Damped Fiber Optic Accelerometer Elastomeric Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic accelerometers have a limited dynamic range due to their high quality factor (Q) frequency response, which is variable and peaks at the natural frequency, restricting their use in broadband mechanical inputs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastomeric material in contact with and surrounding parts of the fiber optic sensor, such as the moveable and fixed portions, spring member, and optical fiber, to reduce the quality factor and enhance damping, thereby stabilizing the frequency response and extending the usable bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber optic accelerometer is designed with high quality factor (Q) resonance, then sensitivity at natural frequency is improved, but dynamic range is limited and frequency response variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing damping materials (elastomeric materials, viscous fluids, or magnetic damping) to modify the quality factor Q of the resonant system. This changes the frequency response characteristics from high-Q narrowband to lower-Q broadband, enabling the sensor to maintain acceptable sensitivity across a wider frequency range and improve dynamic range for broadband mechanical inputs
2Measurement precision
If fiber optic accelerometer operates at high quality factor (Q), then low frequency scale factor is enhanced, but frequency response variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the damping parameters of the system by introducing elastomeric materials or viscous fluids, which changes the quality factor Q and flattens the frequency response curve. This parameter change reduces the variability of the frequency response while maintaining acceptable low-frequency scale factor performance
3Measurement precision
If fiber optic sensor uses resonant design, then sensitivity is improved, but usable bandwidth is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing damping mechanisms (elastomeric materials, viscous fluids, magnetic damping) that reduce the quality factor Q of the resonant system. This parameter modification trades some peak sensitivity for extended bandwidth, enabling the sensor to operate effectively over a broader frequency range including higher frequencies
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 elastomeric material significantly reduces the peak sensitivity of the accelerometer, improving the dynamic range and consistency of the low-frequency scale factor, resulting in a more constant frequency response and increased bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric material provided in contact with at least one of the fixed portion, the moveable portion, the spring member, the body of interest, and the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric material provided in contact with at least one of the fixed portion, the moveable portion, the spring member, the body of interest, and the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic sensor is provided. The fiber optic sensor includes: a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest; a moveable portion; a spring member positioned at least partially between the fixed portion and the moveable portion; an optical fiber wound in contact with the fixed portion and the moveable portion such that the optical fiber spans at least a portion of the spring; and an elastomeric material provided in contact with at least one of the fixed portion, the moveable portion, the spring member, the body of interest, and the optical fiber.