Variable Inductor Phase Compensation for Underwater Acoustic Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater acoustic sources are inefficient and lack frequency coherence over a wide range, making them unsuitable for deep water applications where sound propagation research and calibration require efficient, low-power sound sources that can emit well-calibrated signals across a large frequency band.
Innovation Solution
A variable inductor-based phase compensation circuit is used in conjunction with a transducer to adjust the inductance and minimize phase differences between voltage and current phases, enabling efficient sound radiation over a wide frequency range by tuning the inductance value to match the transducer's resonant frequency, thus maintaining power radiated by the transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional underwater acoustic sources are used, then they can operate in deep water, but they are inefficient and lack frequency coherence over a wide range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable inductor that can dynamically adjust its inductance value to track and maintain resonance with the transducer across a wide frequency range. This dynamic adjustment ensures frequency coherence and maximizes efficiency at each operating frequency, resolving the contradiction between reliability (frequency coherence) and energy loss (efficiency).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (inductance) of the compensation circuit to adapt to varying operating conditions. By adjusting the inductance value in response to frequency changes, the system maintains optimal resonance conditions across the wide frequency band, achieving both frequency coherence and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sound source is designed for wide frequency band operation, then it can support sound propagation research, but it becomes complex to maintain frequency coherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control system where the variable inductor's inductance is automatically adjusted based on the transducer's resonant frequency. This closed-loop approach simplifies the overall system by using automatic feedback control rather than complex manual tuning mechanisms, enabling wide frequency band operation while maintaining frequency coherence through adaptive inductance adjustment.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If extended period deployment is required, then long duration operation is needed, but power consumption becomes a critical constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic resonance cycling where the variable inductor adjusts inductance to maintain resonance with the transducer. This periodic tuning allows the system to operate efficiently at each frequency point, maximizing acoustic output per unit of energy consumed and enabling extended deployment duration with limited power resources.
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 achieves efficient sound radiation with improved frequency coherence, allowing for effective sound propagation research and calibration across a wide frequency range, with sound pressure levels exceeding 150 dB over the frequency range of 300 Hz to 2500 Hz.
Implementation Method 1
A variable inductor-based phase compensation circuit is used in conjunction with a transducer to adjust the inductance and minimize phase differences between voltage and current phases
Implementation Method 2
A variable inductor winding wound on the medial limb... a control winding wound on the control core limb
Implementation Method 3
spherical omnidirectional piezo-ceramic transducer
Implementation Method 4
tuning the inductance value to match the transducer's resonant frequency, thus maintaining power radiated by the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A variable inductor includes a three-limbed core first section having an inductor winding wound about a medial limb. An air gap is disposed in the medial limb. The inductor includes a second section having a control limb in which a first end of the control limb is connected to a first outer limb of the three-limbed core, and a second end of the control limb is connected to a second outer limb of the three-limbed core. A control winding is wound about the control limb. The inductor may be used in a control circuit to control a power signal driving a transducer. The inductor may be controlled by a signal derived from a comparison of a voltage phase of a power signal to the transducer and a phase of the current traversing the transducer. A system may include the control circuit, including the variable inductor, and the transducer.