Vehicle-Mounted Acoustic Array Reconfiguration for Variable Aperture Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic arrays are limited by fixed sensor configurations, which restrict their measurement capabilities and cannot be easily adapted to changing noise source locations or scenarios, limiting their effectiveness in noise analysis and data collection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted on vehicles, controlled by a system that can reconfigure the sensors to form different acoustic arrays with varying aperture sizes and spatial resolutions, allowing for locally non-redundant spacing and enabling the collection of noise data from noise sources in diverse environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic sensors are mounted on fixed vehicles, then the array configuration is stable and easy to control, but the measurement capabilities are limited and cannot be adapted to changing noise source locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the acoustic sensor array to transition from a fixed configuration to a reconfigurable one. The vehicles mounting the sensors can move to different positions and orientations, allowing the array geometry to dynamically adapt to various noise source locations and measurement requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability while managing system complexity through coordinated vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional system where the same set of acoustic sensors mounted on vehicles can serve multiple measurement scenarios. By repositioning and reorienting the vehicles, the array can be configured for different aperture sizes, spatial resolutions, and measurement geometries, making the system universally applicable to various noise analysis situations without requiring separate fixed arrays for each scenario.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are positioned in fixed locations, then the array structure is simple and stable, but the spatial resolution and aperture size are fixed and cannot be optimized for different measurement scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamics by allowing the sensor positions to be dynamically adjusted through vehicle movement. The acoustic sensors can be repositioned to achieve optimal spatial resolution and aperture size for different measurement scenarios, transforming the array from a static to a dynamic configuration system that adapts to measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical array reconfiguration mechanisms with a mobile platform system. Instead of physically repositioning sensors within a fixed structure, the system uses vehicle movement to achieve array reconfiguration, substituting complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with the simpler operation of moving the entire sensor platform to desired locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the array configuration is changed to improve measurement capabilities, then the adaptability increases, but the time required to reconfigure and the operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the acoustic sensors on mobile vehicles that can be rapidly deployed to desired configurations. The vehicles are prepared in advance with the necessary positioning capabilities, allowing quick transition to different array configurations without time-consuming manual reconfiguration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms with mobile vehicle platforms that use navigation and positioning systems. This replacement eliminates complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and enables faster, more efficient array reconfiguration through vehicle movement controlled by navigation systems, reducing the time required to adapt to different measurement scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect a system for acoustic testing comprises a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted to a plurality of vehicles, a control system to control the plurality of vehicles, and a data acquisition system to receive data generated by the plurality of acoustic sensors in response to noise from a noise source proximate the plurality of vehicles. Other aspects may be described.