Optical Fibre Carrier Layout for Single-Point Average Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor systems for measuring temperature along an optical fiber require multiple sensing points, complex interrogators, and are computationally intensive, making them expensive and inefficient for applications like aircraft fuel tanks with over 2000 sensing points.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a single measurement point using a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) positioned between carrier portions with different thermal expansion coefficients, allowing relative movement due to thermal expansion and contraction to provide an average temperature reading along the entire length without multiple measurement points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing points are used along the optical fiber to measure temperature at multiple locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single measurement point by using a carrier structure with multiple portions that each respond to temperatures at different locations along the optical fiber. The carrier integrates the functionality of multiple sensors into one unified device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensing points and their associated complex interrogation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure acts as an intermediary between the optical fiber and the temperature measurement system. It transfers thermal information from multiple locations along the fiber to a single measurement point, where the FBG sensor can detect the integrated thermal effect. This intermediary enables simplified measurement while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing points with over 2000 measurement locations are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to computational intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computational burden from the measurement system by using a single FBG sensor that directly provides the average temperature reading. Instead of collecting data from 2000+ sensing points and performing computationally intensive calculations to determine averages, the system extracts only the essential information through the single measurement point, eliminating time-consuming data processing.
3Device complexity
If a single measurement point is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture localized temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from local temperature at a specific point to an integrated average temperature across multiple locations. The carrier structure is designed so that its physical response (expansion, contraction, or deformation) reflects the average thermal condition along the optical fiber, allowing a single sensor to accurately measure the averaged parameter without needing to resolve individual localized variations.
4Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors with different wavelength characteristics are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple receivers and optical de-multiplexing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple optical sensors with different wavelength characteristics into a single FBG sensor. The carrier structure integrates the thermal information that would otherwise require multiple sensors to detect, allowing one sensor to perform what previously required many, thereby simplifying the optical system while maintaining measurement capability.
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 system provides an accurate average temperature reading with reduced complexity and cost by minimizing the need for multiple sensors and complex interrogators, while protecting the optical fiber and accommodating thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
The single measurement point is in the form of a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG)
Implementation Method 2
The optical fibre carrier is formed of a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion that are movable relative to each other... the structure is formed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion which is different to the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement has a structure extending along a length, an optical fibre carrier, and an optical fibre sensor carried by the optical fibre carrier. The optical fibre carrier is fixed to the structure proximal to each end of the structure and is formed of a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion that are movable relative to each other and is formed substantially of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The optical fibre sensor has a single measurement point and is fixed to the optical fibre carrier either side of the single measurement point; and the structure is formed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion which is different to the first coefficient of thermal expansion