Sonar Transducer Mounting Assembly for Adjustable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for marine sensors, such as sonar transducers, lack flexibility in adapting to different configurations and orientations, limiting their effectiveness in various underwater applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular mounting assembly with a rotation mount, hinge assembly, and elastically deformable materials that allows for radial and vertical positioning of the sonar transducer, enabling adjustable orientation and secure attachment to various boat surfaces through a combination of cam nuts, clamps, and clocking holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting system is used for sonar transducers, then the installation is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different orientations and mounting configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into multiple independent segments: a mounting block for attachment to the boat, an extension shaft for vertical positioning, a rotation mount for angular adjustment, and a probe shaft for final sensor orientation. Each segment can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing the system to adapt to various mounting configurations while maintaining structural stability through modular construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid mounting structure is used, then the structural stability is high, but the flexibility for adjusting sensor orientation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the extension shaft with clocking holes for vertical positioning, the rotation mount with cam nut for angular adjustment, and the hinge assembly for lateral movement. These mechanisms allow the structure to transition between adjusted states, enabling flexible sensor orientation while maintaining structural stability when locked into position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to increase flexibility, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly achieves multiple functions through integrated components: the extension shaft provides both vertical positioning and rotational adjustment, the rotation mount simultaneously controls angular orientation and secures the probe shaft, and the hinge assembly enables both lateral movement and positioning locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high adaptability.
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 provides a flexible and secure mounting system that adapts to different orientations and environments, enhancing the usability and reliability of sonar transducers in marine applications by allowing precise positioning and absorbing operational forces.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deformable materials that allows for radial and vertical positioning of the sonar transducer
Implementation Method 2
a clamp 150 is mounted on the probe shaft 120 above the rotation mount 115 to set the vertical extension of the probe shaft 120 along an extension axis 120V
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly includes a mounting block. A first shaft is supported by the mounting block and movable about a first rotational axis and a first extension axis with respect to the mounting block. A second shaft is coupled to the first shaft and movable about a second rotational axis.