Thinline Towed Array Tension Sensor Using Planar Tab Strain Gages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing a tension sensor for thin-line towed arrays is challenging due to their small diameter and integration requirements, necessitating a sensor that can accurately measure tension while fitting within the array hose and maintaining structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A planar tab with strategically positioned strain gages, forming a Wheatstone bridge configuration, is used to measure tension by attaching to the internal strength member's ropes, allowing for accurate strain measurement within the constraints of the thin-line array hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tension sensor is installed in a thin-line towed array, then tension measurement capability is achieved, but the sensor must fit within the small diameter array hose which constrains sensor size and design
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple functional components: a planar tab element, strain gages, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness to fit within the array hose diameter constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar tab element provides a two-dimensional mounting surface that maximizes the use of available space within the circular cross-section of the array hose. By utilizing the planar dimension rather than expanding radially, the sensor achieves adequate measurement capability without exceeding the hose diameter constraint.
2Measurement precision
If strain gages are mounted on a planar tab, then strain measurement capability is improved, but the structural integrity of the strength package must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The planar tab is strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide sufficient structural strength at the load-bearing locations while maintaining adequate strain measurement capability. The tab's geometry is optimized to concentrate strength where needed while preserving strain sensitivity in the gage mounting areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The strength package employs a composite construction combining the planar tab material with the array hose and internal strength members. This composite structure distributes loads effectively while maintaining both structural integrity and measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a Wheatstone bridge configuration is used with strain gages, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the complexity of the sensor assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Wheatstone bridge circuit is integrated directly into the sensor assembly with the strain gages and planar tab, combining multiple functions (strain measurement, signal conditioning, and output generation) into a single compact unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation within the constrained space of the array hose.
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
The solution enables precise real-time tension measurement in thin-line towed arrays, ensuring accurate data transmission and maintaining structural integrity by leveraging the Wheatstone bridge configuration to convert strain into measurable voltage changes.
Implementation Method 1
A first strain gage is positioned on the first side of the tab. The strain gage has a tension grid aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tab
Implementation Method 2
The first strain gage and the second strain gage are wired in a Wheatstone bridge in which the tension grid and the cross-tension grid of the first strain gage form one side of the Wheatstone bridge and the tension grid and the cross-tension grid of the second strain gage form another side of the Wheatstone bridge. Voltage change across the Wheatstone bridge is measured as a function of strain on the tab.
Data Source
AI summary
A tension sensor includes a planar tab having a first and second side, first and second end sections and an aperture through each of the end sections. A first strain gage is attached to the first side of the tab. The first strain gage has a tension grid aligned to a longitudinal axis of the tab and a cross-tension grid perpendicular to the tension grid. A second strain gage is attached to the second side of the tab. The second strain gage has a tension grid aligned to the longitudinal axis of the tab and a cross-tension grid perpendicular to the tension grid. The first strain gage and second strain gage are wired in a Wheatstone bridge in which the tension grid and the cross-tension grid of the first strain gage form one side and the tension grid and the cross-tension grid of the second strain gage form another side.