FBG Inclinometer System for Ground Displacement Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inclinometer systems for civil engineering structures have complex structures, making them difficult to install and resulting in inaccuracies in measuring ground inclination and subsidence due to indirect measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
An inclinometer system utilizing a fiber Bragg grating sensor with an optical fiber and a weight member that rotates with the body, allowing direct measurement of inclination and temperature variations, improving precision and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inclinometer sensors with sensor rollers and inclinometer casings are used to measure ground inclination, then the system can detect displacement, but the structure becomes very complicated and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical inclinometer sensor system with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based optical sensing system. The FBG sensor attached to the optical fiber directly measures inclination through optical wavelength shifts, eliminating the need for mechanical components like sensor rollers, inclinometer casings, and bolt connections, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary mechanical components (inclinometer casing, sensor rollers, multiple bolts) from the measurement system, retaining only the essential FBG sensor and optical fiber that can directly measure inclination without the complicated mechanical transmission structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional inclinometer sensors are pushed into inclinometer casings and connected with bolts, then the system can be assembled, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly process involving bolting and casing insertion with a simplified optical fiber insertion method. The FBG sensor on the optical fiber is directly placed into the guide pipe without requiring bolting operations or complex casing assemblies, significantly improving installation ease while maintaining measurement stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement system into modular FBG sensor units that can be independently installed along the guide pipe at different depths, allowing flexible and simplified installation compared to the monolithic conventional inclinometer sensor assembly requiring sequential bolting and casing insertion
3Productivity
If conventional inclinometer sensors indirectly measure inclination through sensor rollers detecting casing displacement, then the system can function, but measurement accuracy decreases due to the indirect measurement method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect mechanical measurement chain (sensor roller contacting casing groove, detecting casing displacement) with a direct optical measurement method where the FBG sensor directly senses inclination through optical wavelength changes, eliminating measurement errors introduced by mechanical transmission and improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fiber as the intermediary between the inclination measurement target and the detection system. The FBG sensor on the optical fiber directly transduces inclination information into optical wavelength shifts, providing a more accurate measurement path compared to the mechanical intermediary of sensor rollers and casing grooves
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 precise measurement of fine inclination displacement and temperature variations, enhancing the accuracy of ground displacement detection and simplifying maintenance and repair processes.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensor attached to the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a weight member inserted into the frame and having one end hinged to the frame, the weight member rotating in cooperation to inclination of the body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an inclinometer system capable of detecting the inclination of the ground using a fiber bragg grating sensor to precisely measure the deformation of the ground. The inclinometer system includes at least one measuring unit, and the measuring unit includes a body provided therein with a receiving part, a frame inserted into the body, a weight member inserted in to the frame and having one end hinged to the frame, the weight member rotating in cooperation to inclination of the body, an optical fiber 5 passing through both the body and the frame such that one end of the optical fiber is fixed to the weight member, a fixing member installed into the frame to fix an opposite end of the optical fiber, and a fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensor attached to the optical fiber.