Composite Defect Detection Fiber Bundle for Precise Light Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting defects in composite structural elements, such as overhead high-voltage cables, are inefficient in transmitting light power with minimal loss and require mechanical rotation of light-emitting devices, leading to alignment issues and unreliable defect assessment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a structural element with detection optical fibers and a light-emitting device that uses a bundle of strands within an alignment sheath, allowing sequential actuation of light sources to ensure precise alignment without mechanical movement, maximizing light transmission and minimizing loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single light source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light transmission power and detection reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting device is divided into multiple light sources (at least two), with each light source coupled to a separate strand of optical fibers. This segmentation allows each light source to independently illuminate specific detection optical fibers, thereby increasing total light transmission power while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple strands of optical fibers are grouped into a bundle and coupled to multiple light sources simultaneously. This merging approach consolidates the complexity of managing multiple light sources and fiber strands into a single integrated bundle structure, achieving high light transmission power without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation of the light-emitting device is used to view different optical fibers, then all detection optical fibers can be accessed, but alignment precision is degraded and measurement reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating a single light source, the system segments the illumination function across multiple fixed light sources, each permanently coupled to specific strands. This eliminates mechanical rotation while maintaining the ability to access all detection optical fibers through the bundled strand structure, thereby preserving both versatility and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotation system is replaced with an optical bundling system. The bundle of strands inherently provides the adaptability to access all detection optical fibers without requiring mechanical movement, thus substituting a mechanical system with an optical-system-based solution that maintains precision.
3Measurement precision
If light sources are sequentially actuated, then alignment between light sources and optical fibers is optimized, but the duration of detection is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment between light sources and optical fibers is pre-established through permanent coupling of each light source to its designated strand during assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for sequential actuation to achieve alignment, as all light sources are pre-positioned correctly, thereby maintaining high alignment precision without extending detection duration.
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 device achieves reliable and repeatable defect detection in composite materials by optimizing light alignment and transmission, ensuring high reliability and repeatability in assessing structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detection optical fiber arranged inside the structural element... a light-emitting device operatively connected to the first longitudinal end of the structural element, so as to transmit the light emitted by the light-emitting device to a first longitudinal end of said at least one detection optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the use of a bundle of strands arranged inside an alignment sheath ensures good light transmission to the structural element, with maximum transmitted power (a large amount of light is concentrated on a small section)
Implementation Method 3
The device can further comprise a light detection device, capable of detecting light from each detection optical fiber at a second longitudinal end of each detection optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for detecting a defect in a structural element made of composite material. The device includes a structural element made of composite material and having an elongate shape, at least one detection optical fiber arranged inside the structural element, and a light-emitting device comprising a plurality of light sources connected to a strand of optical fibers, all of the strands being grouped into a bundle of strands.