Towed Array Sonar Antenna Orientation via Tensioning Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towed antennas and sonars struggle to achieve vertical alignment in water, which is necessary for effective beamforming and accurate positioning, as they are often compromised by towing speed and depth, leading to inefficient sound energy distribution and disruption of positioning signals.
Innovation Solution
A sound transducer arrangement with a clamping frame that uses water resistance to flexibly position the antenna at any angle relative to the water surface, featuring a tensioning device to maintain orientation and a winch for deployment and retrieval, allowing for stable vertical alignment and beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the towing depth is adjusted by the length and weight of the tow cable and tugboat speed, then the horizontal detection range is maximized, but the vertical alignment of the antenna is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamically adjustable tensioning frame that can change its tensioning state based on operational requirements. The frame transitions between a first state (during towing) and a second state (during vertical alignment), allowing the system to adapt its configuration rather than being fixed in a compromise position
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning state of the frame is changed as a key parameter to achieve vertical alignment. By adjusting the tensioning force applied by the pulling device, the antenna can be positioned vertically regardless of the towing cable length or tugboat speed, thus changing the physical state of the system to resolve the contradiction
2Area of stationary object
If the antenna is towed horizontally to maximize detection range, then coverage of the water column is improved, but beamforming capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame provides dynamic orientation control, allowing the antenna to switch between horizontal towing configuration and vertical beamforming configuration. This dynamic adjustment ensures that beamforming effectiveness is maintained when needed, while still allowing horizontal coverage during towing
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the towing function from the beamforming function by introducing an independent tensioning frame mechanism. This segmentation allows the antenna orientation to be controlled independently from the towing motion, enabling reliable beamforming regardless of the towing configuration
3Device complexity
If conventional towed antennas are used without a tensioning frame, then the device complexity is reduced, but the antenna orientation control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the antenna, enables vertical alignment for beamforming, allows horizontal towing, and provides adjustable tensioning control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering diverse capabilities from a single integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling device automatically adjusts the tensioning state of the frame to achieve the desired vertical alignment, reducing the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates the antenna orientation through controlled tensioning, making the complexity manageable through automation
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
Enables flexible and stable antenna orientation independent of towing speed, improving sound energy distribution and positioning accuracy by allowing horizontal bundling of sound waves, enhancing both vertical and horizontal coverage without disrupting the seabed or surface.
Implementation Method 1
the tensioning frame is designed to use the water resistance to stretch the antenna and to position the antenna flexibly in a defined orientation with respect to an average water surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a sound transducer assembly for transmitting and/or receiving underwater sound signals. The sound transducer assembly has an antenna with multiple sound transducers and a tow cable and can be towed in the water by means of a tug. The sound transducer assembly has a clamping frame, and the clamping frame is clamped in a clamped state during a towing process such that the antenna can be positioned by means of the clamping frame in a flexible manner in a defined orientation relative to an averaged surface of the water. The invention further relates to a towed array sonar, to a winch for a tug, to a tug, and to a method for releasing and/or retrieving a sound transducer assembly and/or a towed array sonar and for receiving and/or transmitting underwater sound signals.