Optical Fiber Installation Tool With Integrated Adhesive Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting fiber optic sensors to structures face challenges such as maintaining pre-strain, ensuring reliable and rapid installation, non-invasive attachment, and compatibility with various substrates like concrete, metal, and wood, while avoiding the need for drilling or welding.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber installation tool with a body, contact portions, and an adhesive dispenser, which secures the fiber with clamps, switchable adhesives, magnets, or springs, and applies pre-strain, using fast- and slow-bonding adhesives to ensure secure attachment without damaging the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mounting methods are used, then installation speed is slow, but the process is simple and non-invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the installation tool includes contact portions for securing the optical fiber, adhesive dispensers for applying adhesives, and pre-strain mechanisms all in one device. This integration enables rapid deployment while maintaining simplicity through a single tool operation rather than multiple separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool applies pre-strain to the optical fiber before mounting it to the structure. This preliminary action ensures that the fiber is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned, allowing for rapid installation without requiring complex adjustment procedures afterward. The pre-strain is applied using a pre-strain mechanism that positions the fiber correctly before adhesive application.
2Productivity
If fast-bonding adhesive is used, then attachment speed is rapid, but bond strength may be insufficient for long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adhesive application into two distinct segments: a first adhesive applied to provide rapid initial bonding and mechanical support during installation, and a second adhesive applied to provide long-term structural bonding strength. This segmentation allows each adhesive to be optimized for its specific function - speed for the first, reliability for the second.
Solution Approach 2:
The first adhesive is applied as a preliminary bonding layer that provides immediate attachment strength during the installation process. This preliminary adhesive layer ensures the fiber is securely mounted while the second adhesive cures to provide long-term reliability. The preliminary action of applying fast-bonding adhesive first enables rapid deployment without compromising final bond strength.
3Strength
If invasive mounting methods (drilling or welding) are used, then attachment strength is high, but the structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adhesive as an intermediary substance between the optical fiber and the structure. Instead of directly mechanically fastening the fiber to the structure through drilling or welding, the adhesive serves as a mediator that bonds the fiber to the structure surface. This intermediary approach provides sufficient attachment strength while avoiding structural damage to the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical mounting methods (drilling, welding) with a chemical bonding system using adhesives. The adhesive dispenser applies bonding agents that create strong attachments without mechanical penetration or heat-affected zones. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical and thermal effects of traditional methods while maintaining or improving attachment strength.
4Measurement precision
If pre-strain is applied to maintain sensor performance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-strain mechanism is integrated into the installation tool itself, combining the functions of fiber securing, adhesive dispensing, and strain application in one device. This integration allows pre-strain to be automatically applied during the installation process without requiring separate complex operations. The contact portions secure the fiber while the pre-strain mechanism simultaneously applies the required tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool automatically applies the correct amount of pre-strain to the optical fiber during the mounting process without requiring manual adjustment or external equipment. The pre-strain mechanism is self-regulating and ensures consistent strain levels are applied to maintain sensor performance. This self-service approach simplifies the installation process while保证 measurement accuracy.
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 tool enables safe, reliable, and repeatable installation of fiber optic sensors with consistent pre-strain, facilitating rapid deployment on diverse substrates without invasive methods, ensuring robust and efficient sensor attachment.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive dispenser is disposed proximate the body. The adhesive dispenser is configured to dispense at least one adhesive to the optical fiber and the structure.
Implementation Method 2
One or more contact portions are supported by the body and configured to secure the optical fiber.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes an installation tool for attaching an optical fiber to a structure. The tool includes a body. One or more contact portions are supported by the body and configured to secure the optical fiber. An adhesive dispenser is disposed proximate the body. The adhesive dispenser is configured to dispense at least one adhesive to the optical fiber and the structure. A dispenser controller is operatively coupled to the adhesive dispenser. The dispenser controller is configured to control the adhesive dispenser.