Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor for Casting Mold Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature measurement systems in casting molds are susceptible to electromagnetic interference and have limited reusability due to mechanical stress and wear, which affects the accuracy and longevity of temperature monitoring in continuous casting processes.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-optic sensor with a fiber Bragg grating is integrated into a measuring device, featuring a built-in part that protects the sensor from mechanical stress and allows for easy installation and removal, using an optical waveguide with Bragg gratings arranged at defined distances for precise temperature measurement, and a sealing element to prevent moisture and dirt ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional temperature sensors are used in casting molds, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but the sensors are susceptible to electromagnetic interference and have limited reusability due to mechanical stress and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and mechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical temperature sensors with fiber optic sensors that use optical waves instead of electrical signals. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to electromagnetic interference while maintaining temperature measurement capability through the fiber Bragg grating's optical response to temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sensing medium from electrical conductors to optical fibers with Bragg gratings. The fiber Bragg grating's reflective wavelength shifts in response to temperature changes, providing a different physical mechanism for temperature detection that is inherently immune to electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are installed in side wall plates, then temperature distribution monitoring is achieved, but the sensors suffer from mechanical stress and wear reducing their longevity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distribution measurementVSAvoidsensor service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor system into a removable fiber optic sensor assembly and a permanent mounting structure. The fiber optic sensor can be easily installed and removed from the side wall plate without damaging the sensor itself, allowing the sensor to be reused in different locations or molds while the mounting structure remains in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting mechanism that decouples the fragile fiber optic sensor from the harsh mechanical environment of the casting mold. This intermediary structure protects the sensor from mechanical stress and wear while still allowing accurate temperature measurement at the desired location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fiber optic sensors are used for temperature measurement, then electromagnetic interference resistance is achieved, but the sensors require protection from mechanical stress and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference resistanceVSAvoidsensor protection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fiber optic sensor, mounting structure, and protection elements into an integrated assembly. This combination simplifies installation and ensures that all protective functions are coordinated, reducing the overall complexity compared to adding separate protection components to an existing sensor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the mounting structure to serve multiple functions: securing the fiber optic sensor, protecting it from mechanical stress, providing environmental sealing, and enabling easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides accurate, interference-resistant temperature measurements along the side wall plate of a casting mold, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the measurement system by protecting the sensor from mechanical stress and environmental factors, while allowing for reusability beyond the mold's service life.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring section of the fiber optic sensor has an optical waveguide with at least one fiber Bragg grating in a portion of the measuring section extending outside the installation part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiber Bragg grating: Bragg Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4005697B1Device and method for determining temperature in a side wall plate of a casting mold
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 PRIMETALS TECH AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP4005697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005697B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005697B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring device (7) for temperature detection in a side wall plate (3) of a casting mold (1). The measuring device (7) comprises a fiber optic sensor (9) with a measuring section (13) configured for temperature detection and a feed section (15) configured for supplying electromagnetic radiation to the measuring section (13) and for emitting electromagnetic radiation from the measuring section (13). Furthermore, the measuring device (7) comprises an installation part (11) within which a portion of the measuring section (13) extends, wherein the measuring section (13) of the fiber optic sensor (9) has an optical waveguide with at least one fiber Bragg grating arranged at a predetermined distance from a reference point (P) on the installation part (11).