Optical fiber curvature sensor with conical cantilever beam structure

Abstract

An optical fiber curvature sensor of a conical cantilever beam structure belongs to the field of optical fiber curvature sensors and comprises a first cylinder and a second cylinder, an optical fiber fixing rod is arranged between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and a first optical fiber groove and a second optical fiber groove are formed in the periphery of the optical fiber fixing rod. One end of the optical fiber fixing rod passes through the first through hole of the first cylinder and is connected with a first buffer mechanism arranged in the first cylinder. The other end of the optical fiber fixing rod passes through the first through hole of the second cylinder and is connected with a second buffer mechanism arranged in the second cylinder. The first buffer mechanism and the second buffer mechanism are arranged at the two ends of the optical fiber fixing rod respectively, the optical fiber storage cavity is formed, and optical fibers with certain allowance lengths are stored in the optical fiber storage cavity in a coiling, folding and stacking mode. The probability that the optical fiber of the optical fiber curvature sensor is damaged or broken due to the deformation of the conveying belt or the influence of external force in the use process is effectively reduced, and the long-term stable use of the optical fiber curvature sensor is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fiber optic curvature sensors, specifically a fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic curvature sensors are widely used in the field of mineral extraction. During the mineral extraction process, the overall transportation status of underground transportation equipment is crucial to transportation safety and efficiency. If the conveyor belt of the entire transportation equipment is not in a straight line but is displaced or bent, it can cause the transported minerals to spill, or even cause the conveyor belt to deviate or jam, seriously affecting the safety and continuity of mineral transportation. Therefore, it is necessary to use fiber optic curvature sensors to monitor the usage status of the conveyor belt of underground transportation equipment in real time, and make timely adjustments when displacement or bending occurs, thereby ensuring the stable operation of transportation.

[0003] However, existing fiber optic curvature sensors typically fix the fiber optic end by creating two fiber optic slots on a rubber rod. The fiber optic end is then fixed to the conveyor belt of the underground transport equipment at a certain set distance. The position of the conveyor belt is determined by real-time acquisition of changes in light wavelength. However, when the fixed end is subjected to deformation of the conveyor belt or other external forces that cause the rubber rod to bend or displace, the fiber optic end is prone to damage or even breakage during use due to its poor elasticity, affecting normal operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an optical fiber curvature sensor with a tapered cantilever beam structure to address the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder. A fiber optic fixing rod is disposed between the first and second cylinders. The outer periphery of the fiber optic fixing rod has a first fiber optic groove and a second fiber optic groove. The angle between the opening directions of the first and second fiber optic grooves is 90°. The first and second fiber optic grooves can fix the middle part of the fiber optic cable. A first through hole is disposed at the corresponding position of the first and second cylinders and the fiber optic fixing rod. One end of the fiber optic fixing rod passes through the first through hole of the first cylinder and is connected to a first buffer mechanism disposed inside the first cylinder. The first buffer mechanism can slide and rotate inside the first cylinder. The other end of the fiber optic fixing rod passes through the first through hole of the second cylinder and is connected to a second buffer mechanism disposed inside the second cylinder. The second buffer mechanism can slide inside the second cylinder. A fiber optic connector is disposed at the end of the first and second cylinders away from the fiber optic fixing rod. The two ends of the fiber optic cable are electrically connected to the corresponding fiber optic connectors.

[0006] As described above, the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure includes a first buffer mechanism comprising a first ball bearing column. The end of the first ball bearing column near the fiber optic fixing rod is fixedly connected to the end of the fiber optic fixing rod. Several first ball bearing grooves are evenly opened on the outer periphery of the first ball bearing column. First balls are disposed in the first ball bearing grooves. The opening width of the first ball bearing groove is smaller than the diameter of the first ball bearing, allowing the first ball bearing to contact the inner wall of the first cylinder.

[0007] As described above, in the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure, a bearing seat is provided at the end of the first ball column away from the fiber optic fixing rod, which is capable of relative rotation with the first ball column. One end of the bearing seat is fixedly connected to one end of the first spring, and the other end of the first spring is fixedly connected to the end of the first cylinder away from the fiber optic fixing rod. The first ball column and the bearing seat are hollow in the center, and the optical fiber can pass through the first ball column, the bearing seat, and the interior of the first spring in sequence.

[0008] As described above, in the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure, the second buffer mechanism includes a second ball bearing column. The end of the second ball bearing column near the fiber optic fixing rod is fixedly connected to the end of the fiber optic fixing rod. Several second ball bearing grooves are evenly opened on the outer circumference of the first ball bearing column. Second balls are disposed in the second ball bearing grooves. A sliding groove is provided on the inner wall of the second cylinder at a position corresponding to the second balls. The side of the second ball bearing near the sliding groove is located in the sliding groove, and the second ball bearing can slide along the direction of the sliding groove.

[0009] As described above, in the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure, the end of the second ball bearing column away from the fiber optic fixing rod is fixedly connected to one end of the second spring, and the other end of the second spring is fixedly connected to the end of the second cylinder away from the fiber optic fixing rod. The center of the second ball bearing column is hollow, and the optical fiber can pass through the interior of the second ball bearing column and the second spring in sequence.

[0010] In the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure as described above, the fiber optic fixing rod is made of spring steel.

[0011] As described above, in the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure, a fiber optic storage cavity is provided at the end of the first and second cylinders away from the fiber optic fixing rod. A fiber optic connector is provided at the end of the fiber optic storage cavity away from the first or second cylinder. A second through hole is opened on the side of the fiber optic storage cavity near the first or second cylinder. The fiber optic cable passes through the second through hole and is electrically connected to the fiber optic connector. The length of the portion of the fiber optic cable inside the fiber optic storage cavity is 2-3 times the length of the fiber optic storage cavity.

[0012] The advantages of this invention are: by setting a first buffer mechanism and a second buffer mechanism at both ends of the optical fiber fixing rod, and setting an optical fiber storage cavity and storing a certain length of optical fiber in the optical fiber storage cavity through methods such as coiling, folding and stacking, this invention effectively solves the problem of reducing the probability of damage or breakage of the optical fiber curvature sensor due to the deformation of the transport belt or the influence of external forces during use, thus ensuring the long-term stable use of the optical fiber curvature sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part I; Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of the section view along line AA; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of the section view along line BB; Figure 6 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0015] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. First cylinder; 2. Second cylinder; 3. Fiber optic fixing rod; 4. First fiber optic groove; 5. Second fiber optic groove; 6. Fiber optic cable; 7. First through hole; 8. Second through hole; 9. Fiber optic connector; 10. First ball bearing column; 11. First ball bearing groove; 12. First ball bearing; 13. Bearing seat; 14. First spring; 15. Second ball bearing column; 16. Second ball bearing groove; 17. Second ball bearing; 18. Sliding groove; 19. Second spring; 20. Fiber optic storage cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] like Figure 1-6 As shown, the fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure includes a first cylinder 1 and a second cylinder 2. A fiber optic fixing rod 3 is disposed between the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2. A first fiber optic groove 4 and a second fiber optic groove 5 are formed on the outer periphery of the fiber optic fixing rod 3. The included angle between the opening directions of the first fiber optic groove 4 and the second fiber optic groove 5 is 90°. The first fiber optic groove 4 and the second fiber optic groove 5 can fix the middle part of the fiber optic 6 (the stability of the fixed connection between the first fiber optic groove 4 and the second fiber optic groove 5 and the fiber optic 6 can be increased by adhesive). The corresponding positions of the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2 and the fiber optic fixing rod 3 are shown. A first through hole 7 is provided. One end of the optical fiber fixing rod 3 passes through the first through hole 7 of the first cylinder 1 and connects to a first buffer mechanism provided inside the first cylinder 1. The first buffer mechanism can slide and rotate within the first cylinder 1. The other end of the optical fiber fixing rod 3 passes through the first through hole 7 of the second cylinder 2 and connects to a second buffer mechanism provided inside the second cylinder 2. The second buffer mechanism can slide within the second cylinder 2. An optical fiber connector 9 is provided at the end of the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2 away from the optical fiber fixing rod 3. The two ends of the optical fiber 6 are electrically connected to the corresponding optical fiber connector 9. In this invention, when the optical fiber 6 of the optical fiber curvature sensor deforms due to conveyor belt deformation or external force, the first buffer mechanism can slide and rotate within the first cylinder 1, and the second buffer mechanism can slide within the second cylinder 2, effectively buffering the tension and torque on the optical fiber 6 and preventing damage to the optical fiber 6 due to excessive stretching, compression, or twisting.

[0018] Specifically, the first buffer mechanism described in this embodiment includes a first ball bearing post 10. One end of the first ball bearing post 10 near the fiber optic fixing rod 3 is fixedly connected to the end of the fiber optic fixing rod 3. Several first ball bearing grooves 11 are evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the first ball bearing post 10. First balls 12 are disposed within each first ball bearing groove 11. The opening width of the first ball bearing groove 11 is smaller than the diameter of the first ball bearing 12, allowing the first ball bearing 12 to contact the inner wall of the first cylinder 1. In this invention, the opening width of the first ball bearing groove 11 is smaller than the diameter of the first ball bearing 12. This design effectively prevents the first ball bearing 12 from falling out of the first ball bearing groove 11. When the fiber optic fixing rod 3 is displaced or rotated due to external factors, the first ball bearing 12 can roll on the inner wall of the first cylinder 1, converting the sliding friction between the first ball bearing post 10 and the first cylinder 1 into rolling friction. This reduces the frictional force during relative movement, making the sliding and rotation of the first buffer mechanism within the first cylinder 1 smoother and reducing the additional stress on the fiber optic 6 caused by excessive frictional resistance.

[0019] Specifically, in this embodiment, a bearing seat 13 is provided at the end of the first ball column 10 away from the optical fiber fixing rod 3, which can rotate relative to the first ball column 10. One end of the bearing seat 13 is fixedly connected to one end of the first spring 14, and the other end of the first spring 14 is fixedly connected to the end of the first cylinder 1 away from the optical fiber fixing rod 3. The first ball column 10 and the bearing seat 13 are hollow in the center, and the optical fiber 6 can pass through the first ball column 10, the bearing seat 13, and the first spring 14 in sequence. In this invention, the elastic extension and contraction characteristics of the first spring 14 provide a buffer force for the axial sliding of the first ball column 10 and provide power for the subsequent reset operation. When the conveyor belt deforms, causing the optical fiber fixing rod 3 to drive the first ball column 10 to move axially, the first spring 14 is compressed or stretched, thereby absorbing part of the impact force and preventing the optical fiber 6 from directly bearing severe axial tension or pressure. Meanwhile, the relative rotational design between the bearing housing 13 and the first ball column 10 ensures that the first spring 14 will not twist during the rotation of the first ball column 10, thus ensuring that the first spring 14 can always provide a stable buffering effect along the axial direction, further improving the reliability of the buffering effect.

[0020] More specifically, the second buffer mechanism described in this embodiment includes a second ball column 15, one end of which is fixedly connected to the end of the fiber optic fixing rod 3 near the fiber optic fixing rod 3. Several second ball grooves 16 are evenly opened on the outer periphery of the first ball column 10. Second balls 17 are disposed in the second ball grooves 16. A sliding groove 18 is disposed on the inner wall of the second cylinder 2 at a position corresponding to the second balls 17. The side of the second ball 17 near the sliding groove 18 is located in the sliding groove 18. The second ball 17 can slide along the direction of the sliding groove 18. In this invention, the sliding groove 18 guides the sliding direction of the second ball column 15, ensuring that the second ball column 10 can only slide along the axial direction of the second cylinder 2, preventing it from shifting when subjected to radial force and from being unable to rotate. When the fiber fixing rod 3 drives the second ball column 15 to move axially, the second ball 17 rolls in the sliding groove 18, converting the sliding friction between the second ball column 15 and the second cylinder 2 into rolling friction, reducing frictional resistance, making the sliding of the second buffer mechanism more stable and smooth, and reducing the additional pulling on the fiber 6.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end of the second ball bearing 15 furthest from the fiber optic fixing rod 3 is fixedly connected to one end of the second spring 19, and the other end of the second spring 19 is fixedly connected to the end of the second cylinder 2 furthest from the fiber optic fixing rod 3. The second ball bearing 15 is hollow in the center, allowing the optical fiber 6 to pass sequentially through the interior of the second ball bearing 15 and the second spring 19. The arrangement of the second spring 19 in this invention is similar to that of the first spring 14, utilizing its elastic expansion and contraction characteristics to provide buffering for the axial sliding of the second ball bearing 15. When the conveyor belt deforms and drives the fiber optic fixing rod 3 to move the second ball bearing 15 axially, the second spring 19 is compressed or stretched, thereby absorbing the corresponding impact force and further sharing the axial stress borne by the optical fiber 6. Working together with the first spring 14, it buffers and protects the axial force on the optical fiber 6 from both ends of the fiber optic fixing rod 3. Simultaneously, the design of the optical fiber 6 passing through the interior of the second spring 19 also makes the optical fiber 6's path within the second cylinder 2 more regular, avoiding unnecessary entanglement or friction between the optical fiber 6 and the second spring 19 or the inner wall of the second cylinder 2.

[0022] Furthermore, the fiber optic fixing rod 3 described in this embodiment is made of spring steel. The spring steel fiber optic fixing rod 3 in this invention possesses excellent elasticity and toughness, enabling it to elastically bend when the conveyor belt undergoes a certain degree of deformation. It can return to its original shape after the external force disappears, preventing breakage due to excessive rigidity or excessive stretching of the fiber optic cable 6. Its excellent mechanical properties ensure that the fiber optic fixing rod 3 is not prone to plastic deformation during long-term use, stably providing support and fixation for the fiber optic cable 6. Simultaneously, during deformation, its own elastic deformation further buffers external impact forces, indirectly protecting the fiber optic cable 6 from damage.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an optical fiber storage cavity 20 is provided at the end of the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2 away from the optical fiber fixing rod 3. An optical fiber connector 9 is provided at the end of the optical fiber storage cavity 20 away from the first cylinder 1 or the second cylinder 2. A second through hole 8 is opened on the side of the optical fiber storage cavity 20 close to the first cylinder 1 or the second cylinder 2. The optical fiber 6 passes through the second through hole 8 and is electrically connected to the optical fiber connector 9. The length of the portion of the optical fiber 6 inside the optical fiber storage cavity 20 is 2-3 times the length of the optical fiber storage cavity 20. In this invention, an optical fiber 6 with a length 2-3 times the length of the cavity is reserved in the optical fiber storage cavity 20. It is stored by coiling, folding, stacking, etc., providing sufficient length margin for the optical fiber 6. When the optical fiber fixing rod 3 is displaced due to the deformation of the transport belt or the action of external force, the optical fiber 6 can be pulled out from the optical fiber storage cavity 20, effectively avoiding excessive tensile stress caused by the direct tension of the optical fiber 6.

[0024] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure, characterized in that: The device includes a first cylindrical body (1) and a second cylindrical body (2). A fiber optic fixing rod (3) is provided between the first cylindrical body (1) and the second cylindrical body (2). A first fiber optic groove (4) and a second fiber optic groove (5) are formed on the outer periphery of the fiber optic fixing rod (3). The angle between the forming directions of the first fiber optic groove (4) and the second fiber optic groove (5) is 90°. The first fiber optic groove (4) and the second fiber optic groove (5) can fix the middle part of the fiber optic cable (6). A first through hole (7) is formed at the corresponding position of the first cylindrical body (1) and the second cylindrical body (2) and the fiber optic fixing rod (3). One end of the fiber optic fixing rod (3) passes through the first cylindrical body. (1) The first through hole (7) is connected to the first buffer mechanism provided in the first cylinder (1). The first buffer mechanism can slide and rotate in the first cylinder (1). The other end of the fiber fixing rod (3) passes through the first through hole (7) of the second cylinder (2) and is connected to the second buffer mechanism provided in the second cylinder (2). The second buffer mechanism can slide in the second cylinder (2). A fiber connector (9) is provided at the end of the first cylinder (1) and the second cylinder (2) away from the fiber fixing rod (3). The two ends of the fiber (6) are electrically connected to the fiber connector (9) on the corresponding side.

2. The fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first buffer mechanism includes a first ball column (10), one end of which is fixedly connected to the end of the fiber optic fixing rod (3) near the fiber optic fixing rod (3). Several first ball grooves (11) are evenly opened on the outer periphery of the first ball column (10). A first ball (12) is arranged in the first ball groove (11). The opening width of the first ball groove (11) is smaller than the diameter of the first ball (12), so that the first ball (12) can contact the inner wall of the first cylinder (1).

3. The fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first ball column (10) is provided with a bearing seat (13) at the end away from the optical fiber fixing rod (3) so that it can rotate relative to the first ball column (10). One end of the bearing seat (13) is fixedly connected to one end of the first spring (14), and the other end of the first spring (14) is fixedly connected to the end of the first cylinder (1) away from the optical fiber fixing rod (3). The first ball column (10) and the bearing seat (13) are hollow in the center. The optical fiber (6) can pass through the first ball column (10), the bearing seat (13) and the first spring (14) in sequence.

4. The fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second buffer mechanism includes a second ball column (15), one end of which is fixedly connected to the end of the fiber optic fixing rod (3) near the fiber optic fixing rod (3). Several second ball grooves (16) are evenly opened on the outer periphery of the first ball column (10). A second ball (17) is provided in the second ball groove (16). A sliding groove (18) is provided on the inner wall of the second cylinder (2) at the corresponding position of the second ball (17). The side of the second ball (17) near the sliding groove (18) is located in the sliding groove (18). The second ball (17) can slide along the direction of the sliding groove (18).

5. The fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the second ball column (15) away from the optical fiber fixing rod (3) is fixedly connected to one end of the second spring (19), and the other end of the second spring (19) is fixedly connected to the end of the second cylinder (2) away from the optical fiber fixing rod (3). The second ball column (15) is hollow in the center, and the optical fiber (6) can pass through the interior of the second ball column (15) and the second spring (19) in sequence.

6. The fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber fixing rod (3) is made of spring steel.

7. The fiber optic curvature sensor with a conical cantilever beam structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cylinder (1) and the second cylinder (2) are provided with an optical fiber storage cavity (20) at the end away from the optical fiber fixing rod (3). An optical fiber connector (9) is provided at the end of the optical fiber storage cavity (20) away from the first cylinder (1) or the second cylinder (2). A second through hole (8) is opened on the side of the optical fiber storage cavity (20) close to the first cylinder (1) or the second cylinder (2). The optical fiber (6) passes through the second through hole (8) and is electrically connected to the optical fiber connector (9). The length of the portion of the optical fiber (6) inside the optical fiber storage cavity (20) is 2-3 times the length of the optical fiber storage cavity (20).

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