Aerial Fiber Coil Localization Using DFOS Pole Vibration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility pole integrity inspection is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and subjective, while the recorded lengths and locations of fiber coils along aerial fiber optic cables are often inaccurate, necessitating a more efficient and objective method for assessment.
Innovation Solution
A distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS)/distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system combined with machine learning (ML) to autonomously determine utility pole integrity and fiber coil locations by analyzing vibrational data from existing telecommunications fiber optic cables, eliminating human subjectivity and providing accurate results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used to assess utility pole integrity, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optical sensing system. The DFOS system uses optical fibers to detect vibrations and acoustic signals from utility poles, eliminating the need for inspectors to physically examine each pole. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with optical sensing technology directly resolves the contradiction by dramatically improving inspection efficiency while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables utility poles to be self-assessed through their own vibrational responses to environmental stimuli. By exposing poles to random environmental noise and analyzing their vibrational characteristics via the optical fiber, the system allows each pole to provide its own integrity data without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving productivity and reducing inspection time.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is performed by trained inspectors, then subjective judgment can be applied, but the process becomes highly dependent on inspector experience and introduces subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with an automated optical sensing and analysis system. The DFOS system objectively measures vibrational responses and uses signal processing algorithms to assess pole integrity, eliminating inspector subjectivity and experience-dependent variations. This substitution ensures consistent, reliable, and objective assessments across all poles without introducing human bias.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary between the utility pole and the analysis system. It objectively transmits vibrational and acoustic signals from the pole to the processing system without human intervention, serving as a neutral mediator that eliminates subjectivity. The intermediary nature of the optical sensing system ensures that assessments are based on measured physical phenomena rather than subjective inspector judgment.
3Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to locate fiber coils along aerial cables, then simple recording can be maintained, but the recorded lengths and locations become inaccurate or out-of-date
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual recording and estimation methods with automated optical sensing technology. The DFOS system precisely detects changes in the optical fiber's physical state to identify coil locations and measure their lengths accurately. This substitution of manual recording with automated optical measurement dramatically improves measurement precision for coil locations while maintaining high productivity through continuous monitoring capabilities.
4Reliability
If invasive inspection methods like drilling and digging are used, then detailed pole structure information can be obtained, but the pole structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical inspection methods (drilling, digging) with non-contact optical sensing. The DFOS system uses optical fibers to detect vibrational and acoustic signals that reveal pole structural conditions without physically penetrating or damaging the pole. This substitution provides reliable integrity assessment data while completely avoiding structural damage to the utility poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves as a non-invasive intermediary that interfaces with the pole structure without causing damage. By coupling the optical fiber to the pole's surface or integrating it into the aerial cable system, the system obtains detailed structural information through vibrational responses while avoiding the harmful effects of drilling, digging, or other invasive procedures.
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
The system enables efficient, less costly, and objective utility pole integrity assessments and precise coil location determination, reducing human intervention and improving accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS)/distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system that collects vibrational data from individual utility poles
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS)/distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system and method employing a fiber optic sensor cable that collects vibrational data of individual utility poles suspending the fiber optic sensor cable and stores the vibrational data in a central office (CO). Machine learning (ML) models are developed, trained, and utilized to analyze vibrational features of the utility poles and determine their integrity. Additionally, DFOS/DAS systems and methods according to the present disclosure determine the location(s) of fiber coils that exist along a length of a fiber optic sensor cable.