Fiber Optic Sensors for ATD Deformation Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring forces and deformation on anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) are limited by the inability to accurately monitor soft organs and skeletal structures, particularly due to the use of high Young modulus sensing elements on low Young modulus materials, and require time-consuming setup processes.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic system is employed, where optical fibers are integrated with ATD body parts, including a rib cage assembly, to measure strain and deformation by emitting light and detecting changes in reflected light patterns, allowing for real-time data collection and improved biofidelity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional strain gauges are used to measure deformation on soft organs, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mismatch between high Young modulus sensing elements and low Young modulus materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical strain gauges with fiber optic sensors that use optical principles (interferometry) to measure deformation. This substitution eliminates the mechanical coupling issues between rigid strain gauge elements and soft organ materials, allowing accurate measurement of low Young modulus materials without the sensing element stiffness mismatch problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical resistance change (traditional strain gauges) to optical path length and interference pattern changes. This parameter change allows the sensing system to respond to minute deformations in soft materials through optical phase changes, achieving high precision measurement where traditional mechanical sensors fail.
2Loss of information
If high speed cameras are used to monitor ATD movement and distortion, then visual monitoring capability is provided, but monitoring completeness deteriorates due to structural obstructions and difficulty in estimating individual part positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ATD into multiple segments with individual fiber optic sensors placed on specific body parts (ribs, spine, limbs, organs). Each sensor independently measures deformation at its location, providing complete information about individual part positions and movements without obstruction from surrounding structures or airbags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber optic cables as intermediaries to transmit deformation data from remote sensor locations on the ATD to the data acquisition system. These flexible optical cables can pass through structural obstructions and airbags that would block camera views, enabling complete monitoring of all ATD components.
3Productivity
If traditional sensing systems are used in ATD, then data collection capability is provided, but setup time increases and biofidelity representation is limited to certain force aspects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fiber optic sensing platform that can measure multiple physical quantities (strain, temperature, pressure, acceleration) using the same optical fiber infrastructure. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate sensor installations for different measurement types, significantly reducing setup time and complexity while improving biofidelity across all force aspects.
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 fiber optic system provides accurate, real-time measurements of stress, strain, and deformation across varying structures and materials, enhancing the biofidelity of ATDs and enabling better vehicle restraint evaluations and injury prediction.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter is in communication with the optical fiber for emitting a light having a predetermined band of wavelengths through the optical fiber that is reflected by the sensors
Implementation Method 2
A fiber optic system is employed, where optical fibers are integrated with ATD body parts, including a rib cage assembly, to measure strain and deformation by emitting light and detecting changes in reflected light patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting forces on and measuring deformation of an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) includes a plurality of body parts and at least one optical fiber supported by and in contact with at least one of the body parts. The body parts form the ATD and simulate at least a part of a human body and the articulation of the human body. The optical fiber extends between a first end and a second end and comprises a plurality of sensors disposed between the ends. An emitter is in communication with the optical fiber for emitting a light having a predetermined band of wavelengths through the optical fiber that is reflected by the sensors and an interrogator is in communication with the optical fiber for detecting the reflected light from the sensor such that changes to the reflected light indicate a strain on the at least one body part.