Sonar Beam Shaping Horn With Diffraction Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar transducer systems face a tradeoff between transverse beam width and radiated power, resulting in reduced acoustic signal energy and image quality over the field of view, as increasing transverse beam width decreases on-axis intensity due to geometric spreading.
Innovation Solution
A horn is designed to reform sonar beams by expanding angular coverage, maintaining consistent beam shapes across frequencies, and optimizing signal intensity, made from materials like rubber or soft close-cell foam rubber, and positioned to adjust the relative position of diffraction elements for enhanced sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the transverse beam width is increased, then the field of view is expanded, but the on-axis intensity decreases due to geometric spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved diffraction surfaces with specific radii of curvature to reshape the sonar beam. The curved surfaces focus acoustic energy while expanding the transverse beam width, resolving the contradiction between field of view and on-axis intensity by redirecting geometric spreading into controlled focusing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple geometric parameters including diffraction surface radius, horn width, and element spacing to achieve the desired beam shape. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system expands transverse coverage while maintaining focal intensity through precise control of acoustic wave propagation.
2Area of stationary object
If the transverse length of radiative elements is decreased, then the transverse beam width increases, but the total radiated power and signal energy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The horn structure acts as an intermediary between the transducer elements and the water medium. It transforms the acoustic field from the elements into a desired beam pattern, enabling wide transverse coverage while concentrating energy through diffraction surfaces, thus maintaining signal energy despite reduced element length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric properties to different parts of the horn structure. The diffraction surfaces have specific curvature radii optimized for focusing, while the horn width varies to control beam expansion. This localized optimization allows wide beam width without sacrificing total radiated power.
3Illumination intensity
If the beam shape is optimized for on-axis intensity, then the signal energy is maximized, but the angular coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The horn structure is divided into functional segments: the diffraction surfaces for focusing, the horn body for beam shaping, and the positioning elements for angular adjustment. This segmentation allows independent optimization of intensity concentration and angular coverage, achieving both high signal energy and wide field of view.
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 horn increases sensitivity by up to 12 decibels, providing a wider field of view with consistent signal intensity across angles, improving sonar image quality and coverage without reducing radiated power.
Implementation Method 1
The horn includes at least one diffraction element configured to increase the sensitivity of the sonar transducer element
Implementation Method 2
The horn may be made of rubber or a soft close-cell foam rubber sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A sonar transducer assembly for controlling sonar beam shapes is provided. The sonar transducer assembly comprises a sonar transducer element having an emitting face. The sonar transducer element is configured to generate a sonar beam having a path. The sonar transducer element is configured to operate at an operating frequency, and the sonar transducer element possesses a sensitivity. The sonar transducer assembly also comprises a horn having a first diffraction element and a second diffraction element. The first diffraction element and the second diffraction element are configured to increase the sensitivity of the sonar transducer element when the sonar transducer element is operated at the operating frequency. Additionally, the horn is positioned so that the first diffraction element and the second diffraction element rest within the path of the sonar beam. The horn is configured to reform a beam shape of the sonar beam.