Sonar Transducer Beam Reflector for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar transducer systems suffer from low efficiency and high susceptibility to cracking under high voltage excitation, as they typically use only one emitting face and have asymmetric mechanical boundary conditions, leading to increased distortion stress and radiation loss.
Innovation Solution
The transducer element is positioned with its emitting faces rotated 90 degrees relative to the desired acoustic beam direction, and a beam reflector is used to redirect the acoustic beams, allowing both faces to radiate energy laterally and reducing stress through symmetric boundary conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one emitting face is used in traditional transducer configurations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radiation efficiency and radiating surface area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer is divided into two separate emitting faces that can be positioned independently. Each face radiates acoustic energy in opposite directions, effectively doubling the radiating surface area and improving overall radiation efficiency without requiring a single complex multi-directional transducer design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-face unidirectional radiation configuration to a dual-face bidirectional radiation configuration. By utilizing both faces of the transducer element and positioning them to radiate in opposite directions, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the radiation pattern, improving productivity through increased spatial utilization of acoustic energy
2Reliability
If asymmetric mechanical boundary conditions are used in traditional transducer assemblies, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simplified, but the distortion stress and susceptibility to cracking increase under high voltage excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces symmetry into the mechanical boundary conditions by positioning both emitting faces with identical mounting configurations, support structures, and boundary constraints. This symmetric arrangement ensures that stress is distributed evenly across both faces during high voltage excitation, preventing the concentration of distortion stress that leads to cracking in asymmetric designs
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric mechanical boundary conditions act as a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the high stress forces generated during high voltage excitation. By ensuring both faces have equal support and constraint, the system creates a balanced stress distribution that prevents any single point from bearing excessive load, thereby improving reliability under extreme operating conditions
3Productivity
If the emitting face is aimed directly in the desired beam direction, then the device complexity is minimized, but the radiating surface area is reduced and performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic radiation function is segmented between two separate emitting faces, each responsible for radiating in a specific direction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broader coverage and improved performance without requiring a single complex transducer element that would need to radiate efficiently in multiple directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: each emitting face can independently radiate acoustic energy in its respective direction, and both faces can be used simultaneously for bidirectional radiation. This multi-functionality improves overall system performance by utilizing the complete surface area of the transducer element for productive acoustic radiation
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
This configuration enhances radiation efficiency, reduces the probability of failure under high voltage, and increases the radiating surface area, resulting in improved performance and broader bandwidth with reduced rigid body acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
the beam reflector comprises at least one beam reflecting surface positioned along the first beam direction such that, when the at least one acoustic beam is emitted, the at least one acoustic beam impinges upon the at least one beam reflecting surface and is reflected in a second beam direction different than the first beam direction
Implementation Method 2
The transducers can convert electrical energy into sound energy and also convert sound energy (e.g., via detected pressure changes) into an electrical signal, although some transducers may act only as a hydrophone for converting sound energy into an electrical signal without having a transmitting capability. The transducers are often made using piezoelectric materials.
Data Source
AI summary
Sonar systems and related methods are provided. A sonar system for a water craft includes at least one transducer element having at least one emitting face. The at least one transducer element is mountable to the water craft. A sonar signal processor is in electronic communication with the at least one transducer element and is operative to associate signals with the at least one transducer element to cause at least one acoustic beam to be emitted from the at least one emitting face in a first beam direction. A beam reflector is mounted with respect to the at least one transducer element such that at least one beam reflecting surface of the beam reflector is positioned along the first beam direction. The at least one acoustic beam impinges upon the at least one beam reflecting surface and is reflected in a second beam direction different than the first beam direction.