Transducer Array Asymmetric Aperture Widths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel systems face challenges in accurately mapping underwater terrain and detecting objects due to limitations in existing transducer arrays, which struggle with ambiguity in signal processing and resolution, especially at larger angles and distances.
Innovation Solution
A transducer array configuration that includes a first and second receiver with equivalent aperture widths and a transceiver with a larger aperture width, allowing for the transmission and reception of acoustic signals, and processing of reflected signals to determine distance and angle of underwater features, using a method that involves measuring time delays between signals received at different array elements to minimize ambiguity and enhance resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transducer array uses receivers with equivalent aperture widths, then the system structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the resolution and ambiguity reduction capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the transceiver with a larger aperture width than the receivers. This asymmetric aperture configuration creates unequal signal path differences, which resolves ambiguity in determining whether reflected signals originate from targets ahead or behind the vessel, thereby improving measurement precision without complicating the overall array structure
2Measurement precision
If the transceiver has a larger aperture width than the receivers, then the resolution and ambiguity reduction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different aperture widths to different components based on their functional requirements. The transceiver, which requires superior resolution for accurate target detection, is equipped with a larger aperture, while the receivers maintain smaller apertures suitable for their reception-only function. This localized differentiation optimizes performance without requiring all components to be complex
3Measurement precision
If the transducer array uses multiple receivers with different aperture widths, then the resolution is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transducer array into distinct functional segments: transceivers with larger apertures and receivers with smaller apertures. This segmentation allows each component type to be manufactured with standardized tolerances appropriate to its function, rather than requiring all components to meet the stringent tolerances needed for fully asymmetric configurations
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 enables effective mapping and detection of underwater features by reducing ambiguity and improving resolution, allowing for accurate determination of distance and angle, even at larger angles and distances, thereby enhancing navigation and object detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A transducer array may be used to transmit and receive acoustic signals through the water
Implementation Method 2
The processor may then determine a distance to the feature and an angle of the feature, based on the time delays
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to a transducer array. The transducer array may include a first receiver having a first aperture width. The transducer array may include a second receiver having a second aperture width that is substantially equal to the first aperture width. The transducer array may also include a transceiver having a third aperture width that is larger than the first aperture width and the second aperture width.