Sonar transducers
US5016228A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1988 |
| Grant date | May 14, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R1/44
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A high power, low frequency flextensional transducer for underwater use comprises a number of spaced piezo-electric element stacks between opposed inserts. The stacks are placed on the plane through the major axis of an elliptical flexural shell and the inserts are shaped to conform with the elliptical shape. The stacks are assembled with first tapered supports and complementary tapered slides are wedged between the shell inserts and the tapered supports until a required pre-stress is exerted by the shell on the piezo-electrical stacks. End-plates are attached to the elliptical shell to complete the transducer; the shell having a compression bonded layer of neoprene applied, including a peripheral serrated lip seal to seal against the end-plate while permitting flexing of the shell. A means to provide wide band-width performance is also disclosed. To extend the range of operational depths the cavity within the transducer is filled with a gas whose vapour pressure can be temperature-controlled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.