Discharge Detection via Optical Fiber Time-of-Flight Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge detection systems for aircraft fuel tanks face challenges in accurately and easily identifying the location of discharge light, especially in complex configurations, due to the need for multiple cameras and mirrors or optical fibers, which can lead to increased complexity and labor-intensive visual inspections.
Innovation Solution
A discharge detection system utilizing a configuration of optical fibers with different optical distances, connected to a shared optical sensor and signal processing system, allows for automatic identification of discharge light entry points and location by analyzing temporal changes in discharge light intensity signals, reducing the number of sensors and simplifying the setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and mirrors are used to detect discharge light in complex configurations, then the coverage and detection capability are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical fibers are merged into a single optical sensor system. The patent combines multiple optical fiber sensors that detect discharge light at different locations into one centralized optical sensor, reducing the number of discrete components while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage throughout the fuel tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously. A single optical sensor can detect discharge light from multiple locations through the optical fiber network, and the system can identify both the presence of discharge and its spatial location, eliminating the need for separate detection devices for each function.
2Measurement precision
If optical fibers are arranged at different positions to detect discharge light, then the location identification capability is improved, but the number of optical sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical fiber sensing elements are merged into a single optical sensor. The patent connects optical fibers from different positions within the fuel tank to one optical sensor, allowing the system to distinguish discharge locations through signal analysis rather than requiring separate sensors at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers act as intermediaries that transmit discharge light signals from multiple locations to a single optical sensor. The fibers carry optical signals from various points in the fuel tank to the centralized sensor, enabling location identification through the spatial distribution of fiber connections rather than through multiple independent sensors.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual observation by inspectors is used to identify discharge locations, then the detection method is simple, but the labor requirement and inspection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic discharge detection and location identification without requiring inspector intervention. The optical sensor network automatically detects discharge events, processes the signals to determine locations, and provides results, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection process is replaced with an automated optical detection system. Instead of inspectors visually examining discharge locations, the system uses optical fibers and signal processing to automatically detect and locate discharge events, substituting mechanical human observation with an automated sensing and processing system.
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 enables accurate and efficient detection of discharge locations without the need for extensive camera or mirror setups, reducing time and cost, and simplifying the configuration, especially for complex test objects.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical fibers (4) different in optical distance from one another, each having one end disposed at a different position
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical sensors (5) configured to detect discharge light entering the optical fibers (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A discharge detection system (1) includes a plurality of optical fibers (4) having different optical distances from each other and provided to allow discharge light generated from a test object (O) to enter at least one of the optical fibers (4), an optical sensor (5) configured to detect the discharge light having entered the at least one of the optical fibers (4) and to output a detection signal having a temporal change in an amplitude of the detection signal, the temporal change in the amplitude corresponding to a temporal change in intensity of the discharge light, and a signal processing system (6) configured to identify an area where the discharge light is generated based a point of time of at least one peak in the detection signal.