Radio-Controlled Acoustic Modem for DFOS Remote Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) systems lack efficient remote control and power solutions, limiting their scalability and data transfer capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A radio-controlled, two-way acoustic modem that employs wireless radio signals for remote control and spatially multiplexed data transmission, and harnesses energy from high-voltage lines for self-powering, enhancing data transfer rates and operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single vibrator is used for acoustic transmission, then the device complexity is low, but the data transfer rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic modem segments the data transmission function across multiple vibrators positioned at different locations along the sensing fiber. Each vibrator transmits a portion of the data simultaneously, dividing the total data transfer task into parallel segments that increase overall throughput while maintaining manageable complexity at each node
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point acoustic transmission to spatially distributed transmission along the fiber length. By adding the spatial dimension with multiple vibrators at different positions, the system achieves n-fold data rate improvement while the DFOS system's distributed sensing capability handles the spatial complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control capability is added to acoustic modems, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic modem is designed with multi-functionality, integrating radio signal reception, acoustic signal generation, sensor data collection, and wireless power harvesting into a single device. This universal design allows remote reconfiguration and adaptation while consolidating control functions rather than adding separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The two-way communication capability enables feedback between the central controller and field acoustic modems. The modems can receive reconfiguration commands via radio signals and report their status and sensor data back, allowing adaptive operational adjustments without requiring physical access to each device
3Ease of operation
If wireless power harvesting from high-voltage lines is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic modem employs self-service by harvesting its own power wirelessly from ambient electromagnetic fields around high-voltage transmission lines. The device autonomously captures energy through electromagnetic induction without requiring external power connections, physical contact with power lines, or manual installation of power infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power from high-voltage lines to the acoustic modem without direct electrical contact. This wireless power transfer through electromagnetic coupling provides isolation from the high-voltage source while enabling continuous power supply in remote locations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote reconfiguration of acoustic modems, increases data transfer speeds n-fold, and ensures continuous operation without external power connections, leveraging DFOS systems for wide-area monitoring applications.
Implementation Method 1
acoustically excite a nearby sensing fiber for detection/analysis by the DFOS system
Implementation Method 2
receives wireless radio signals which are used to change the operational settings of the acoustic modem
Implementation Method 3
taps wirelessly into high power lines to charge itself and power its sensors and vibrators for acoustic data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-controlled, two-way acoustic modem for operating with a distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) system including circuitry that receives radio signals including configuration information, configures the modem to operate according to the configuration information, and generate acoustic signals that are detected by the DFOS system. The acoustic modem includes one or more sensors that detect environmental information that is encoded in the acoustic signals for further reception by the DFOS system. The received configuration information may change the operating times, sensors or other operating aspects of the modem as desired and such information may be transmitted from a fixed location or a mobile vehicle.