초록 ▼

A speed sensor for a ship, more particularly, a thin speed sensor which can be mounted in the hull of the ship and remain flush with the outer surface of the hull. The transducer assembly for the speed sensor is composed of two thin piezoelectric transducers mounted in a spacer plate that locates th

A speed sensor for a ship, more particularly, a thin speed sensor which can be mounted in the hull of the ship and remain flush with the outer surface of the hull. The transducer assembly for the speed sensor is composed of two thin piezoelectric transducers mounted in a spacer plate that locates them in an exact position relative to each other. A baseplate and a coverplate are affixed by appropriate adhesive techniques to each side of the transducers to create a single transducer assembly. Holes through the baseplate and spacer plate permit electrical contact to each side of the transducers so that they may be stimulated to generate acoustic waves. The entire transducer assembly is significantly thinner than the hulls of most watercraft. Thus, a large hole completely through the hull is not necessary. Rather, a shallow recess approximately equal to the thickness of the transducer assembly is made in the hull to countersink the transducer assembly flush with the hull. A small hole to permit the electrical connections to be made to the transducer assembly can be made in the hull if desired. This invention provides for the easy manufacture and mass production of a thin transducer assembly which may be used on a wide variety of watercraft, including sailboards, waterskis, row boats, as well as speedboats and larger ships.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A watercraft and speed sensor combination comprising:a watercraft having a hull, the hull having a certain first thickness and a mechanical strength; anda transducer assembly coupled to the hull, the transducer assembly having a second thickness, the second thickness being thinner t

[ I claim:] [1.] A watercraft and speed sensor combination comprising:a watercraft having a hull, the hull having a certain first thickness and a mechanical strength; anda transducer assembly coupled to the hull, the transducer assembly having a second thickness, the second thickness being thinner than the hull, the transducer assembly having a mechanical strength less than the mechanical strength of the hull, yet sufficient to provide a watertight seal between itself and the hull, and the transducer assembly being rigidly coupled directly to the hull for support, the hull providing the required mechanical strength, and a single hole through the hull for providing electrical connection to the transducer assembly, and the transducer assembly extending outward along the hull away from the hole to provide the watertight seal for the hole in the hull.