Sonar Transducer Mounting Assembly for Adjustable Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 mounting assembly that includes a mounting block, extension shaft, rotation mount, and hinge assembly, allowing for radial and vertical positioning of a sonar transducer probe shaft, with adjustable clamping and rotational mechanisms to secure the handle and probe, enabling versatile mounting on various surfaces and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting system is used for sonar transducers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different mounting configurations and sensor orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into multiple independent segments: a mounting block for attachment to surfaces, an extension shaft for depth adjustment, a rotation mount for angular positioning, and a probe shaft for sensor mounting. Each segment can be independently adjusted or positioned, enabling various mounting configurations while keeping individual components relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the extension shaft that can telescope to change length, and the rotation mount that allows angular positioning. These dynamic elements enable the same mounting assembly to adapt to different configurations and orientations without requiring multiple fixed mounting solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting system is used for sonar transducers, then the device complexity is low, but the flexibility for sensor orientation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mount enables dynamic angular adjustment of the probe shaft relative to the extension shaft, allowing the sensor to be oriented in different directions. This dynamic positioning capability provides flexibility for sensor orientation while maintaining a relatively simple rotational joint structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is designed as a universal mounting system that can accommodate different sensor orientations and mounting surfaces through its combination of telescoping extension and rotational adjustment, making it applicable to various marine applications without requiring application-specific custom designs.
3Reliability
If adjustable clamping and rotational mechanisms are added to secure the handle and probe, then the reliability of the mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanisms are designed to be self-adjusting and self-locking, where the operational forces encountered during sonar use naturally tighten the clamping action on the probe shaft and handle, enhancing security without requiring additional active locking components or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational adjustment and clamping functions are combined into integrated mechanisms where the rotation mount simultaneously provides angular positioning and secures the probe shaft through friction-based clamping. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining mounting reliability.
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 of the first shaft and a first extension axis with respect to the mounting block. A clamp is attached to the first shaft, wherein the clamp interfaces with the mounting block to limit movement of the first shaft along the extension axis while allowing rotation of the first shaft about the first rotational axis. A second shaft is coupled to the first shaft and movable about a second rotational axis of the second shaft.