Underwater Acoustic Wave Generator With Dynamic Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic wave generators used in underwater explorations face issues of acoustic saturation and reduced efficiency due to high working frequencies, which can disturb marine fauna like cetaceans and cause detachment of the water column, compromising their effectiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
The acoustic wave generator modulates frequencies through a controlled mechanism involving a drive group, connection unit, damping unit, and control unit to adjust pressure and prevent acoustic saturation, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high working frequencies are used to improve mapping precision and detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but acoustic saturation occurs and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-piston system where the first piston generates acoustic waves at a base frequency and the second piston modulates the frequency dynamically. This dynamic frequency modulation allows the system to operate at high frequencies for improved detection while avoiding continuous high-frequency operation that causes acoustic saturation, thereby maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The second piston performs periodic modulation of the acoustic waves generated by the first piston. This periodic action creates frequency-modulated acoustic waves that can achieve high detection precision during specific phases while allowing the system to recover during other phases, preventing acoustic saturation and maintaining overall efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If high working frequencies are used to improve detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but disturbance to marine fauna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency-modulated acoustic waves generated by the two-piston system allow for high-frequency operation only when necessary for detection, while varying the frequency to lower levels during other times. This dynamic adjustment reduces the overall disturbance to marine fauna while maintaining detection capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of acoustic waves dynamically through the second piston's modulation action. By varying the frequency rather than operating continuously at high frequencies, the system achieves improved detection capability while minimizing harmful effects on marine fauna that are sensitive to high-frequency sounds.
3Measurement precision
If high working frequencies are used, then measurement precision is improved, but water column detachment occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The two-piston system dynamically modulates the acoustic wave frequency, allowing the system to achieve high-frequency operation for improved detection precision while preventing continuous high-frequency operation that causes water column detachment. This maintains the reliability and effectiveness of the acoustic wave generator.
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 enhances the efficiency and safety of acoustic wave generation by reducing acoustic saturation and minimizing disturbance to marine fauna, while maintaining effective seabed mapping and resource discovery capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber C1, which is arranged between the first piston (12) and the third piston (18)... configured to generate acoustic waves whose spectrum can be defined according to needs
Implementation Method 2
a second chamber C2...arranged between the third piston (18) and the second piston (14)...having a face (15) facing the acoustic diffuser member (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic wave generator for underwater applications has a hollow body along an axis, and the hollow body is associated with an acoustic diffuser member. The hollow body houses a first piston and a second piston. A drive group is associated with the first piston to move the first piston towards the second piston. An adjustment unit has a third piston and is interposed between the first and second pistons. The third piston forms a first isolated chamber between the first and third pistons and a second isolated chamber between the third and second pistons. A control unit controls activation of the second piston. A damping unit has an appendage chamber which is associated with the second chamber and is fluid-dynamically isolated therefrom. The pressure of the appendage chamber is controlled by the control unit to modulate the acoustic wave emission spectrum emitted by the diffuser member.