preset angles to different depression angle ranges. For depression angles of 45 degrees or less (upper water column), a smaller first preset angle is used. For depression angles greater than 45 degrees (near bottom), a larger second preset angle is used. This localized parameter adjustment optimizes efficiency in each region without compromising overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate preset angle based on the current depression angle, ensuring that the detection strategy adapts to the specific operational conditions rather than using a fixed angle that would compromise either coverage or efficiency.
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 configuration enhances detection efficiency by minimizing overlapping regions and reducing the number of ultrasonic wave transmissions required, thereby improving scanning efficiency, especially near the water bottom.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave through a narrow beam by a transducer mounted on the bottom of a ship
Data Source
AI summary
A searchlight sonar is installed on a ship (11) and searches under water around the ship (11) while changing the transmitting direction of an ultrasonic beam (TB) at a predetermined split rotation (Mn) in the circumferential direction around the ship (11). The split rotation (Mn) is set to increase as the depression angle of the transmitting direction of the ultrasonic beam (TB) is increased.