Bragg Grating Fiber Sensor with Scattering Microstructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precise positioning and location of Bragg grating optical fiber sensors on composite material structures are challenging due to the small size and invisibility of the gratings, especially on dark surfaces, and existing methods like surface marking or spectral response sweeping are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes microstructures within the optical fiber that scatter a light beam in a predetermined wavelength range, allowing for visual or infrared detection of the grating positions, enabling direct location and installation of the sensors by projecting a luminous target or using an infrared camera to identify hot spots from scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Bragg grating optical fiber sensors are used for structural health monitoring, then temperature and deformation measurements are provided, but the Bragg gratings are invisible or difficult to locate on dark surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (paint or adhesive tape) applied to the optical fiber at the Bragg grating location. This intermediary material reflects or emits light, making the invisible grating position visible on dark surfaces without affecting the sensor's measurement function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies colored paint or reflective adhesive tape to the optical fiber at the Bragg grating position. This color change or reflective property creates visual contrast against dark surfaces, enabling easy location and verification of sensor placement
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If surface marking is applied to locate Bragg gratings, then location becomes possible, but the marks can disappear under chemical products like ethanol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive tape or paint as an intermediary marking substance that is applied directly to the optical fiber. These materials are chosen for their resistance to chemical degradation, providing durable location marks that survive cleaning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects marking materials with specific chemical resistance parameters. The adhesive tape and paint are chosen to withstand exposure to ethanol and other chemical cleaners, maintaining their visual properties throughout the sensor's operational life
3Measurement precision
If spectral response sweeping is used to locate Bragg gratings, then precise location is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual markers (paint or adhesive tape) to the optical fiber during the sensor installation or manufacturing process, before the sensor is deployed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming spectral sweeping later, as the location is already visually indicated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the Bragg grating position using paint or adhesive tape on the external fiber surface. This visual copy allows direct observation of the grating location without requiring optical spectroscopy equipment or time-consuming scanning procedures
4Weight of moving object
If optical fiber has small diameter for integration, then weight reduction is achieved, but the Bragg gratings become invisible and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive tape or paint as an intermediary visual aid on the small-diameter optical fiber. This intermediary layer increases the effective visual size of the fiber at the grating location, making it easier to handle and locate without adding significant weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses colored paint or reflective tape on the optical fiber to create visual contrast. This color application makes the small-diameter fiber visible against dark backgrounds, improving ease of operation during installation and maintenance while maintaining the fiber's lightweight properties
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
This approach simplifies the location and installation of Bragg grating optical fiber sensors, enhancing precision and reducing time and complexity, especially on non-planar surfaces and dark materials, by utilizing scattering microstructures to visually or thermally detect the grating positions.
Implementation Method 1
each microstructure being capable of scattering a portion of a light beam in a predetermined scattering wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
using an infrared camera to identify hot spots from scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
The field of integrated health monitoring using Bragg grating optical fibre sensors including a sensor and methods for locating and installing this sensor on a support. The Bragg grating optical fibre sensor includes an optical fibre wherein at least one set of patterns forming a Bragg grating is written, the optical fibre further including a set of microstructures in the vicinity of each Bragg grating, the microstructures being separate from the patterns forming the Bragg grating, each microstructure being capable of scattering a portion of a light beam within a predetermined range of scattering wavelengths.