Optical Fiber Temperature Control via Infrared Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling optical fiber temperature during heating are inefficient due to speed limitations and inability to detect low melting point fibers, as they rely on complex image processing algorithms that only work with high melting point fibers emitting visible light.

Innovation Solution

A system that measures infrared radiation emitted by the optical fiber during heating and adjusts the power level of the heat source based on radiation level error values, using a combination of infrared sensors and a controller to maintain stable temperature, particularly effective for low melting point fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CCD cameras with complex image processing algorithms are used to detect fiber temperature, then temperature measurement is possible for high melting point fibers, but the system response speed is slow and computing resources are heavily consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of CCD cameras and complex image processing algorithms with a thermal radiation detection system using infrared sensors. This substitution enables direct measurement of thermal radiation emitted by the fiber, providing faster response times and reduced computing resource consumption while maintaining temperature measurement capability for both high and low melting point fibers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light emission (which only works for high melting point fibers) to infrared radiation detection. This parameter change allows the system to detect thermal radiation across a broader temperature range, including low melting point fibers, while improving response speed and reducing computational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If CCD cameras with complex image processing algorithms are used to detect fiber temperature, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the method cannot detect low melting point fibers that do not emit visible light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidapplicability to different fiber types

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared-based temperature control system is designed to be universal, capable of measuring and controlling temperatures for both high melting point fibers (which emit visible light) and low melting point fibers (which do not emit visible light). This multi-functionality is achieved by detecting infrared radiation, which is emitted by all heated materials regardless of their melting point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If complex image processing algorithms are used for temperature detection, then temperature estimation is possible, but computing resources are heavily consumed and processing speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature estimation accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex software-based image processing system with a hardware-based infrared radiation detection system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex algorithms and heavy computing resources, as the infrared sensor directly measures thermal radiation and provides temperature information through simpler signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for precise stabilization of the heat source output within ±0.5% and consistent temperature control across the optical fiber, enabling efficient processing of specialty fibers with low melting points.

Implementation Method 1

measuring an infrared radiation level emitted by an optical fiber during heating of the optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

heating an optical fiber using a heat source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10379304B2Optical fiber temperature control system and method

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 AFL COMM LLC

AI summary

A method for monitoring optical fiber temperature includes heating an optical fiber using a heat source, and measuring an infrared radiation level emitted by an optical fiber during heating of the optical fiber. The method further includes comparing the infrared radiation level to a radiation level setpoint for the optical fiber to determine a radiation level error value. The method further includes adjusting a power level setpoint of the heat source based on the radiation level error value.