Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing Array for Multi-Parameter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors lack the capability for multi-point, multi-parameter, and multi-dimensional measurement, and their accuracy is lower than international standards, hindering the development of intelligent sensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A small-size distributed optical fiber sensing array is designed, comprising an epidermis sensing array, an embedded optical fiber sensing array, a data collection system module, and a data processing mode recognition module, using all-fiber interferometric sensors and neural network processing for intelligent sensing and recognition of various parameters like pressure, shape, and ingredient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and multi-parameter detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent sensing elements (first sensing element and second sensing element) that can detect different parameters simultaneously. Each sensing element is a separate optical fiber with specific functional coatings, allowing independent operation and specialized detection capabilities for pressure, temperature, and other parameters without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design integrates multiple sensing functions into a single composite structure. The first sensing element with its functional coating can detect multiple parameters (pressure, temperature, etc.), making the sensor system universal and multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity
2Volume of moving object
If sensor size is reduced, then adaptability to small objects improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs a nested structure where the second sensing element is positioned within or adjacent to the first sensing element. This nested arrangement allows multiple sensing functions to be compacted into a small volume, reducing sensor size while maintaining adequate manufacturing tolerances through the hierarchical organization of sensing components
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes thin film functional coatings on optical fiber substrates, allowing the sensing elements to be extremely thin and flexible. This reduces the overall sensor volume and enables adaptation to small or curved surfaces, while the thin film technology provides controlled manufacturing precision through standardized deposition processes
3Area of stationary object
If multi-point sensing is implemented, then detection coverage improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing elements are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly with shared support structures and unified data processing. The first and second sensing elements are combined in a coordinated arrangement that allows multi-point detection across an extended area while using common structural elements and signal processing pathways, thereby increasing sensing coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 enables miniaturized, intelligent, multi-point, and multi-parameter detection, overcoming existing sensor limitations, and allows for fully-distributed sensing and intelligent recognition, applicable in fields like intelligent skin, robotics, and IoT.
Implementation Method 1
the epidermis sensing array and the embedded optical fiber sensing array are based on an all-fiber distributed sensing array of an all-fiber interferometric sensor structure to perform fully-distributed sensing for pressure, sense of touch, object shape, friction
Implementation Method 2
the data collection system module is configured to transmit measurement data and includes a broadband light source, an optical combiner/splitter, a transmission optical fiber, an optical path change-over switch, a signal detector
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent skin based on a small-size distributed optical fiber sensing array. The intelligent skin includes an epidermis sensing array, an embedded optical fiber sensing array, a data collection system module, and a data processing mode recognition module. The body of the intelligent skin is made of a flexible material. The embedded optical fiber sensing array in an epidermis includes a plurality of all-fiber interferomatic sensing arrays. The data collection system module includes a broadband light source, an optical combiner/splitter, an optical path change-over switch, a signal detector and a computer. The data processing mode recognition module includes mode recognition and training of a neural network. The intelligent skin further includes an external display software used to perform intelligent sensing recognition for sense of touch, position, shape, and ingredient, temperature and vibration of an object and so on.