Underwater Sonar Damping Structure With 3D-Printed Piezoelectric Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar devices are not adapted for underwater operation and require complex bonding processes and multiple materials for effective damping, which complicates their construction and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sonar device with a holder made of resin material, featuring integrated damping structure cavities, is manufactured using 3D printing, which holds a piezoelectric element and is filled with resin to protect it from water, allowing for uniform damping and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional damping materials like sponge or felt are used, then damping effect is achieved, but the device requires complex bonding processes and multiple materials
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and damping structure are merged into a single integrated component manufactured by 3D printing. The damping function is achieved through damping structure cavities embedded within the holder material itself, eliminating the need for separate damping materials and bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with damping structure cavities that create a porous-like structure within the solid material. These cavities provide the damping effect while maintaining the structural integrity of the holder, achieving damping functionality through the material structure rather than through separate damping materials.
2Reliability
If multiple materials and bonding processes are used for damping, then effective damping is achieved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and damping structure are combined into a single monolithic component manufactured in one 3D printing process. This eliminates multiple manufacturing steps, bonding operations, and material transitions, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining damping performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping performance is optimized by adjusting parameters of the damping structure cavities such as their size, distribution, and geometry within the holder. This allows for tuning the damping characteristics during the design phase without changing the fundamental manufacturing approach or material composition.
3Reliability
If resin filling is added to protect piezoelectric element, then water protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resin filling serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides water protection for the piezoelectric element, acts as an additional damping medium working in conjunction with the holder's damping cavities, and provides mechanical support and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.
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 provides a well-protected, efficient, and easily manufactured sonar device with uniform damping, suitable for underwater operation, using a single material and simplified construction process.
Implementation Method 1
A sonar is an active or passive devices used for detecting objects under water. The acoustic frequencies used in sonar systems vary from very low infrasonic to extremely high ultrasonic.
Implementation Method 2
The holder comprises in its structure a plurality of damping structures. The damping structures are damping structure cavities within the material of the holder.
Implementation Method 3
A resin filling of the body element cavity of the body element in order to protect the piezo electric element from water at underwater operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sonar device (1) for detection of underwater objects. The sonar device comprises a body element (2) having a cavity. A piezo electric element (3) is comprised within the cavity. A resin filling (6) of the cavity protects the piezo electric element (3) from water at underwater operation. The sonar device further comprises a holder (4) adapted to hold the piezo electric element (3). The holder (4) is arranged to centre and hold the piezo electric element (3) within said body element (2). The holder (4) comprises in its structure a plurality of damping structures (5). A method of manufacturing holder and a sonar device is also disclosed.