Sonar transducer support assembly systems and methods

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing accurate and reliable compact sonar systems for mobile structures. In one embodiment, a sonar system includes a mounting bracket, a transducer support arm, and a pivoting mechanism pivotably coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against such forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments of the invention relate generally to sonar transducers and more particularly, for example, to systems and methods for providing modular sonar transducer assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Underwater sonar systems have been used to safely and productively operate watercraft for almost a century. Conventionally, underwater sonar is often used to perform bathymetry, detect underwater hazards, find fish, and/or otherwise assist in navigation by producing data and/or imagery of a water column beneath a watercraft.

Conventional sonar systems are typically expensive and relatively difficult to manufacture. Market pressures and convenience dictate smaller and easier to use systems that include more features and produce higher quality resulting imagery. However, smaller and more accurate sonar systems, particularly with respect to transducer element size and orientation, can be more difficult to manufacture to reliable tolerances, in volume, and can be more difficult to operate reliably.

Thus, there is a need for an improved methodology to provide accurate and reliable compact sonar systems using relatively high yield methods of manufacture, particularly in the context of providing relatively high quality sonar data and/or imagery.

SUMMARY

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide accurate and reliable compact sonar systems for mobile structures. A modular sonar system may include a number of sonar transducer assemblies and at least two transducer modules disposed substantially within the sonar transducer assemblies. Each transducer module may include a transducer element and a module frame. The module frame may be configured to support the transducer element, to physically couple to other transducer modules, and/or to physically couple to a sonar transducer assembly to secure the transducer module. The system may additionally include an actuator configured to adjust an orientation of a transducer module and/or a logic device to control the actuator. Resulting sonar data and/or imagery may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust various operational systems of the mobile structure.

In various embodiments, a sonar system may include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a speed sensor, one or more additional sensors, actuators, controllers, user interfaces, mapping systems, and/or other modules mounted to or in proximity to a vehicle. Each component of the system may be implemented with a logic device adapted to form one or more wired and/or wireless communication links for transmitting and/or receiving sensor signals, control signals, or other signals and/or data between the various components.

In one embodiment, a system may include one or more sonar transducer assemblies adapted to be mounted to a mobile structure and at least two transducer modules disposed substantially within the one or more sonar transducer assemblies. Each transducer module may include a transducer element comprising an emission surface; and a module frame adapted to support the transducer element and/or other modules structures, where the module frame is physically coupled to the one or more sonar transducer assemblies and/or to at least one other transducer module.

In another embodiment, a method may include receiving a measured transducer orientation corresponding to at least one of a plurality of transducer modules disposed substantially within one or more sonar transducer assemblies; determining a transducer orientation adjustment based, at least in part, on a desired transducer orientation and the measured transducer orientation; and controlling an actuator to adjust a transducer orientation corresponding to the at least one transducer module substantially to the desired transducer orientation.

In another embodiment, a method may include assembling at least two transducer modules and assembling one or more sonar transducer assemblies adapted to be mounted to a mobile structure; wherein each transducer module includes a transducer element comprising an emission surface; and a module frame adapted to support the transducer element and/or other module structures; where the at least two transducer modules are disposed substantially within the one or more sonar transducer assemblies; and where each module frame is physically coupled to the one or more sonar transducer assemblies and/or to at least one other transducer module.

In another embodiment, a system includes a mounting bracket, a transducer support arm, and a pivoting mechanism pivotably coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against those forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.

In another embodiment, a method comprises providing a mounting bracket and pivotably coupling a transducer support arm to the mounting bracket with a pivoting mechanism such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against those forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.

In another embodiment, a method comprises providing a mounting bracket and a transducer support arm and pivotally coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket with a pivoting mechanism that holds the transducer support arm at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket and against forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level and allows the transducer support arm to be moved to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket by forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, accurate and reliable compact sonar systems and methods may advantageously include a controller and one or more adjustable sonar transducer assemblies in conjunction with an orientation sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and/or a speed sensor providing measurements of an orientation, and angular velocity, an acceleration, and/or a speed of the sonar transducer assemblies and/or a mobile structure. For example, the sensors may be mounted to or within the mobile structure (e.g., a watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicle, and/or other mobile structure), or may be integrated with the sonar transducer assemblies and/or the controller.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can reliably produce higher quality imagery and be easier to use than conventional systems and/or methods by automatically coordinating sonar operation with various orientation and/or position measurements. Moreover, such embodiments are relatively inexpensive to fabricate due to their overall modular methodology, which includes reuse of common components throughout a number of unique sonar transducer arrangements. The unique sonar transducer arrangements, in turn, provide various opportunities to develop new sonar processing and/or data accumulation techniques.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of system100in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In various embodiments, system100may be adapted to measure an orientation, an angular velocity, an acceleration, and a speed of mobile structure101and/or sonar system110. System100may then use these measurements to adjust an orientation of sonar system110according to a desired operation of sonar system110and/or mobile structure101. In various embodiments, system100may display resulting sonar data and/or imagery to a user through user interface120, and/or use the sonar data and/or imagery to control operation of mobile structure101, such as controlling steering actuator150and/or propulsion system170to steer mobile structure101according to a desired heading, such as heading angle107, for example.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, system100may be implemented to provide sonar data and/or imagery for a particular type of mobile structure101, such as an aerial drone, a watercraft, an aircraft, a robot, a vehicle, and/or other types of mobile structures. In one embodiment, system100may include one or more of a sonar system110, a user interface120, a controller130, an orientation sensor140, a speed sensor142, a gyroscope144, an accelerometer145, a global positioning satellite system (GPS)146, a steering sensor/actuator150, a propulsion system170, and one or more other sensors and/or actuators, such as other modules180. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements of system100may be implemented in a combined housing or structure that can be coupled to mobile structure101and/or held or carried by a user of mobile structure101.

Directions102,103, and104describe one possible coordinate frame of mobile structure101(e.g., for headings or orientations measured by orientation sensor140and/or angular velocities and accelerations measured by gyroscope144and accelerometer145). As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, direction102illustrates a direction that may be substantially parallel to and/or aligned with a longitudinal axis of mobile structure101, direction103illustrates a direction that may be substantially parallel to and/or aligned with a lateral axis of mobile structure101, and direction104illustrates a direction that may be substantially parallel to and/or aligned with a vertical axis of mobile structure101, as described herein. For example, a roll component of motion of mobile structure101may correspond to rotations around direction102, a pitch component may correspond to rotations around direction103, and a yaw component may correspond to rotations around direction104.

Heading angle107may correspond to the angle between a projection of a reference direction106(e.g., the local component of the Earth's magnetic field) onto a horizontal plane (e.g., referenced to a gravitationally defined “down” vector local to mobile structure101) and a projection of direction102onto the same horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the projection of reference direction106onto a horizontal plane (e.g., referenced to a gravitationally defined “down” vector) may be referred to as Magnetic North. In various embodiments, Magnetic North, a “down” vector, and/or various other directions, positions, and/or fixed or relative reference frames may define an absolute coordinate frame, for example, where directional measurements referenced to an absolute coordinate frame may be referred to as absolute directional measurements (e.g., an “absolute” orientation). In some embodiments, directional measurements may initially be referenced to a coordinate frame of a particular sensor (e.g., a transducer assembly or module of sonar system110) and be transformed (e.g., using parameters for one or more coordinate frame transformations) to be referenced to an absolute coordinate frame and/or a coordinate frame of mobile structure101. In various embodiments, an absolute coordinate frame may be defined and/or correspond to a coordinate frame with one or more undefined axes, such as a horizontal plane local to mobile structure101referenced to a local gravitational vector but with an unreferenced and/or undefined yaw reference (e.g., no reference to Magnetic North).

Sonar system110may be implemented as one or more electrically and/or mechanically coupled controllers, transmitters, receivers, signal processing logic devices, various electrical components, transducer elements of various shapes and sizes, transducer modules, sonar transducer assemblies, assembly brackets, transom brackets, and/or various actuators adapted to adjust orientations of any of the components of sonar system110, as described herein. Sonar system110may be configured to emit one or a series of acoustic beams, receive corresponding acoustic returns, and convert the acoustic returns into sonar data and/or imagery, such as bathymetric data, water depth, water temperature, water column/volume debris, bottom profile, and/or other types of sonar data. Sonar system110may be configured to provide such data and/or imagery to user interface120for display to a user, for example, or to controller130for additional processing, as described herein.

In some embodiments, sonar system110may be implemented using a modular design, where one or more individual transducer modules with similar and/or identical components may be physically coupled to corresponding sonar transducer assemblies, which may in turn be physically coupled to mobile structure101using one or more of an assembly bracket and/or a transom bracket. In some embodiments, sonar system110may include multiple sonar transducer assemblies, for example, and/or may include multiple transducer modules substantially within each sonar transducer assembly. Each transducer module may include one or more transducer elements (e.g., the active elements emitting and/or receiving acoustic signals), and each transducer element may itself be implemented as a transducer element assembly formed from multiple individual shaped elements, as described more fully with respect toFIGS. 3A-3C. Due to their modular form, the transducer modules may be used to form a variety of transducer arrangements within the transducer assemblies, and the transducer assemblies may be used to form still larger and/or more complex arrangements, without a need to characterize and validate each design exhaustively. Furthermore, the modular designs facilitate creation of accurate and adjustable arrangements that can be configured to produce highly detailed and accurately registered sonar data/imagery.

For example, in some embodiments, sonar system110may be implemented with an actuated depression angle adjustment (e.g., an orientation measured from a horizontal reference plane) that can be remotely controlled by controller130and/or user interface120, such as a multifunction display (MFD). In such embodiments, sonar system110may be configured to store depression angles along with other sensor information such as location/position information (global positioning data and/or text description), water depth, altitude, mobile structure speed, and/or other sensor and/or control information available to the MFD. Controller130may be configured to generate a look up table so that a user can select optimum depression angles for a particular location or for some other sensor information. Alternatively, an automated adjustment algorithm can be used to select optimum depression angles based on the sensor information.

For example, in one embodiment, mobile structure101may be located in an area identified on an MFD chart from position data, a user may have selected a user setting for optimum depression angle, and controller130may be configured to control an actuator to set this angle/orientation. In another embodiment, controller130may be configured to determine water depth and/or altitude, and use such data to control the depression angle to maintain an optimum orientation for the reported depths/altitudes. In yet another embodiment, a user may be searching for fish in a wide area and may select a depression angle setting that will adjust the transducer orientation to a shallow depression angle to ensonify a relatively broad, shallow area. In still another embodiment, controller130may be configured to receive attitude and/or orientation measurements for mobile structure101. In such embodiment, controller130may be configured to control the actuators associated with the transducer modules to maintain their attitude relative to, for example, the water surface, and thus improve the displayed sonar images (e.g., by ensuring proper registration of a series of acoustic signals). In various embodiments, controller130may be configured to control steering sensor/actuator150and/or propulsion system170to adjust a position and/or orientation of mobile structure101to help ensure proper registration of a series of acoustic signals, sonar data, and/or sonar imagery.

AlthoughFIG. 1shows various sensors and/or other components of system100separate from sonar system110, in other embodiments, any one or combination of sensors and components of system100may be integrated with a sonar assembly, an actuator, a transducer module, and/or other components of sonar system110. For example, orientation sensor140may be integrated with a transducer module of sonar system110and be configured to provide measurements of an absolute and/or relative orientation (e.g., a roll, pitch, and/or yaw) of the transducer module to controller130and/or user interface120, which may also be integrated with sonar system110.

User interface120may be implemented as a display, a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a knob, a steering wheel, a ship's wheel or helm, a yoke, and/or any other device capable of accepting user input and/or providing feedback to a user. In various embodiments, user interface120may be adapted to provide user input (e.g., as a type of signal and/or sensor information) to other devices of system100, such as controller130. User interface120may also be implemented with one or more logic devices that may be adapted to execute instructions, such as software instructions, implementing any of the various processes and/or methods described herein. For example, user interface120may be adapted to form communication links, transmit and/or receive communications (e.g., sensor signals, control signals, sensor information, user input, and/or other information), determine various coordinate frames and/or orientations, determine parameters for one or more coordinate frame transformations, and/or perform coordinate frame transformations, for example, or to perform various other processes and/or methods.

In various embodiments, user interface120may be adapted to accept user input, for example, to form a communication link, to select a particular wireless networking protocol and/or parameters for a particular wireless networking protocol and/or wireless link (e.g., a password, an encryption key, a MAC address, a device identification number, a device operation profile, parameters for operation of a device, and/or other parameters), to select a method of processing sensor signals to determine sensor information, to adjust a position and/or orientation of an articulated sensor, and/or to otherwise facilitate operation of system100and devices within system100. Once user interface120accepts a user input, the user input may be transmitted to other devices of system100over one or more communication links.

In one embodiment, user interface120may be adapted to receive a sensor or control signal (e.g., from orientation sensor140and/or steering sensor/actuator150) over communication links formed by one or more associated logic devices, for example, and display sensor and/or other information corresponding to the received sensor or control signal to a user. In related embodiments, user interface120may be adapted to process sensor and/or control signals to determine sensor and/or other information. For example, a sensor signal may include an orientation, an angular velocity, an acceleration, a speed, and/or a position of mobile structure101. In such embodiment, user interface120may be adapted to process the sensor signals to determine sensor information indicating an estimated and/or absolute roll, pitch, and/or yaw (attitude and/or rate), and/or a position or series of positions of mobile structure101, for example, and display the sensor information as feedback to a user. In one embodiment, user interface120may be adapted to display a time series of various sensor information and/or other parameters as part of or overlaid on a graph or map, which may be referenced to a position and/or orientation of mobile structure101. For example, user interface120may be adapted to display a time series of positions, headings, and/or orientations of mobile structure101and/or other elements of system100(e.g., a transducer assembly and/or module of sonar system110) overlaid on a geographical map, which may include one or more graphs indicating a corresponding time series of actuator control signals, sensor information, and/or other sensor and/or control signals.

In some embodiments, user interface120may be adapted to accept user input including a user-defined target heading, route, and/or orientation for a transducer module, for example, and to generate control signals for steering sensor/actuator150and/or propulsion system170to cause mobile structure101to move according to the target heading, route, and/or orientation. In further embodiments, user interface120may be adapted to accept user input including a user-defined target attitude for an actuated device (e.g., sonar system110) coupled to mobile structure101, for example, and to generate control signals for adjusting an orientation of the actuated device according to the target attitude. More generally, user interface120may be adapted to display sensor information to a user, for example, and/or to transmit sensor information and/or user input to other user interfaces, sensors, or controllers of system100, for instance, for display and/or further processing.

Controller130may be implemented as any appropriate logic device (e.g., processing device, microcontroller, processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), memory storage device, memory reader, or other device or combinations of devices) that may be adapted to execute, store, and/or receive appropriate instructions, such as software instructions implementing a control loop for controlling various operations of sonar system110, steering sensor/actuator150, mobile structure101, and/or system100, for example. Such software instructions may also implement methods for processing sensor signals, determining sensor information, providing user feedback (e.g., through user interface120), querying devices for operational parameters, selecting operational parameters for devices, or performing any of the various operations described herein (e.g., operations performed by logic devices of various devices of system100).

In addition, a machine readable medium may be provided for storing non-transitory instructions for loading into and execution by controller130. In these and other embodiments, controller130may be implemented with other components where appropriate, such as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, one or more interfaces, and/or various analog and/or digital components for interfacing with devices of system100. For example, controller130may be adapted to store sensor signals, sensor information, parameters for coordinate frame transformations, calibration parameters, sets of calibration points, and/or other operational parameters, over time, for example, and provide such stored data to a user using user interface120. In some embodiments, controller130may be integrated with one or more user interfaces (e.g., user interface120), and, in one embodiment, may share a communication module or modules. As noted herein, controller130may be adapted to execute one or more control loops for actuated device control, steering control (e.g., using steering sensor/actuator150) and/or performing other various operations of mobile structure101and/or system100. In some embodiments, a control loop may include processing sensor signals and/or sensor information in order to control one or more operations of sonar system110, mobile structure101, and/or system100.

Orientation sensor140may be implemented as one or more of a compass, float, accelerometer, and/or other device capable of measuring an orientation of mobile structure101(e.g., magnitude and direction of roll, pitch, and/or yaw, relative to one or more reference orientations such as gravity and/or Magnetic North) and providing such measurements as sensor signals that may be communicated to various devices of system100. In some embodiments, orientation sensor140may be adapted to provide heading measurements for mobile structure101. In other embodiments, orientation sensor140may be adapted to provide roll, pitch, and/or yaw rates for mobile structure101(e.g., using a time series of orientation measurements). Orientation sensor140may be positioned and/or adapted to make orientation measurements in relation to a particular coordinate frame of mobile structure101, for example.

Speed sensor142may be implemented as an electronic pitot tube, metered gear or wheel, water speed sensor, wind speed sensor, a wind velocity sensor (e.g., direction and magnitude) and/or other device capable of measuring or determining a linear speed of mobile structure101(e.g., in a surrounding medium and/or aligned with a longitudinal axis of mobile structure101) and providing such measurements as sensor signals that may be communicated to various devices of system100. In some embodiments, speed sensor142may be adapted to provide a velocity of a surrounding medium relative to sensor142and/or mobile structure101.

Gyroscope144and/or accelerometer145may be implemented as one or more electronic sextants, semiconductor devices, integrated chips, accelerometer sensors, accelerometer sensor systems, or other devices capable of measuring angular velocities/accelerations and/or linear accelerations (e.g., direction and magnitude) of mobile structure101and providing such measurements as sensor signals that may be communicated to other devices of system100(e.g., user interface120, controller130). Gyroscope144and/or accelerometer145may be positioned and/or adapted to make such measurements in relation to a particular coordinate frame of mobile structure101, for example. In various embodiments, gyroscope144and accelerometer145may be implemented in a common housing and/or module to ensure a common reference frame or a known transformation between reference frames.

GPS146may be implemented as a global positioning satellite receiver and/or other device capable of determining absolute and/or relative position of mobile structure101based on wireless signals received from space-born and/or terrestrial sources, for example, and capable of providing such measurements as sensor signals that may be communicated to various devices of system100. In some embodiments, GPS146may be adapted to determine a velocity, speed, and/or yaw rate of mobile structure101(e.g., using a time series of position measurements), such as an absolute velocity and/or a yaw component of an angular velocity of mobile structure101. In various embodiments, one or more logic devices of system100may be adapted to determine a calculated speed of mobile structure101and/or a computed yaw component of the angular velocity from such sensor information.

Steering sensor/actuator150may be adapted to physically adjust a heading of mobile structure101according to one or more control signals, user inputs, and/or a stabilized attitude estimates provided by logic device of system100, such as controller130. Steering sensor/actuator150may include one or more actuators and control surfaces (e.g., a rudder or other type of steering mechanism) of mobile structure101, and may be adapted to physically adjust the control surfaces to a variety of positive and/or negative steering angles/positions.

Propulsion system170may be implemented as a propeller, turbine, or other thrust-based propulsion system, a mechanical wheeled and/or tracked propulsion system, and/or other types of propulsion systems that can be used to provide motive force to mobile structure101. In some embodiments, propulsion system170may be non-articulated, for example, such that the direction of motive force and/or thrust generated by propulsion system170is fixed relative to a coordinate frame of mobile structure101. Non-limiting examples of non-articulated propulsion systems include, for example, an inboard motor for a watercraft with a fixed thrust vector, for example, or a fixed aircraft propeller or turbine. In other embodiments, propulsion system170may be articulated and coupled to and/or integrated with steering sensor/actuator150, for example, such that the direction of generated motive force and/or thrust is variable relative to a coordinate frame of mobile structure101. Non-limiting examples of articulated propulsion systems include, for example, an outboard motor for a watercraft, an inboard motor for a watercraft with a variable thrust vector/port (e.g., used to steer the watercraft), or an aircraft propeller or turbine with a variable thrust vector, for example.

Other modules180may include other and/or additional sensors, actuators, communications modules/nodes, and/or user interface devices used to provide additional environmental information of mobile structure101, for example. In some embodiments, other modules180may include a humidity sensor, a wind and/or water temperature sensor, a barometer, a radar system, a visible spectrum camera, an infrared camera, and/or other environmental sensors providing measurements and/or other sensor signals that can be displayed to a user and/or used by other devices of system100(e.g., controller130) to provide operational control of mobile structure101and/or system100that compensates for environmental conditions, such as wind speed and/or direction, swell speed, amplitude, and/or direction, and/or an object in a path of mobile structure101, for example. In some embodiments, other modules180may include one or more actuated devices (e.g., spotlights, cameras, radars, sonars, and/or other actuated devices) coupled to mobile structure101, where each actuated device includes one or more actuators adapted to adjust an orientation of the device, relative to mobile structure101, in response to one or more control signals (e.g., provided by controller130).

In general, each of the elements of system100may be implemented with any appropriate logic device (e.g., processing device, microcontroller, processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), memory storage device, memory reader, or other device or combinations of devices) that may be adapted to execute, store, and/or receive appropriate instructions, such as software instructions implementing a method for providing sonar data and/or imagery, for example, or for transmitting and/or receiving communications, such as sensor signals, sensor information, and/or control signals, between one or more devices of system100. In one embodiment, such method may include instructions to receive an orientation, acceleration, and/or speed of mobile structure101and/or sonar system110from various sensors, to determine an a transducer orientation adjustment (e.g., relative to a desired transducer orientation) from the sensor signals, and/or to control an actuator to adjust a transducer orientation accordingly, for example, as described herein. In a further embodiment, such method may include instructions for forming one or more communication links between various devices of system100.

In addition, one or more machine readable mediums may be provided for storing non-transitory instructions for loading into and execution by any logic device implemented with one or more of the devices of system100. In these and other embodiments, the logic devices may be implemented with other components where appropriate, such as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and/or one or more interfaces (e.g., inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interfaces, mobile industry processor interfaces (MIPI), joint test action group (JTAG) interfaces (e.g., IEEE 1149.1 standard test access port and boundary-scan architecture), and/or other interfaces, such as an interface for one or more antennas, or an interface for a particular type of sensor).

Each of the elements of system100may be implemented with one or more amplifiers, modulators, phase adjusters, beamforming components, digital to analog converters (DACs), analog to digital converters (ADCs), various interfaces, antennas, and/or other analog and/or digital components enabling each of the devices of system100to transmit and/or receive signals, for example, in order to facilitate wired and/or wireless communications between one or more devices of system100. Such components may be integrated with a corresponding element of system100, for example. In some embodiments, the same or similar components may be used to perform one or more sensor measurements, as described herein. For example, the same or similar components may be used to create an acoustic pulse, convert the acoustic pulse to an excitation signal and transmit it to a sonar transducer element to produce an acoustic beam, receive an acoustic return (e.g., electrical signals from the sonar transducer element), convert the acoustic return to acoustic data, and/or store sensor information, configuration data, and/or other data corresponding to operation of a sonar system, as described herein. Sensor signals, control signals, and other signals may be communicated among elements of system100using a variety of wired and/or wireless communication techniques, including voltage signaling, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Xbee, Micronet, or other medium and/or short range wired and/or wireless networking protocols and/or implementations, for example. In such embodiments, each element of system100may include one or more modules supporting wired, wireless, and/or a combination of wired and wireless communication techniques.

In some embodiments, various elements or portions of elements of system100may be integrated with each other, for example, or may be integrated onto a single printed circuit board (PCB) to reduce system complexity, manufacturing costs, power requirements, and/or timing errors between the various measurements of magnetic fields and accelerations. For example, gyroscope144, accelerometer145, and controller130may be configured to share one or more components, such as a memory, a logic device, a communications module, and/or other components, and such sharing may act to reduce and/or substantially eliminate such timing errors while reducing overall system complexity and/or cost.

Each element of system100may include one or more batteries or other electrical power storage devices, for example, and may include one or more solar cells or other electrical power generating devices (e.g., a wind or water-powered turbine, or a generator producing electrical power from motion of one or more elements of system100). In some embodiments, one or more of the devices may be powered by a power source for mobile structure101, using one or more power leads.

In various embodiments, a logic device of system100(e.g., of gyroscope144, accelerometer145, and/or other elements of system100) may be adapted to determine parameters (e.g., using signals from various devices of system100) for transforming a coordinate frame of sonar system110and/or other sensors of system100to/from a coordinate frame of mobile structure101, at-rest and/or in-motion, and/or other coordinate frames, as described herein. One or more logic devices of system100may be adapted to use such parameters to transform a coordinate frame of sonar system110and/or other sensors of system100to/from a coordinate frame of orientation sensor140and/or mobile structure101, for example. Furthermore, such parameters may be used to determine and/or calculate one or more adjustments to an orientation of sonar system110that would be necessary to physically align a coordinate frame of sonar system110with a coordinate frame of orientation sensor140and/or mobile structure101, for example, or an absolute coordinate frame. Adjustments determined from such parameters may be used to selectively power adjustment servos/actuators (e.g., sonar system110and/or other sensors or elements of system100), for example, or may be communicated to a user through user interface120, as described herein.

FIG. 2illustrates a diagram of a system200in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, system200may be implemented to provide sonar data and/or imagery for use with operation of mobile structure101, similar to system100ofFIG. 1. For example, system200may include sonar system110, integrated user interface/controller120/130, secondary user interface120, steering sensor/actuator150, sensor cluster240(e.g., orientation sensor140, gyroscope144, accelerometer145, and/or GPS146), and various other sensors and/or actuators. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 2, mobile structure101is implemented as a motorized boat including a hull210, a deck212, a mast/sensor mount214, a rudder266, an inboard motor170, and an actuated sonar system110. In other embodiments, hull210, deck212, mast/sensor mount214, rudder266, inboard motor170, and various actuated devices may correspond to attributes of a passenger aircraft or other type of vehicle, robot, or drone, for example, such as an undercarriage, a passenger compartment, an engine/engine compartment, a trunk, a roof, a steering mechanism, a headlight, a radar system, and/or other portions of a vehicle.

As depicted inFIG. 2, mobile structure101includes actuated sonar system110, which in turn includes transducer assembly212coupled to mobile structure101through assembly bracket/actuator216and transom bracket/electrical conduit214. In some embodiments, assembly bracket/actuator216may be implemented as a roll, pitch, and/or yaw actuator, for example, and may be adapted to adjust an orientation of transducer assembly212according to control signals and/or an orientation (e.g., roll, pitch, and/or yaw) or position of mobile structure101provided by user interface/controller120/130. For example, user interface/controller120/130may be adapted to receive an orientation of transducer assembly212configured to ensonify a portion of surrounding water and/or a direction referenced to an absolute coordinate frame, and to adjust an orientation of transducer assembly212to retain ensonification of the position and/or direction in response to motion of mobile structure101, using one or more orientations and/or positions of mobile structure101and/or other sensor information derived by executing the various methods described herein. In another embodiment, user interface/controller120/130may be configured to adjust an orientation of transducer assembly212to direct sonar transmissions from transducer assembly212substantially downwards and/or along a pre-determined underwater track during motion of mobile structure101.

In one embodiment, user interfaces120may be mounted to mobile structure101substantially on deck212and/or mast/sensor mount214. Such mounts may be fixed, for example, or may include gimbals and other leveling mechanisms/actuators so that a display of user interfaces120stays substantially level with respect to a horizon and/or a “down” vector (e.g., to mimic typical user head motion/orientation). In another embodiment, at least one of user interfaces120may be located in proximity to mobile structure101and be mobile throughout a user level (e.g., deck212) of mobile structure101. For example, secondary user interface120may be implemented with a lanyard and/or other type of strap and/or attachment device and be physically coupled to a user of mobile structure101so as to be in proximity to mobile structure101. In various embodiments, user interfaces120may be implemented with a relatively thin display that is integrated into a PCB of the corresponding user interface in order to reduce size, weight, housing complexity, and/or manufacturing costs.

As shown inFIG. 2, in some embodiments, speed sensor142may be mounted to a portion of mobile structure101substantially below a typical user level, such as to hull210, and be adapted to measure a relative water speed. Speed sensor142may be adapted to provide a thin profile to reduce and/or avoid water drag. Speed sensor142may include one or more batteries and/or other electrical power storage devices, for example, and may include one or more water-powered turbines to generate electrical power. In other embodiments, speed sensor142may be implemented as a wind velocity sensor, for example, and may be mounted to mast/sensor mount214to have relatively clear access to local wind.

In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 2, mobile structure101includes direction/longitudinal axis102, direction/lateral axis103, and direction/vertical axis104meeting approximately at mast/sensor mount214(e.g., near a center of gravity of mobile structure101). In one embodiment, the various axes may define a coordinate frame of mobile structure101and/or sensor cluster240. Each sensor adapted to measure a direction (e.g., velocities, accelerations, headings, or other states including a directional component) may be implemented with a mount, actuators, and/or servos that can be used to align a coordinate frame of the sensor with a coordinate frame of any element of system200and/or mobile structure101. Each element of system200may be located at positions different from those depicted inFIG. 2. Each device of system200may include one or more batteries or other electrical power storage devices, for example, and may include one or more solar cells or other electrical power generating devices. In some embodiments, one or more of the devices may be powered by a power source for mobile structure101. As noted herein, each element of system200may be implemented with an antenna, a logic device, and/or other analog and/or digital components enabling that element to provide, receive, and process sensor signals and interface or communicate with one or more devices of system200. Further, a logic device of that element may be adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a cross section300of a sonar transducer assembly302(e.g., similar to transducer assembly212ofFIG. 2) in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, transducer assembly302is physically coupled to a transducer module304. In some embodiments, transducer assembly302may include more than one transducer modules. In various embodiments, transducer module304may include one or more transducer elements310, insulating covers314, conductive cans316, and module frame320. In addition, transducer module304may include a number of recesses, such as bottom recess322and top recess324, that may be filled with a material to secure electrical connections/wiring (not shown inFIG. 3A) and/or the various elements of transducer module304, using a potting layer326for example, and/or to provide an acoustic matching layer328. Transducer module302may be physically coupled to transducer assembly302(e.g., to assembly top330) using one or more clips332, for example, and/or other physical retention systems, such as those described herein. In other embodiments, transducer module304and/or assembly top330may be physically coupled to assembly bottom336, such as through a molding process and/or another physical retention system. As shown inFIG. 3A, assembly top330and assembly bottom336may be coupled together to form transducer assembly302.

Transducer element310may be implemented as one or more substantially linear and/or conical transducer elements, for example, and be made of a ceramic material, a metal or alloy material, a piezoelectric material, a combination of insulating and conductive materials, and/or other single or multi-layered transducing materials that can be energized by an electrical signal to produce an acoustic signal or beam, such as an acoustic signal/beam emitted from emission surface312of transducer element310. In some embodiments, transducer element310may also be configured to sense acoustic returns received through emission surface312. Electrical signals used to energize transducer element310and/or produced by received acoustic returns may be coupled directly (e.g. through soldered wiring) and/or indirectly (e.g., inductively and/or through electric field coupling), for example, and access to transducer element310may be provided by recesses and/or other structures of insulating cover314, conductive can316, potting layer326, and/or module frame320.

Conductive can316may be implemented as a stamped metal can, a metal foil can, a conductive ceramic can, a mu metal can, and/or other conductive can that may be used to shield transducer element310from external electrical and/or magnetic noise and, in some embodiments, may be used to help shape an acoustic beam emitted from emission surface312, similar to how a ground plane can help shape an antenna radiation pattern. For example, a shape and/or material of conductive can316may be selected to help provide uniformity in an acoustic beam emitted from transducer element310, for example, or to help direct the acoustic beam from emission surface312through acoustic matching layer328. More generally, conductive can316may be configured to surround substantially all but emission surface312of transducer element310. Insulating cover314may be implemented as one or more of an insulating foam or a deposited, grown, and/or painted insulating layer configured to prevent electrical shorting between transducer element310and conductive can316.

As shown inFIG. 3A, module frame320may be configured to support transducer element310, conductive can316, and/or insulating cover314, for example, so as to provide a stable support structure for the various elements of transducer module304and access to emission surface312. In various embodiments, module frame320may also be configured to support potting layer326and/or acoustic matching layer328by, for example, providing top and bottom recesses324and322that can be filled by a material used to secure the various elements of transducer module304(e.g., including electrical connections to transducer element310) and/or to provide acoustic matching layer328. In additional embodiments, module frame320may be implemented with notches and/or other structures to engage with clips and/or other retention systems of transducer assembly302.

In some embodiments, module frame320may be a machined, cast, and/or injection molded material, such as a ceramic and/or a plastic (e.g., a polycarbonate, polyurethane, and/or other plastic) material that can be formed into one or more rigid, pliable, and/or combination of rigid and pliable structures, as described herein. In some embodiments, recess322of module frame320(e.g., and acoustic matching layer312) may be wider than shown inFIG. 3A, such that module frame320may be faulted from a conductive material (e.g., similar to conductive can316) without risk of electrical short to transducer element310. In such embodiments, module frame320may be used to help shield transducer element310from external noise and to help shape an acoustic beam emitted from emission surface312.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3A, potting layer326and acoustic matching layer328may be made from the same material and may be formed during the same potting process used to assemble and secure transducer module304. For example, potting layer326and acoustic matching layer328may be formed from a filled epoxy that can be injected into recesses322and324and allowed to cure to form potting layer326and acoustic matching layer328. In some embodiments, potting layer326and/or acoustic matching layer328may be made from different materials, may be pre-formed, and/or may be individually inserted and secured/sealed into module frame320.

In particular, acoustic matching layer328may be configured (e.g., through selection of shape, thickness, and/or material, including variations in each) to allow transducer module304(and transducer assembly302) to be operated at a much wider frequency band (e.g., transmit and/or receive band) than conventional sonar systems. For example, acoustic matching layer may be formed from a metal or metal oxide filled epoxy (e.g., alumina, stainless steel, copper, and/or other metal and/or metal oxide powder, flakes, microballs, and/or other type of filler). In some embodiments, a thickness of acoustic matching layer328may roughly correspond to a quarter-wavelength of the excitation signal (e.g., of a central frequency of the excitation signal) used to generate acoustic beams using transducer element310. More generally, acoustic matching layer328may be used to protect transducer element310from the environment, for example, and, in some embodiments, may be implemented as part of assembly bottom336. In various embodiments, the shapes and/or thickness of each of potting layer326and acoustic matching layer328may be deter mined by the shape of recesses322and/or324.

As shown inFIG. 3A, transducer assembly302, which includes assembly top330and assembly bottom336, may be configured to physically couple to and/or provide structural and/or protective support for transducer module304. In some embodiments, assembly top330may be implemented from a machined, cast, and/or injection molded material, such as a metal, ceramic, and/or plastic (e.g., a polycarbonate, polyurethane, and/or other plastic) material that can be formed into one or more rigid, pliable, and/or combination of rigid and pliable structures, as described herein. In various embodiments, assembly top330may be Ruined with one or more retention systems, such as clips332, to physically couple and secure transducer module304to transducer assembly302. Such retention systems may include one or more actuators, for example, that are configured to adjust an orientation of transducer module304relative to transducer assembly302based on one or more control signals (e.g., provided by controller130). Assembly top330may include one or more recesses338configured to accept transducer module304and/or a portion of assembly bottom336.

Assembly bottom336, like assembly top330, may be configured to physically couple to and/or provide structural and/or protective support for transducer module304. In addition, in some embodiments, assembly bottom336may be configured to allow acoustic beams and acoustic returns (e.g., typically with a wider frequency band than emitted acoustic beams) to pass through between transducer element310and a surrounding medium (e.g., a water column and/or volume and bottom profile beneath and/or around a watercraft) with minimal attenuation and/or signal anisotropies due to, for example, material damping and/or poor acoustic coupling. For example, in some embodiments, assembly bottom336may be formed from a polyurethane plastic and/or other types of thermosetting polymers substantially transparent to acoustic signals and able to be overmolded into and/or around assembly top330and/or transducer module304. In other embodiments, assembly bottom may be pre-formed and sealed (e.g., thermally, and/or through use of a glue or epoxy resin) to assembly top330and/or transducer module304. In still further embodiments, transducer module304may be physically coupled to assembly bottom336using one or more retention systems before assembly bottom336is attached/sealed to assembly top330. In general, assembly bottom330may be implemented from a machined, cast, and/or injection molded material, such as a metal, ceramic, and/or plastic material that can be formed into one or more rigid, pliable, and/or combination of rigid and pliable structures. Other methods of forming transducer assembly302are contemplated, such as forming vertically symmetric port and starboard assemblies (e.g., roughly corresponding to top and bottom assemblies330and336), coupling transducer module304to one of the port or starboard assemblies, and then attaching/sealing the other of the port or starboard assemblies to form transducer assembly302.

In some embodiments, transducer assembly302/assembly top330may also include interface structure334, for example, to help secure transducer assembly302to mobile structure101, to transom bracket214, to an assembly bracket, to other transducer assemblies, and/or to other structures. In various embodiments, interface structure334may be implemented as an assembly bracket and/or a transom bracket, for example, that is molded into assembly top330or otherwise secured to assembly top330. In further embodiments, interface structure334may be implemented with one or more actuators (e.g., assembly bracket/actuator216) providing roll, pitch, and/or yaw adjustment for an orientation of transducer assembly302relative to mobile structure101. In still further embodiments, interface structure334may be implemented with one or more electrical conduits configured to accept electrical cables and/or electrically couple one or more transducer modules304to a controller/transmitter/receiver, as described herein.

FIGS. 3B-3Cillustrate diagrams300B and300C of various transducer elements and their corresponding acoustic beams in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 3Bshows linear transducer element310B producing a fan shaped acoustic beam348B from emission surface312B having footprint350B, where linear transducer element310B and emission surface312B may correspond to transducer element310and emission surface312of transducer module304. The overall dimensions and shape of fan shaped acoustic beam348B roughly correspond to the radiation pattern produced by linear transducer element310B as referenced to half power (−3 dB) beamwidth limits of the pattern, as is known in the art. For example, longitudinal length340B (L1) of transducer element310B may be roughly related to the lateral beamwidth346B (B1) by: B1˜50*λ/L1, and lateral length344B (L2) of transducer element310B may be roughly related to the longitudinal beamwidth342B (B2) by: B2˜50*λ/L2, where λ is the wavelength of the signal used to excite transducer element310B. Also shown are center axis352B and orthogonal axes354B and356B, which may be used as references to define an orientation and/or aiming angles of transducer element310B and/or footprint350B, such as a depression/emission angle and/or a roll, pitch, and/or yaw of transducer element310B and/or acoustic beam348B.

FIG. 3Cshows circular transducer element310C producing a conical acoustic beam348C from emission surface312C having footprint350C, where circular transducer element310C and emission surface312C may correspond to transducer element310and emission surface312of transducer module304. The overall dimensions and shape of conical acoustic beam348C roughly correspond to the radiation pattern produced by circular transducer element310C as referenced to half power (−3 dB) beamwidth limits of the pattern, as is known in the art. For example, diameter340C (D1) of transducer element310C may be roughly related to the beamwidth342C (B1) by: B1˜65*λ/D1, where λ is the wavelength of the signal used to energize transducer element310C. Also shown is center axis352C, which may be used as a reference to define an orientation and/or aiming/emission angle of transducer element310C and/or footprint350C, such as a depression angle and/or a roll and/or pitch of transducer element310C and/or acoustic beam348C.

In some embodiments, linear transducer element310B and/or circular transducer element310C may be implemented as a transducer element assembly, for example, including multiple individual transducer elements coupled together electrically and/or physically to act as a single transducer element. For instance, in one embodiment, linear transducer element310B may be implemented as multiple rectangular, circular, and/or otherwise shaped elements soldered together and arranged in a shape roughly corresponding to the shape of linear transducer element310B, so as to collectively produce fan shaped acoustic beam348B. In another embodiment, circular transducer element310C may be implemented as multiple circular, rectangular, and/or otherwise shaped elements soldered together and arranged in an overall shape roughly corresponding to the circular shape of circular transducer element310C, so as to collectively produce conical acoustic beam348C. In such embodiments, interstitial spaces between elements may be filled with a material to help secure the elements to each other and form a transducer element assembly. In one embodiment, the interstitial material may be similar the material used for acoustic matching layer328.

In various embodiments, the orientation and/or aiming angles, the longitudinal beamwidth342B, lateral beamwidth346B, and/or beamwidth342C may be selected (e.g., by adjusting the orientation and/or angles, by selecting a shape and/or size of linear transducer element310B and/or circular transducer310C, and/or by adjusting the excitation wavelength) to emphasize detail (e.g., narrower acoustic beams and/or smaller excitation wavelengths) in a particular direction, to emphasize breadth of coverage (e.g., broader acoustic beams and/or larger excitation wavelengths) in a particular direction, and/or to emphasize penetration distance (e.g., narrower acoustic beams and/or larger excitation wavelengths), for example, among other sonar system characteristics. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide the ability to adjust such characteristics according to the local environment (e.g., shallow water, deep sea, approach to a shallow submerged object, tracking of a deep school of fish), according to an operational state of a coupled mobile system (e.g., narrow, forward looking, and quickly updated depth measurements while at speed, broad side and down looking and/or target searching while at rest searching for fish), and/or according to other orientation, position, and/or operational characteristics of a coupled mobile system.

FIGS. 4A-4Billustrate flow diagrams of respective processes400A and400B to provide sonar data and/or imagery for mobile structure101in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the operations ofFIGS. 4A-4Bmay be implemented as software instructions executed by one or more logic devices associated with corresponding electronic devices, sensors, and/or structures depicted inFIGS. 1 through 3C. More generally, the operations ofFIGS. 4A-4Bmay be implemented with any combination of software instructions and/or electronic hardware (e.g., inductors, capacitors, amplifiers, actuators, assembly lines, or other analog and/or digital components).

It should be appreciated that any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of processes400A and400B may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated by respectiveFIGS. 4A-4B. For example, in other embodiments, one or more blocks may be omitted from the various processes, and blocks from one process may be included in another process. Furthermore, block inputs, block outputs, various sensor signals, sensor information, calibration parameters, and/or other operational parameters may be stored to one or more memories (e.g., of systems100and/or200) prior to moving to a following portion of a corresponding process. Although processes400A and400B are described with reference to systems100and200andFIGS. 3A-12, processes400A and400B may be performed by other systems different from systems100and200and including a different selection of electronic devices, sensors, assemblies, mobile structures, and/or mobile structure attributes.

Process400A represents a method for providing sonar data and/or imagery for mobile structure101using systems100and/or200in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. At the initiation of process400A, various system parameters may be populated by prior execution of a process similar to process400A, for example, or may be initialized to zero and/or one or more values corresponding to typical, stored, and/or learned values derived from past operation of process400A, as described herein.

In block402, a logic device receives a measured transducer orientation corresponding to a transducer module. For example controller130of system200may be configured to receive an absolute and/or relative orientation (e.g., roll, pitch, and/or yaw) from an orientation sensor (e.g., similar to orientation sensor140) integrated with transducer assembly212, transom bracket214, and/or assembly bracket/actuator216of sonar system110. In some embodiments, the measured transducer orientation may correspond to an individual transducer module within transducer assembly212, for example, or may correspond to an orientation of transducer assembly212, assembly bracket/actuator216, and/or transom bracket214. In various embodiments, the measured transducer orientation may be derived from one or more absolute and/or relative orientation measurements made by orientation sensors, actuators, stepper motors, and/or other devices coupled to mobile structure200.

In block404, a logic device determines a transducer orientation adjustment based on the measured transducer orientation and a desired transducer orientation. For example, controller130may be configured to determine a transducer orientation adjustment based on the measured transducer orientation received in block402and a desired transducer orientation received as user input from user interface120. In some embodiments, the user input may correspond to a desired absolute transducer orientation, such as substantially gravitationally down regardless of an instantaneous roll and/or pitch of mobile structure101, for example, or along an absolute heading regardless of a yaw of mobile structure101. In other embodiments, the user input may correspond to a desired operational state of sonar system110, for example, such as a fish finding state where the transducer orientation may be selected to ensonify relatively wide swaths of a water column/volume surrounding mobile structure101(e.g., relatively small depression angles, or relatively large emission angles).

In some embodiments, the desired transducer orientation may be derived from an estimated water depth, for example, where narrower acoustic beams directed substantially downwards may be preferable over wider acoustic beams directed substantially side to side. For example, controller130may be configured to use sonar system110to transmit acoustic beams downwards, receive acoustic returns, estimate a water depth based on the acoustic returns, and then aim one or more transducer modules increasingly downwards (e.g., larger depression angles, and/or smaller emission angles) as the water depth increases.

In other embodiments, the desired transducer orientation may be derived from position measurement and/or mapping data for mobile structure101. For example, controller130may be configured to receive positions of mobile structure101and determine a desired transducer orientation based on the position of mobile structure101in relation to prior user input selecting a particular transducer orientation, in relation to corresponding bathymetry/depth maps, and/or in relation to other mapping, memory, and/or operational data. More generally, any sensor data provided by system100and/or200(e.g., speed, acceleration, orientation, wind speed, and/or other sensor data associated with mobile structure101or any component of systems100and/or200) may be used to determine a desired transducer orientation. Such determination may include one or more coordinate frame transformations, as described herein.

In block406, a logic device controls an actuator to adjust an orientation of the transducer module. For example, controller130may be configured to control (e.g., using one or more control signals) assembly bracket/actuator216to adjust an orientation of transducer assembly212, transom bracket214, assembly bracket/actuator216, and/or any corresponding transducer modules to adjust the orientation of a corresponding transducer module substantially to the desired transducer orientation. In some embodiments controller130may additionally or alternatively be configured to control (e.g., using one or more control signals) steering sensor/actuator150and/or propulsion system170to adjust an orientation and/or position of mobile structure101to adjust and/or help or assist adjusting the orientation of a transducer module substantially to a desired transducer orientation. For example, controller130may be configured to align mobile structure101substantially with a route or planned track and/or a range of orientations of mobile structure101(e.g., corresponding to an adjustment range of assembly bracket/actuator216). In another embodiment, controller130may be configured to adjust a heading and/or speed of mobile structure101to reduce sonar data/imagery acquisition defects caused by environmental conditions, such as steering mobile structure101to avoid high frequency motion due to ocean swells and/or wind direction, to avoid collisions, and/or to avoid other localized environmental sources of sonar data/imagery acquisition defects.

In various embodiments, once the transducer orientation is adjusted, controller130may be configured to control sonar system110to collect sonar data and/or imagery and store and/or display such data/imagery.

It is contemplated that any one or combination of methods to provide sonar data and/or imagery may be performed according to one or more operating contexts of a control loop, for example, such as a startup, learning, running, and/or other type operating context. For example, process400A may proceed back to block402and proceed through process400A again to produce updated sonar data and/or imagery, as in a control loop.

Process400B represents a method for manufacturing sonar system110and/or systems100or200in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, such as the embodiments discussed with reference toFIGS. 5-12. At the initiation of process400B, various system parameters may be populated by prior execution of a process similar to process400A and/or400B, for example, or may be initialized to zero and/or one or more values corresponding to typical, stored, and/or learned values derived from past operation of process400B, as described herein.

In block412, a logic device assembles at least two transducer modules. For example, a controller coupled to an assembly line may be configured to use various pick and place machines, various foundries, fixtures, metal stamping apparatus, injection molding apparatus, potting apparatus, cutting and/or shaping apparatus, and/or other fabrication apparatus to assemble one or more transducer modules, as described herein. In one embodiment, the assembling may include forming one or more transducer elements, forming additional module components to engage with the transducer elements, such as a conductive can, an insulating cover, and/or a module frame, physically assembling the various components and/or electrically coupling them to feed wires as needed, and then clamping the resulting structure to a potting fixture and potting them together to form a single transducer module. In various embodiments, the potting process may be configured to additionally form an acoustic matching layer disposed opposite an emission surface of the transducer element.

In various embodiments, the modules and/or any one or more of the module components can be substantially identical across multiple product lines, for example, so that the fabrication techniques can be perfected for a limited number of different components and then relatively inexpensively leveraged across the product lines. In some embodiments, the transducer element may be implemented as a transducer element assembly, for example, including multiple shaped individual transducer elements coupled together and/or arranged to produce selected acoustic beam shapes.

In optional block414, a logic device assembling one or more transducer assemblies about the transducer modules assembled in block412. For example, a controller coupled to an assembly line may be configured to use various fabrication apparatus to assemble one or more transducer assemblies, as described herein. In one embodiment, an injection molding machine may be used with a mold to form an assembly top with one or more clips configured to engage with one or more module frames of corresponding transducer modules. Once formed, the assembly top may be physically coupled to the one or more transducer modules, and the resulting structure may then be clamped to an overmolding fixture where an assembly bottom may be attached and/or molded over and/or around the assembly top and the transducer module(s) to form a transducer assembly. In various embodiments, the process can be repeated to form transducer assemblies with any remaining transducer modules.

In optional block416, a logic device provides an assembly bracket. For example, a controller coupled to an assembly line may be configured to use various fabrication apparatus to provide an assembly bracket, as described herein. In some embodiments, the assembly bracket may be configured to be disposed between the one or more sonar transducer assemblies and a mobile structure, where the one or more sonar transducer assemblies include first and second substantially identical sonar transducer assemblies, the assembly bracket includes first and second mating surfaces corresponding to the first and second sonar transducer assemblies, and the first and second sonar transducer assemblies are configured to physically couple to the one or more sonar transducer assemblies at the first and second mating surfaces, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second mating surfaces may include respective first and second curved mating surfaces, and the first and second sonar transducer assemblies may include respective first and second external curved surfaces configured to mate securely with the first and second curved mating surfaces throughout respective first and second ranges of rotations of the first and second sonar transducer assemblies. In another embodiment, the assembly bracket may include an actuator configured to adjust orientations of the sonar transducer assemblies corresponding to one or more orientations of the transducer modules.

It is contemplated that any one or combination of methods to manufacture a sonar system and/or control system may be performed according to one or more operating contexts of a control loop, for example, such as a startup, learning, running, and/or other type operating context. For example, process400B may proceed back to block412and proceed through process400B again to provide updated attitude adjustments, as in a control loop.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can thus provide inexpensive, feature-filled, reliable, and accurate sonar systems, data and/or imagery. Such embodiments may be used to provide sonar data to assist in navigation and/or mapping for a mobile structure and/or to assist in the operation of other systems, devices, and/or sensors coupled to the mobile structure.

FIGS. 5-12each illustrate various diagrams of a corresponding sonar system in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. For example,FIGS. 5-12each include a number of views of various transducer assemblies and/or sub-assemblies in various stages of assembly that indicate both methods of assembly and methods of use, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the methods of assembly may be implemented as software instructions executed by one or more logic devices associated with corresponding manufacturing assembly lines used to form and/or assemble the depicted transducer assemblies. In other embodiments, the methods of use may be implemented as software instructions executed by one or more logic devices associated with electronic devices and/or sensors of system100ofFIG. 1and/or system200ofFIG. 2. More generally, the methods ofFIGS. 5-12may be implemented with any combination of software instructions and/or electronic hardware (e.g., inductors, capacitors, amplifiers, actuators, assembly lines, or other analog and/or digital components).

It should be appreciated that any step, sub-step, sub-process, or block of processes illustrated inFIGS. 5-12may be performed in an order or arrangement different from the embodiments illustrated by respectiveFIGS. 5-12. For example, in other embodiments, one or more blocks and/or elements may be omitted from the various processes, and blocks and/or elements from one process may be included in another process. Furthermore, inputs, outputs, various sensor signals, sensor information, calibration parameters, and/or other operational parameters, constants, state variables or other information may be stored to one or more memories (e.g., of systems100and/or200) prior to proceeding to a following portion of a corresponding process. Although the illustrated methods are described with reference to systems100and200and structures depicted inFIGS. 3A-3C, the illustrated methods may be performed by other systems and with respect to other structures, and including a different selection of electronic devices, sensors, structures, mobile structures, and/or mobile structure attributes.

Diagrams500ofFIG. 5illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including one or more sonar assemblies with various multi-element transducer modules. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the assembly top may include an electrical conduit, an assembly bracket, and one or more clips molded into the assembly top. The electrical conduit may be configured to provide sealed electrical access to transducer elements and/or electronics/sensors within the transducer assembly, and the assembly bracket may be configured to provide adjustable and/or actuated coupling to a transom bracket and/or a mobile structure. The one or more clips may be configured to physically couple each multi-element transducer module to the assembly top.

As shown inFIG. 5, each multi-element transducer module may include multiple linear transducer elements (e.g., disposed end-to-end) and a circular transducer element, each of which may individually be formed from multiple elements as a transducer element assembly, as described herein. The multiple linear transducer elements and circular transducer element may be mated with one or more insulating covers and/or conductive cans, for example, and be assembled into a single module frame, as shown. Once the various components of a transducer module are assembled and/or electrically coupled to lead wires and/or various electronics, the collection of components may be affixed and/or clamped to a fixture (e.g., a shaped and/or flat surface on which to assemble, pot, and/or mold components) and, in some embodiments, potted with a material (e.g., epoxy resin) used to secure the components to each other and/or to form a matching layer, as described herein. After the potting material has cured, each multi-element transducer module may be physically coupled to an assembly top (e.g., using one or more clips), and the resulting structure affixed to another fixture to attach/form the assembly bottom to the assembly top by one or more of clamping, clipping, gluing, sealing, overmolding, and/or other assembly process. For example, in one embodiment, the assembly bottom may be formed by injecting a polyurethane plastic into a shaped depression in the fixture to mold to the shaped depression, substantially fill recesses within the assembly top, and seal the transducer assembly against ingress of water. A shape of the transducer assembly may be selected to be streamlined to ease its passage through a surrounding medium.

In some embodiments, an assembly top and bottom may be sized to allow inclusion of various electronic components (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, controller, analog to digital and/or digital to analog converter, orientation and/or other sensors, various communication electronics) that may be used to control operation of the transducer module and provide data and/or imagery to, for example, a user interface. As described herein, the linear transducer elements may be configured to produce one or more fan shaped acoustic beams and receive corresponding acoustic returns, and the circular transducer element may be configured to produce one or more conical beams and receive corresponding acoustic returns. The acoustic returns may be converted into sonar data and/or imagery, transmitted to a user interface, and displayed to a user. In some embodiments, imagery from each transducer element may be combined into a single image using various image combining techniques.

Diagrams600ofFIG. 6illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including a single transducer assembly and multiple transducer modules formed according to a folded design. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, two module frames may be formed so as to be attached along a living or molded hinge such that when the two module frames are folded along the hinge, the respective shapes of the module frames limit the folding action to relative orientations that set the transducer modules' relative emission angles, as shown.

For example, in one embodiment, both module frames may be formed from a single sheet of machined, cast, and/or molded material that includes the living hinge disposed between the module frames. Assembly of the various components of the transducer modules may be performed as described generally herein. In addition, the formation of a potting layer and/or a matching layer may be performed for multiple modules (e.g., joined by a hinge) at the same time and without the need for a shaped fixture (e.g., the fixture used for potting may be substantially flat). The shape of each module frame may be selected to produce desired relative emission angles when the assembled transducer modules are folded towards each other along the hinge. As shown inFIG. 6, one or more module clips or other type of retention systems may be used to secure the two transducer modules in the folded position while the transducer modules are clipped or otherwise secured to the assembly top. In various embodiments, the resulting structure may be attached to the assembly bottom using the methods described herein. As noted in conjunction withFIG. 5, the assembly top and bottom may be sized to allow inclusion of various electronic components, and each transducer module may include one or multiple transducer elements and/or transducer element assemblies.

For example, in one embodiment, the transducer element assembly may include three individual linear transducer elements, each approximately 70 mm long and surrounded by approximately 1.5 mm of matching layer material, conductive epoxy, solder, and/or other material, and resulting in a transducer element assembly approximately 216 mm (e.g., 7.5-8.5 in) long. The individual linear transducer elements may be electrically coupled to form a single linear transducer element assembly, for example, to form multiple individual linear transducer elements with longitudinally separated acoustic beams, or to form an electronically selectable version of both. In such embodiment, the transducer assembly may be approximately 260 mm (e.g., 10 in) long to allow room for the transducer modules, electrical connections, electronics modules, and/or other shaping of the assembly top and/or bottom.

Diagrams700ofFIG. 7illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including a single transducer assembly and multiple transducer modules formed according to an interlocking design. In the embodiments shown inFIG. 7, individual module frames may be formed so as to attach to each other using one or more joints (e.g., one or more dovetail and/or jigsaw joints, for example) such that when one module frame is attached to another using the one or more joints, the respective shapes of the module frames and joints set the relative orientations and/or positions of the transducer modules that, in turn, set the transducer modules' relative emission angles and/or positions, as shown. Assembly of the various components of the transducer modules may be performed as described generally herein. In addition, the formation of potting layers and/or matching layers may or may not be performed for multiple different modules at the same time, and without the need for a shaped fixture.

In some embodiments, various types of transducer module frames (e.g., down vision, side vision, blanking, and/or dual element versions of each, as shown) may be formed so as to produce desired relative emission angles and/or positions when the corresponding transducer modules are joined and/or locked together. To explain, a down vision transducer module (e.g., a down scan transducer module) may refer to a transducer module configured to produce an acoustic beam aimed substantially downward through the assembly bottom, a side vision transducer module (e.g., a side scan transducer module) may refer to a transducer module configured to produce an acoustic beam aimed substantially through a side of the assembly bottom, and a blanking transducer module may refer to a non-operational transducer module frame (e.g., corresponding to a down vision or side vision transducer module without a transducer element) configured to space adjoining transducer elements. Dual element versions of each may refer to a single transducer module including two transducer elements/element assemblies, for example, or may refer to multiple similarly-typed transducer modules interlocked together. One or more of each type of transducer module may be joined to produce a variety of different transducer module arrangements, as shown inFIG. 7, which can help reduce manufacturing expense and increase yield rates across a relatively wide range of product lines. Dual and/or multiple transducer modules may be used to perform multi-beam sonar imaging, interferometry sonar imaging, and/or relatively high power sonar imaging, for example.

Diagrams800ofFIG. 8illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including a single transducer assembly and multiple transducer modules with user and/or individually adjustable orientations. In the embodiments shown inFIG. 8, individual module frames may be formed so as to include a ratchet or notch detail at one or both ends to secure the transducer modules in a particular orientation relative to the transducer assembly (e.g., the assembly top and/or bottom). Corresponding ratchets, notches, thumb dials, and/or actuators/motors may be integrated with the assembly top and/or bottom to allow user adjustment of each transducer module's orientation, as shown.

In some embodiments, each transducer module may be tube-shaped so that multiple transducer modules of the same shape (e.g., manufactured using the same assembly line/techniques) may be used in a single transducer assembly. For example, each transducer module may be formed by coupling the transducer element, the insulating cover, and the conductive can to each other, sliding the resulting structure into an end of a tubular module frame (e.g., including the ratchet/notch detail), and then potting the various components together. Additionally, since the depicted transducer modules are substantially open to the environment, an additional protective layer or waterproof seal (e.g., polyurethane or another sealing plastic) may be formed around the transducer module, and each transducer module may include its own electrical conduit. In other embodiments, each transducer module may include a two part module frame and be assembled similar to the coupling of the assembly top to the assembly bottom described with reference toFIGS. 5-7.

As shown inFIG. 8, in some embodiments, the assembly top and bottom may be screwed together to fix the relative emission angles of the ratcheted/notched transducer modules. The assembly top may include an assembly bracket, for example, and/or may be attached to the fuselage, transom, and/or hull of a mobile structure. In additional embodiments, the sonar system may include multiple transducer assemblies, each with its own adjustable tube-shaped transducer module, where each transducer assembly may be individually mounted to a hull of a mobile structure. It is contemplated that each transducer assembly may include one, two, three, or many transducer modules with linked and/or individual ratchets, notches, and/or actuators.

Diagrams900ofFIG. 9illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including a single transducer assembly and multiple transducer modules with individual orientations set by one or more end caps physically coupled to each transducer module and, in some embodiments, to the assembly top. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, individual module frames may be formed so as to have ends configured to mate with one or more corresponding recesses in end caps to secure the transducer modules in a particular orientation relative to each other and/or the transducer assembly (e.g., the assembly top and/or bottom). Such end caps may be configured to secure one, two, and/or any number of transducer modules. In some embodiments, the end caps may be configured to physically couple the transducer modules to the transducer assembly top and/or bottom, using corresponding end clips for example, and may be configured to form at least a portion of a physical retention system for the transducer modules, as described herein. In various embodiments, the emission angles of the transducer modules may be set by the shape of the end caps, and desired emission angles may be implemented (e.g., by a manufacturer and/or a user) by selecting pairs of end caps with shapes corresponding to the desired emission angles and then assembling the transducer assembly with the selected end caps.

In related embodiments, the end caps may include one or more gears, actuators, thumb dials, ratchets, and/or notches, for example, and be configured to allow and/or provide adjustment of the individual, collective, and/or relative emission angles of the transducer modules while the transducer assembly is assembled, similar to the embodiments described with reference toFIG. 8. In other embodiments, the mating surfaces of the assembly bracket may be adjusted mechanically, such as by inserting shims and/or wedges between the mating surfaces and the transducer assemblies, for example, to select other emission angles. In one embodiment, the transducer element assembly may include three individual linear transducer elements, disposed end to end, and resulting in a transducer element assembly approximately 216 mm (e.g., 7.5-8.5 in) long (e.g., similar to the embodiments described with reference toFIG. 6) and a transducer module approximately 224 mm long. Shorter and longer lengths are contemplated, for example, to narrow or widen resulting acoustic beams, as described herein. In various embodiments, the transducer assembly may be approximately 260 mm (e.g., 10 in) long to allow room for the transducer modules, electrical connections, electronics modules, end caps and/or clips, and/or other shaping of the assembly top and/or bottom. Other lengths are contemplated to adjust to the selected length of the transducer modules.

Diagrams1000ofFIG. 10illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including multiple transducer assemblies and multiple transducer modules with individual orientations set by an assembly bracket. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, each transducer assembly includes a single transducer module, and each transducer assembly is configured to physically couple to a different portion of the assembly bracket. In other embodiments, each transducer assembly may include multiple transducer modules, similar to the embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 6-9. Moreover, each transducer module may include multiple transducer elements and/or transducer element assemblies, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the assembly bracket may be implemented from a relatively rigid material, such as a molded, cast, and/or folded plastic or metal, for example. The assembly bracket may be configured to provide mating surfaces for each transducer assembly, for example, and the shape of the mating surfaces and/or assembly bracket may be configured to set the relative orientations of the transducer assemblies, which in turn may be configured to set and/or limit the emission angles of the transducer modules. As shown inFIG. 10, the assembly bracket may be configured to physically couple to a transom bracket, for example, and may include one or more joints, hinges, pivot points, actuators, and/or other structures to allow and/or provide adjustment of the orientations of the coupled transducer assemblies. As is also shown inFIG. 10, the assembly bracket may be configured to include two, three, or any number of mating surfaces and/or physically coupled transducer assemblies.

In one embodiment, the transducer modules (e.g., the module frames) may be approximately 216 mm (e.g., 7.5-8.5 in) long (e.g., similar to the embodiments described with reference toFIG. 6), for example, or may be between approximately 216 mm and 224 mm long (e.g., similar to the embodiments described with reference toFIG. 9). Various other lengths are contemplated, for example, to narrow or widen resulting acoustic beams, as described herein. In various embodiments, the transducer assemblies may be approximately 260 mm (e.g., 10 in) long to allow room for the transducer modules, electrical connections, electronics modules, other structures, and/or other shaping of the assembly tops and/or bottoms. Other lengths are contemplated to adjust to the selected length of the transducer modules, and may include lengths approximately 20% longer than the selected length of the transducer modules.

Diagrams1100ofFIG. 11illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including multiple transducer assemblies and multiple transducer modules with individual orientations set by an assembly bracket, similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the assembly bracket may be configured to include a mating surface physically coupling an electronics module to the assembly bracket. In some embodiments, the electronics module may be implemented as a sealed box containing one or more controllers, orientation sensors, electrical junctions, and/or other devices and/or systems described herein. For example, the electronics module may include one or more electrical junctions configured to combine electrical cables (e.g., containing power leads and/or sensor, control, and/or communication signal wires) from each transducer assembly into a single electrical cable (e.g., coupling the transducer assemblies to additional devices and/or systems).

Also shown inFIG. 11, each transducer assembly may include a number of mounting screws holes and/or electrical conduits, and the transducer assembly may include various screw holes and/or orifices in corresponding mating surfaces to facilitate physically coupling the transducer assemblies to the assembly bracket. As shown, the electrical conduits and/or screw holes may be staggered along a transducer assembly length to allow identical transducer assemblies to be mated to adjoining mating surfaces of the assembly bracket.FIG. 11also shows a transom bracket coupled to the assembly bracket. In some embodiments, the transom bracket may be configured to physical couple the assembly bracket and/or the transducer assemblies to the transom of a mobile structure, for example, and/or to provide or allow adjustment of an orientation of the transducer assemblies and/or the assembly bracket relative to the mobile structure.

In some embodiments, the transducer modules may be approximately 213 mm long, for example, or may be between approximately 213 mm and 224 mm long. In various embodiments, the transducer assemblies may be approximately 258 mm to 260 mm long to allow room for the transducer modules, electrical connections, electronics modules, other structures, and/or other shaping of the assembly tops and/or bottoms. The length of the assembly bracket may or may not substantially correspond to the length of the transducer assemblies. Other lengths for the transducer modules, corresponding transducer elements, the transducer assemblies, and/or the assembly bracket are contemplated.

Diagrams1200ofFIG. 12illustrate an embodiment of a sonar system including multiple transducer assemblies and multiple transducer modules with individual orientations set by an assembly bracket, similar to the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 10 and 11, but where orientations of the transducer assemblies and/or modules may be adjusted without also adjusting their relative positions, similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 12, the mating surfaces of the assembly bracket may be formed in the shape of one or more curved gull wings (e.g., as viewed from the long end of the assembly bracket), for example, and may include one or more slotted mounting screw holes allowing each transducer assembly to be rotated in the mating surface to adjust the orientation of the transducer assembly (e.g., to adjust its “roll” relative to the assembly bracket) without adjusting its position relative to other transducer assemblies physically coupled to the assembly bracket (e.g., measured center-to-center).

In some embodiments, the gull wing assembly bracket may be implemented from a relatively rigid material, such as a molded, cast, and/or folded plastic or metal, for example, and may include one or more ribs, embedded reinforcing bars, and/or other reinforcing structures. As shown inFIG. 12, the gull wing assembly bracket may be configured to physically couple to a transom bracket, for example, and may include one or more joints, hinges, pivot points, actuators, electronics modules, and/or other structures to allow and/or provide adjustment of the orientation of the assembly bracket and/or the coupled transducer assemblies. In one embodiment, the assembly bracket may include one or more actuators and/or electronics modules, for example, configured to adjust an orientation of the transducer modules, for example by rotating each transducer assembly individually and/or all transducer assemblies collectively according to one or more control signals provided by a controller. The assembly bracket may be configured to include two, three, or any number of physically coupled transducer assemblies and/or curved mating surfaces, where the shape of each curved mating surface and/or corresponding slotted mounting screw holes are configured to help to define the range of orientation adjustments for each transducer assembly relative to an orientation of the assembly bracket.

Also shown inFIG. 12, each transducer assembly may include a number of mounting screw bosses, end caps, and/or electrical conduits, and the transducer assembly may include various slotted screw holes in corresponding mating surfaces to facilitate physically coupling the transducer assemblies to the assembly bracket. The mounting screw bosses may be implemented as screw holes and/or a pattern of ribs, roughened surfaces, and/or other structures configured to reduce or eliminate slip between a transducer assembly and a corresponding mating surface when they are pressed together (e.g., when the transducer assembly is securely physically coupled to the assembly bracket).

Each transducer assembly may include one or more transducer modules and/or transducer module arrangements, for example, and each may have various selected lengths, as described herein. As shown inFIG. 12, in some embodiments, the transducer assemblies may be formed to be substantially identical (e.g., externally and/or internally, to help reduce manufacturing cost and/or increase yield rates) and formed roughly in the shape of a tube and/or with an external curved surface configured to mate securely with the curved mating surface of the gull wing assembly bracket throughout a range of rotations. In such embodiments, the transducer assemblies may include a pair of external end caps configured to help seal the transducer assemblies against environmental ingress and/or help make the overall shape of the transducer assembly substantially streamlined. In some embodiments, one or both the end caps may also be configured to help orient one or more transducer modules disposed within the transducer assemblies, similar to the internal end caps described with reference toFIG. 9.

In various embodiments, one or both end caps for each transducer assembly may be implemented with electrical conduits. As shown, each electrical conduit may be positioned and/or formed in the end cap to allow otherwise identical transducer assemblies to be mated to adjoining mating surfaces of the assembly bracket. In some embodiments, each electrical conduit may be positioned to provide sufficient separation of electrical cables coupled to the electrical conduits to allow full adjustment of the orientations of adjacent transducer assemblies, as provided for by the slotted mounting screw holes in the assembly bracket, the mounting screw bosses in the transducer assemblies, and the shapes of the transducer assemblies and/or the assembly bracket. In various embodiments, the lengths for the transducer modules (e.g., including the end caps), corresponding transducer elements, the transducer assemblies, and/or the assembly bracket may be selected to emphasize compactness, specific acoustic beam characteristics, ease of actuation, aero and/or hydro-dynamics, and/or other characteristics of a constituent sonar system, including the various lengths described herein with reference toFIGS. 6 and 9-11).

As those of some skill will appreciate, sonar transducers that are fitted to the transom of a watercraft (e.g., mobile structure101as illustrated inFIG. 2) are often subject to collision with submerged objects, which can result in damage to the transducer and/or the watercraft. One method for reducing this problem is to provide a “kick-up” mechanism that, upon a collision with a submerged object, releases the transducer to rotate through a pivot mechanism that is attached to the watercraft. This reduces the force of the impact on both the transducer and the transom/watercraft.

FIG. 13Ais an upper, right side and rear end perspective view of an example embodiment of such a transducer support and kick-up assembly1300of a sonar system, andFIG. 13Bis a cross-sectional view of the example transducer support and kick-up assembly1300, as seen along the lines of the section13B-13B taken inFIG. 13A.FIG. 14Ais a right side elevation view of the assembly1300, showing a transducer support arm1304of the assembly disposed in a deployed or operational position relative to a mounting bracket1302of the assembly, andFIG. 14Bis a right side elevation view of the assembly1300, showing the transducer support arm1304disposed in a retracted or kicked-up position relative to the mounting bracket1302.

As illustrated in these figures, the example transducer support and kick-up assembly1300comprises an attachment or mounting bracket1302for mounting the assembly1300to, for example, the transom of a boat, a transducer support arm1304, and a pivoting mechanism1306that pivotably couples the transducer support arm1304to the mounting bracket1302. As described in more detail below, the pivoting mechanism1306is configured, on one hand, to hold the transducer support arm1304, and hence, one or more transducer assemblies1308coupled to it, at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket1302, and against forces acting on the transducer support arm1304that are less than a preselected “kick-up” level of force, such as those acting on the transducer support aim1304and associated sensors1308as a result of being pulled, trolled, or conveyed through water by, e.g., a boat or other vessel, and on the other hand, to allow the transducer support arm1304and associated transducer assemblies1308to “kick up,” or be moved to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket1302by forces acting on the transducer support arm1304and associated transducer assemblies1308that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, such as those acting on the transducer support arm1304and associated transducer assemblies1308as a result of a collision between the latter and a submerged object. Moreover, the pivoting mechanism1306advantageously allows a user to move or reset the transducer support arm1304, and hence, the one or more transducer assemblies1308coupled to it, to the first angular position at a user specified later time without the need for tools (e.g., allen/hex wrench, screwdriver, pliers, and/or other tools) to ensure proper alignment to the first angular position.

Thus,FIG. 14Aillustrates the transducer support arm1304and associated transducer assemblies1308disposed in a “deployed” or first angular position relative to the mounting bracket1302, such that the transducer assemblies1308are disposed, for example, below the surface of a body of water through which they can be conveyed, e.g., by a boat to which the mounting bracket1302is mounted, and below the lower trailing edge of the transom so as to be substantially below the hull of the boat.FIG. 14Billustrates the transducer support arm1304and associated transducer assemblies1308disposed in a “kicked-up,” or retracted, second angular position relative to the mounting bracket1302, such that the transducer assemblies1308are disposed above the lower trailing edge of the transom so as to be substantially above the hull of the boat and/or partially or fully above the surface of the body of water.

As discussed above in connection withFIGS. 5-12, in some embodiments, the transducer assemblies1308can be elongated and arranged on the transducer support arm1304to be conveyed by the associated vessel longitudinally through a body of water, for example, in the direction of the arrow1310inFIG. 14A. In this configuration, the forces acting on the transducer support arm1304primarily comprise those acting on the leading or forward end1312of the transducer assemblies1308, and the kick-up level corresponds to a force imparted to the forward end of the transducer assemblies1308by a collision of the transducer assemblies1308with a submerged object while being pulled through the water.

As discussed above in connection withFIG. 12, in some embodiments, the transducer assemblies1308can be respectively configured with arcuate upper surfaces and the transducer support arm1304can be configured with arcuate lower surfaces corresponding to the upper surface of the transducer assemblies1308. As illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the arcuate lower surfaces of the transducer support arm1304can be respectively provided with circumferential slots1314extending through them. This enables the angular position of the transducer assemblies1308relative to the transducer support arm1304to be manually adjusted by rotating them about their long axes relative to the transducer support arm1304before the transducer assemblies1308are fixed to the latter using, e.g., threaded fasteners1316that respectively extend through the circumferential slots1314and into corresponding threaded receptacles in the transducer assemblies1308. In some embodiments, transducer support arm1304may be provided with multiple sets of transducer assembly alignment slots1315which may be used to set predetermined depression angles for transducer assemblies1308by mating with corresponding elongate nubs1317formed in an outer surface of transducer assemblies1308.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 13B, in some embodiments, the pivoting mechanism1306can comprise a pair1318of ratchet plates1320respectively coupled to associated ones of the mounting bracket1302and the transducer support arm1304for conjoint rotation therewith. In the particular example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13B, the pivoting mechanism1306includes two pairs1318of the ratchet plates1320disposed bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a sagittal plane extending though the transducer support and kick-up assembly1300. As illustrated inFIGS. 13B, 15B and 15C, each of the ratchet plates1320is provided with a circular array of cylindrical bosses1322protruding from one face of the ratchet plate1320, each of which snaps into a corresponding one of a circular array of apertures1324disposed in the associated mounting bracket1302or transducer support arm1304.

As illustrated in, e.g.,FIGS. 13B, 15A, 15B and 15C, each of the ratchet plates1320has a plurality of radial teeth1326extending from a side of the plate opposite to the bosses1322that, during assembly, extend laterally to interdigitate with the teeth1326of the opposing ratchet plate1320of that pair1318. As illustrated inFIG. 13B, the respective ratchet plates1320of each pair1318of plates are biased toward each other laterally with a resilient biasing force such that rotation of the transducer support arm1304relative to the mounting bracket1302, and hence, the teeth1326of one plate1320of each pair1318relative to the teeth1326of the opposing plate1320of the pair1318, causes the two plates1320of each pair1318to be forced apart laterally and against the resilient biasing force. Thus, the force that must be applied to the transducer support arm1304to allow it to rotate relative to the mounting bracket1302can be selectably controlled by controlling the resilient lateral biasing force applied to the ratchet plates1320.

In the particular example embodiment ofFIG. 13B, the resilient biasing force is applied to the ratchet plates1320by means of a coaxial assembly comprising a compression stop1328that extends coaxially through central openings in each of the mounting bracket1302, transducer support arm1304and ratchet plates1320, a spacing tube1330disposed concentrically about the compression stop1328, and a pair of spring washers1332, each of which is compressed axially inward toward the ratchet plates1320by means of a corresponding threaded fastener1334that engages in a corresponding threaded aperture in a corresponding end of the compression stop1328. Thus, the force that must be applied to the transducer support arm1304to allow it to rotate relative to the mounting bracket1302can be selectably adjusted by controlling the spring force exerted by the two spring washers1332in compression (e.g., ultimately against spacing tube1330), i.e., by controlling their spring constant. Loosening of the two threaded fasteners1334decompresses the spring washers1332, and hence, reduces the resilient biasing force acting on the ratchet plates1320. As discussed below, this enables the angular position of the transducer support arm1304relative to the mounting plate1302to be adjusted manually using little or no force, whereas, tightening of the two threaded fasteners1334increases the resilient biasing force acting on the ratchet plates1320to the selected “kick-up” level of force (e.g., to provide proper positioning during motion through water).

As those of some skill will appreciate, it might be desirable to provide a mechanism for returning the transducer assemblies1308to a known position, such as illustrated inFIG. 14A, for normal operation after a kick-up event has occurred, or after the user has moved the transducer assemblies1308manually to a safe non-operational position, such as illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 14A. As illustrated in, e.g.,FIGS. 13A, 14A and 14B, this can be achieved through an end stop mechanism1336. In the particular example embodiment illustrated in these figures, the end stop mechanism1336is rotatably disposed on the pivoting mechanism1306for rotational movement relative to the mounting bracket1302and the transducer support arm1304.

The end stop mechanism1336includes a location pin1338(see, also,FIG. 15A) configured to engage within one of a plurality of adjustment holes1340disposed in the transducer support aim1302and arrayed in a semicircular pattern about the pivoting mechanism1306so as to prevent rotation of the end stop mechanism1336relative to the transducer support arm1304, and a stop tab1342disposed to abut the mounting bracket1302when the transducer support arm1304is disposed in the first angular position, as illustrated inFIG. 14A, and thereby prevent further rotation of the transducer support arm1304away from the mounting bracket1302.

Thus, the position of the end stop mechanism1336can be initially set by the user manually using the adjustment holes1340, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 14A, where the transducer support arm1304is shown rotated or deployed to the horizontal position relative to the mounting bracket1302, i.e., for operational use. Then, an impact force acting on the front end1312of the transducer assemblies1308of a magnitude equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up value will actuate the ratcheting action of the pivoting mechanism1306discussed above and allow the transducer support arm1304to rotate to a retracted position, such as that illustrated inFIG. 14B. The end stop mechanism1336will rotate with the transducer support arm1304, as also illustrated inFIG. 14B, because it is physically connected to (e.g., registered to) the arm by the location pin1338.

Then, to return the transducer support arm1304and transducer assemblies1308to their original position, a force is applied (e.g., manually) on the top of the transducer support arm1304to rotate the arm back to the stop position, which is provided by the stop tab1338of the end stop mechanism1336coming into abutting contact with the support bracket1302. The transducer support arm1304is then prevented from rotating any further relative to the support bracket1302by the end stop mechanism. The user can initially set the end stop position by releasing loosening the threaded fasteners1334, which as discussed above, releases the compression force on the ratchet plates1320and end stop mechanism1336. The transducer support arm1304can then be easily moved to the desired or first angular position illustrated inFIG. 14Aand the end stop position can be set by holding the stop tab1342of the end stop mechanism1336against the attachment bracket1302, inserting the location pin1338into the closest end stop mechanism adjustment hole1340and re-tightening the threaded fasteners1334. In some embodiments, a second end stop mechanism may be implemented on a second side of the support arm1304in a mirror like fashion for additional mechanical support.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, both the teeth1326of the ratchet plates1320and the adjustment holes1340are positioned at about 10 degree intervals, thereby enabling the end stop position of the transducer support arm204relative to the mounting bracket1302to be set with a resolution of about 10 degrees. This, in turn, enables the deployed angular position of the transducer support arm1304and transducer assemblies1308relative to the mounting bracket1302and the surface of a body of water within which they are immersed to be varied so as to accommodate any tumblehome or rake, i.e., variation from the vertical, in a boat transom to which the transducer support and kick-up assembly1300may be attached. Of course, the resolution of the teeth1326of the ratchet plates1320and the adjustment holes1340can be different than that discussed above, depending on the particular application at hand.

FIGS. 15A-15Hare views illustrating sequential steps involved in an example method for assembling the transducer support and kick-up assembly1300. As discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 15A, a “kit” for assembling the assembly1300comprises a mounting bracket1302, a transducer support arm1304, two pairs of ratchet plates1320, a compression stop1328, a spacing tube1330, a pair of spring washers1332, a pair of threaded fasteners1334and an end stop mechanism1336.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15B and 15C, a first step in the assembly method can comprise snapping the bosses1322of the ratchet plates1320into the corresponding apertures1324in the associated mounting bracket1302and transducer support arm1304. As illustrated inFIG. 15D, after the ratchet plates1320have been installed, the ratchet plates1320of the mounting bracket1302can be slipped between the opposing ratchet plates1320of the transducer support arm1304to form corresponding pairs1318of plates1320and such that the respective teeth1326of the ratchet plates1320interdigitate with the teeth1326of the opposing plate1320in each pair, resulting in the “loose” assembly illustrated inFIGS. 15E and 15F.

As further illustrated inFIG. 15F, the spacing tube1330can then be loosely positioned within the mounting bracket1302and between the pairs1318of the ratchet plates1320and held there while the compression stop1328is slid coaxially through central openings in each of the mounting bracket1302, transducer support arm1304, ratchet plates1320, and the spacing tube1330, as illustrated inFIG. 15G. As illustrated inFIG. 15H, after the compression stop1328has been installed, it can be loosely retained in place by installing one of the threaded fasteners1334and associated spring washers1332in an end of the compression stop1328on a side of the transducer support arm/mounting bracket1304opposite to the side upon which the end stop mechanism1336is to be mounted, resulting in the assembly illustrated inFIG. 15I.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15J, 15K and 15L, the end stop mechanism1336can then be positioned against the side of the transducer support arm1304on which the associated adjustment holes1340are located, with the location pin1338disposed within one of the openings1340, and with an opening1344in the end stop mechanism1336disposed concentrically over the compression stop1328, as illustrated inFIG. 15J. As illustrated inFIGS. 15K and 15L, the end stop mechanism1336can then be retained in place by installing the other one of the threaded fasteners1334through the associated spring washers1332and the opening1344of the end stop mechanism1336and into the other end of the compression stop1328, and which point, the assembly of the pivoting mechanism1306is essentially complete, and resulting in the assembly illustrated inFIGS. 15M, 15N and 15O.

FIGS. 16A-16Hillustrate sequential steps involved in an example method for installing one or more transducer assemblies1308and associated wiring cables onto the lower surfaces of the transducer support arm1304of the assembly1300, as described in detail above. For example, as shown inFIG. 16A, transducer assemblies1308(e.g., along with cabling and/or electronics) may be provided along with transducer support and kick-up assembly1300including mounting bracket1302and transducer support arm1304. In embodiments where transducer support and kick-up assembly is assembled, a first one of the transducer assemblies1308may be threaded through a void formed between mounting bracket1302and transducer support arm1304, with end stop mechanism1336either engaged with mounting bracket1302as shown inFIG. 16B, for example, or swung away from mounting bracket1302in an at least partially kicked up position (e.g., similar to that shown inFIG. 14B). The second transducer assembly1308may then be threaded through in a similar fashion as shown inFIGS. 16C, 16D, and 16E.

Once transducer assemblies1308(e.g., and their associated cabling and/or electronics) are threaded through assembly1300, the transducer assemblies1308may be positioned adjacent to corresponding lower mounting surfaces of the transducer support arm1304as shown inFIGS. 16F and 16G. For example, as shown inFIG. 16G, a first pair of aligned elongate nubs1317protruding from a top outer surface of a first transducer assembly may be positioned within one pair of the three pairs of transducer assembly alignment slots1315(e.g., each pair including an alignment slot near pivoting mechanism1306and a similarly aligned slot near an opposite end of transducer support arm1304, as shown) to select a particular known depression angle for the first transducer assembly, and a second pair of aligned elongate nubs1317protruding from the second transducer assembly may be positioned within the mirror pair of transducer assembly alignment slots1315to select the same known depression angle for the second transducer assembly before securing both transducer assemblies1308to transducer support arm1304using threaded fasteners1316threaded through circumferential slots1314and into threaded holes in transducer assemblies1308as shown inFIGS. 16G and 16H.

The various embodiments described herein may each include various repeatable and/or identical internal and/or external structures, may be formed from various similar and/or identical materials, and/or may be fabricated using various repeatable and/or identical manufacturing processes, each of which may be selected to increase yield rates with relatively small dimensional tolerances (e.g., resulting in highly reliable and accurate devices at volume) and to reduce manufacturing costs across a large range of product lines. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein provide a modular methodology to the design, manufacture, and use of sonar systems that reduces overall system cost and provides the additional features and greater ease of use that arise from the increased system accuracy, flexibility, and control offered by embodiments of the present disclosure.