Tetrahedral Ultrasonic Array for Underwater Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater communication and location systems for divers are inadequate in providing reliable and accurate directional and distance information, especially in low-visibility environments, and lack effective means for secure and covert communication.
Innovation Solution
An underwater communication and location device utilizing an array of omni-directional ultrasonic transducers in a tetrahedral configuration, combined with pseudo-random code generation and forward error correcting codes, to transmit and receive signals for triangulation-based location determination and secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple antenna-based location systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but location accuracy and reliability deteriorate in low-visibility underwater environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location determination function into multiple independent acoustic transducers (at least four) positioned at different locations. Each transducer independently receives acoustic signals and provides directional information, which are then combined through signal processing to achieve accurate three-dimensional location determination without requiring a single complex antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium for location determination. Instead of using electromagnetic waves that attenuate quickly underwater, the system uses acoustic waves that propagate effectively in water, serving as a mediator between the transmitter and receiver to enable reliable location measurement in underwater environments.
2Speed
If electromagnetic waves are used for underwater communication, then communication speed is improved, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electromagnetic wave propagation with acoustic wave propagation for underwater communication. Acoustic waves, being mechanical vibrations, propagate much more effectively in water than electromagnetic waves, reducing signal attenuation while maintaining communication capability across longer distances.
3Reliability
If directional location information is required for rescue operations, then communication effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transducer array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it determines three-dimensional location, provides directional information for rescue operations, and enables communication between divers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while improving communication effectiveness and reliability.
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 accurate three-dimensional location determination and secure communication for divers, even in low-visibility conditions, with the device being portable and suitable for unassisted use by recreational divers.
Implementation Method 1
an array of at least four omni-directional ultrasonic transducers... transmit the analog waveform through each ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 2
receive the analog waveform generated by the transmitter, to determine the location of the transmitter by using triangulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An underwater communication system comprises a plurality of location and messaging units for sending and receiving ultrasonic energy through water. In accordance with one aspect, each of the location and messaging units comprising an array of four ultrasonic transducers positioned such that they define a generally tetrahedral shape, a transceiver adapted to generate a code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, and combine the code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog wave form. The system is further adapted to transmit the analog wave form through each of the four ultrasonic transducers and receive the analog wave-form generated by at least one of the location and messaging units.