Sonar Transducer Beam Pattern Reconfiguration

Solution Overview

Problem

Current sonar technologies are limited in versatility, requiring multiple specialized devices to perform various tasks, which can be cumbersome, costly, and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A sonar system and method that utilizes a transducer with a linear array of elements and a control unit to generate and apply drive and receive pattern weightings, allowing for the configuration of desired beam patterns for transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized sonar devices are used for different purposes, then task versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single sonar device capable of performing multiple tasks by dynamically reconfiguring beam patterns through adjustable weightings. The system can switch between narrow beam patterns for high-accuracy profiling and wide beam patterns for broad-area scanning, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining all required functionalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic beam pattern reconfiguration by adjusting drive and receive pattern weightings in real-time. The control unit can modify the beam characteristics during operation to adapt to different task requirements, transforming a static device into a dynamically adaptable system that responds to changing operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized sonar devices are used for different purposes, then task versatility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask versatilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single sonar device capable of performing multiple tasks by dynamically reconfiguring beam patterns through adjustable weightings. The system can switch between narrow beam patterns for high-accuracy profiling and wide beam patterns for broad-area scanning, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining all required functionalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionalities of multiple specialized sonar devices into a single integrated system. By merging narrow beam and wide beam capabilities within one device through software-controlled beam pattern adjustment, the system reduces the total quantity of equipment needed while maintaining all required operational capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized sonar devices are used for different purposes, then task versatility is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask versatilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic beam pattern reconfiguration by adjusting drive and receive pattern weightings in real-time. The control unit can modify the beam characteristics during operation to adapt to different task requirements, transforming a static device into a dynamically adaptable system that responds to changing operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple beam patterns (narrow and wide) within the single device, allowing immediate switching between different operational modes without requiring physical device changes. This preliminary preparation of multiple beam patterns enables rapid task transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the sonar system to transmit and receive sonar beams with adjustable beam patterns, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for multiple devices by allowing selection between different beam patterns during operation.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer comprising a linear array of transducer elements, the transducer being driven by element driving signals to project a sonar beam and generating element receive signals in response to a received sonar signal or sonic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250180737A1Sonar system and method

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 ELECTRONICS NAVIGATION LTD

AI summary

A sonar system for transmitting and/or receiving sonar beams with a desired beam pattern or patterns. The system has a transducer having a linear array of transducer elements, which is driven by element driving signals to project a sonar beam and which generates element receive signals in response to a received sonar signal or sonic wave. A control unit controls the transducer and is configured to generate the element driving signals from a waveform signal based on a set of drive pattern weightings associated with a desired beam pattern to project from the transducer. The control unit is also configured to apply a set of receive pattern weightings to the element receive signals, the receive pattern weightings associated with a desired beam pattern to be detected or sensed received by the sonar system. The drive pattern weightings and receive pattern weightings comprise an amplitude component and polarity component.