Optical Fiber Attenuation Sensor for Enclosure Access Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security solutions for monitoring access to enclosed network components, such as cabinets and pedestals, are costly and require electrical maintenance, lacking a versatile and non-electrical alternative for detecting unauthorized access or movements.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber attenuation sensor using movable protrusions and elastic objects to induce detectable signal attenuation in optical fibers, allowing for low-cost, maintenance-free monitoring of enclosure openings or movements without electrical power, utilizing existing optical fibers and OTDR detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical door switches and electrical proximity switches are used for monitoring access and detecting movements, then detection capability is achieved, but cost increases and maintenance requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical switches with a mechanical optical fiber-based detection system. The optical fiber sensor uses physical displacement of a protrusion to modulate light transmission, eliminating electrical components and their associated maintenance requirements while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary between the mechanical movement (protrusion displacement) and the detection system. The optical fiber transmits light signals that are modulated by the mechanical protrusion, providing a non-electrical means of detecting enclosure access and movement
2Ease of manufacture
If optical fiber attenuation sensor with movable protrusions is used, then cost and maintenance are reduced, but detection mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a holder for the optical fiber, a movable protrusion coupled to the enclosure, and an elastic object providing restoring force. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the overall detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic object automatically provides the restoring force that returns the protrusion to its initial position after displacement, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. The system self-regulates through the elastic recovery of the material
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
Provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for monitoring access and intrusions across networks, enabling real-time detection of enclosure openings with minimal disruption to signal transmission, applicable to various security and operational scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic object coupled to the first protrusion that causes the first protrusion to move from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
the second protrusion is configured and positioned to cause an event in a signal in an optical fiber when the second protrusion moves from the third position to the fourth position
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber attenuation sensor that includes a first protrusion movable between a first position and a second position, a second protrusion movable between a third position to a fourth position, and an elastic object coupled to the first protrusion that causes the first protrusion to move from the first position to the second position. When the first protrusion moves from the first position to the second position, the second protrusion moves from the third position to the fourth position. The second protrusion is configured and positioned to cause an event in a signal in an optical fiber when the second protrusion moves from the third position to the fourth position.