Silicon Monolithic Sonar Array for Torpedo Size Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sonar arrays using scalar hydrophones are limited by their size and cost, and the need for larger apertures to detect underwater targets accurately, which restricts their application in dimension-limited devices like torpedoes and increases production costs due to inconsistency in hydrophone sensitivity and stability.
Innovation Solution
A silicon-based monolithic integrated sonar array utilizing MEMS technology, featuring a cantilevered sensing array structure within a sound-transparent jacket filled with insulating dielectric oil, which integrates multiple hydrophones on a single chip, reducing array dimensions and enabling flexible assembly and low-cost mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sonar arrays use scalar hydrophones made of piezoelectric ceramics, then detection functionality is achieved, but array dimensions must be enlarged to maintain detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scalar hydrophones and their supporting structures into a single monolithic integrated array, where hydrophones are embedded within a unified structural framework. This merging reduces the overall array aperture while maintaining detection precision through optimized spatial arrangement of sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional planar array configurations to a three-dimensional monolithic structure where hydrophones are positioned at multiple depths and angles within the integrated array. This dimensional transformation enables compact packaging while preserving the effective aperture for accurate target detection.
2Reliability
If traditional sonar arrays use multiple separate hydrophone devices, then detection coverage is improved, but production cost increases due to consistency selection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple hydrophones into a single monolithic device manufactured as one unified structure. This eliminates the need to select and assemble multiple separate hydrophone devices, ensuring consistent performance characteristics across all sensing elements while significantly reducing production costs through streamlined manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from selecting individual hydrophones with specific parameters to fabricating all hydrophones simultaneously with controlled parameter uniformity during the monolithic fabrication process, thereby ensuring consistency without expensive manual selection.
3Measurement precision
If vector hydrophone arrays are used to decrease array dimensions and increase signal-to-noise ratio, then detection performance is improved, but installation complexity increases due to flexible suspension requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrophone sensing elements with a rigid monolithic support structure, eliminating the need for separate flexible suspension systems required by traditional vector hydrophone arrays. This integration maintains the compact dimensions and high signal-to-noise ratio while dramatically simplifying installation through rigid, pre-integrated construction.
4Measurement precision
If array aperture is enlarged to improve detection precision for acoustic stealth targets, then target positioning capability is improved, but device size increases restricting application in torpedoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional spatial arrangement of hydrophones within the monolithic array, positioning sensing elements at multiple depths and angular orientations. This enables the effective detection aperture to be large in three-dimensional space while the physical footprint remains compact, making the system suitable for torpedo applications with strict size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple hydrophone sensing elements within a compact monolithic structure, with hydrophones positioned at different depths and locations inside the integrated array. This nested arrangement maximizes the effective aperture for target positioning while minimizing the external dimensions of the device.
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 solution significantly reduces array dimensions, ensures consistency and low production costs, and allows for diverse applications in underwater ultrasonic imaging, ranging, and acoustic homing devices, enhancing detection precision and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a cantilevered sensing array structure, as sound-transparent jacket and a support
Implementation Method 2
the sound-transparent jacket is filled with insulating dielectric oil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a silicon-based monolithic integrated sonar array which includes a cantilevered sensing array structure, a sound-transparent jacket, and a support structure. The cantilevered sensing array structure is fixed on the support structure and in the sound-transparent jacket, wherein the sound-transparent jacket is filled with insulating dielectric oil, and the cantilevered sensing array structure is immersed in the insulating dielectric oil. The sound-transparent jacket is sealed and is treated with water tightness processing. The array can be applied into devices for underwater ultrasonic imaging, ultrasonic ranging, torpedo navigating, etc.