Composite Defect Detection Using Multi-Source Optical Fiber Bundle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting defects in composite material structural elements, such as those used in 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 potential false positives.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a bundle of optical detection fibers within a sheath, combined with a light-emitting device featuring multiple light sources that can be sequentially activated, ensuring proper alignment without mechanical rotation, allowing for maximum light transmission and reliable defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single light source is used to transmit light through optical detection fibers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light transmission power is insufficient and alignment is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting device is divided into multiple light sources (e.g., multiple LEDs) arranged in an array, with each light source connected to a corresponding strand in the optical fiber bundle. This segmentation allows each light source to independently illuminate its associated detection fiber, maintaining high light transmission power while simplifying the overall connection structure through the bundle configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber bundle serves multiple functions: it transmits light from multiple light sources simultaneously, maintains alignment through the bundled structure, and enables sequential or simultaneous activation of different detection fibers. The bundle acts as a universal interface that handles both light transmission and alignment maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation of the light-emitting device is used to illuminate different optical fibers, then all fibers can be detected, but alignment issues occur and false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating a single light source, the system uses multiple stationary light sources arranged in an array, where each light source is permanently aligned with its corresponding optical fiber strand. This eliminates mechanical rotation while still enabling detection of all fibers through the multi-source configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotation system is replaced with a static multi-source array configuration. The alignment is achieved through the fixed geometric arrangement of light sources and their corresponding fibers in the bundle, eliminating mechanical moving parts and associated alignment issues.
3Loss of energy
If optical fibers are connected without a bundling structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but light transmission loss increases and alignment cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical fiber strands are merged into a single bundled structure, where all strands are collectively connected to the light-emitting device. This merging maintains precise alignment through the bundled configuration while reducing connection complexity compared to individual connections of each fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber bundle acts as an intermediary structure between the light-emitting device and the individual detection fibers. It maintains alignment and reduces transmission loss by providing a stable, organized connection interface, while its bundled nature simplifies the overall connection architecture.
4Ease of operation
If multiple light sources are sequentially activated, then each detection fiber can be illuminated independently without rotation, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates multiple light sources in a sequential or periodic manner, where each light source is turned on in turn to illuminate its corresponding detection fiber. This periodic activation pattern simplifies the control logic compared to continuous operation while maintaining ease of alignment through the fixed geometric arrangement.
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 solution ensures high reliability and repeatability in defect detection by optimizing light alignment and minimizing loss, enabling accurate assessment of structural integrity with improved sensitivity and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical detection fiber disposed within the structural element and extending from a first longitudinal end of the structural element to a second longitudinal end of the structural element, and a light-emitting device functionally 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 optical detection fiber
Implementation Method 2
The inability to detect the light transmitted through one or more of the optical fibers indicates that the structural element's integrity is compromised
Implementation Method 3
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
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for detecting a defect in a structural element (3) made of composite material, characterized in that it comprises: - a structural element (3) made of composite material and having an elongate shape, - at least one detection optical fibre (33, 34, 35, 36) arranged inside the structural element (3), and - a light-emitting device (2) comprising a plurality of light sources (21) connected to a strand (5) of optical fibres, all of the strands (5) being grouped into a bundle (6) of strands.