Transducer Array Beamforming with Acoustic Coupling Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems face limitations in maximizing acoustic source level due to hardware and processing constraints, leading to inefficient transmission beam formation and potential damage to transducers, especially when steering with arrays of transducers, where acoustic interactions cause variations in maximum amplitudes and power levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine optimized operation parameters for transducer arrays based on desired beam properties and transducer protection properties, using an array model that accounts for acoustic mutual coupling, to generate transmission beams without causing damage, by calculating optimized parameters such as maximum voltage, current, and power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power signals are transmitted to maximize acoustic source level, then sonar system performance is improved, but permanent or temporary damage can occur to the transducers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of operation parameters for each transducer based on an array model that accounts for acoustic mutual coupling before transmitting signals. This preliminary action determines safe power levels that prevent damage while maximizing acoustic source level, resolving the contradiction between high power transmission and transducer safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operation parameters (power levels, phases) for each transducer based on the array model and acoustic mutual coupling effects. By changing parameters individually for each transducer rather than using uniform pessimistic limits, the system achieves higher overall power while maintaining transducer safety
2Reliability
If pessimistic fail-safe limitations are applied to prevent damage, then transducer protection is ensured, but transmitted power is limited to levels significantly below potential capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operation parameters to each transducer based on its specific position and acoustic coupling conditions in the array. Instead of using uniform pessimistic limits across all transducers, the array model enables localized optimization where each transducer operates at its maximum safe power level, thereby increasing total transmitted power while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The array model provides a feedback mechanism that calculates the actual power and acoustic interactions for each transducer configuration. This feedback allows the system to determine precise safe operating limits rather than using conservative pessimistic assumptions, enabling higher transmitted power while ensuring transducer protection
3Ease of operation
If uniform fail-safe parameters are applied to all transducers, then damage prevention is simplified, but acoustic interactions cause wide variations in maximum amplitudes and power levels to be ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from uniform parameters to individualized parameters for each transducer based on the array model. This enables precise accounting of acoustic mutual coupling effects and variations in maximum amplitudes, improving beam formation accuracy while the automated calculation process maintains ease of operation
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 formation of transmission beams with desired properties while protecting transducers from excessive operation parameters, allowing for higher acoustic source levels without risking damage, thus improving sonar system performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer array comprising a plurality of transducers arranged to form the transmission beam
Implementation Method 2
an array model for modelling a relationship between at least one beam property and at least one transducer protection property whilst taking into account of an acoustic mutual coupling of the plurality of transducers
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of forming a transmission beam (690) with a transducer array (610) comprising a plurality of transducers (611, 613, 615, 617, 619), the method comprising: receiving by a receiver (630) at least one desired property (B) for an intended transmission beam; determining by a processor (650) an optimised operation parameter for a transducer (611, 613, 615, 617, 619) of the transducer array (610) based on the received at least one desired property (B) and an array model for modelling a relationship between at least one beam property and at least one transducer protection property whilst taking into account of an acoustic mutual coupling of the plurality of transducers (611, 613, 615, 617, 619) of the transducer array (610); and generating the transmission beam (690) using the optimised operation parameter on the transducer array (610).