Fiber Bragg Grating Mounting Pad With Cavity And Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting Fiber Bragg Grating sensors on metallic structures face challenges such as damage from forceful attachment, residual stress induction, and inaccurate placement, which affect measurement accuracy and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A method using a pad with a cavity and slots to securely attach the optical fiber, employing a UV-curable adhesive and a non-stick surface for easy removal, ensuring precise positioning and minimal strain transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plasma spraying is used to attach the fiber optic sensor to the metal structure, then the fiber is securely attached to the surface, but the fiber may be damaged due to the force exerted during spraying
Solution Approach 1:
A non-stick pad is introduced as an intermediary between the fiber optic sensor and the metal structure. The pad receives the fiber in a cavity and has slots that receive portions of the fiber, preventing direct forceful contact during attachment while maintaining secure bonding through adhesive application to the pad's first side
2Strength
If ceramic adhesives or cements are used to attach the fiber optic sensor, then the fiber is securely mounted, but additional residual stress is induced affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The non-stick pad is designed as a temporary attachment aid that is removed after adhesive curing. This disposable approach allows the fiber to be securely held during mounting without the pad remaining on the fiber, thereby avoiding continuous stress induction while maintaining measurement precision
3Ease of manufacture
If glues or adhesives are used with pre-coated fibers, then the fiber can be attached, but the amount of adhesive may be insufficient ensuring proper adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is prepared in advance with a cavity and slots positioned to receive the fiber. Adhesive is applied to the first side of the pad before fiber attachment, ensuring proper adhesive distribution and sufficient quantity for reliable bonding without requiring excessive adhesive application
4Manufacturing precision
If carriers are used to fix the sensor to the surface, then the fiber is securely positioned, but the carrier restricts fiber movement and may degrade fiber performance
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is designed with distinct functional segments: a cavity to receive the fiber portion containing the Bragg grating, and slots on both sides to receive portions of the fiber. This segmented structure provides precise positioning while allowing the fiber to move freely within each segment, preventing performance degradation
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 method enables reliable, repeatable, and accurate mounting of optical fibers with improved sensor performance by minimizing strain and ensuring precise placement, while maintaining the fiber's integrity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive is a UV curable adhesive and wherein curing is performed by UV light curing
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method and means for mounting an optical fiber containing at least one fiber Bragg grating to the surface of a structure.