Fiber Optic Conductor Arc Detection via EM Radiation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting electric arcs in conductors, particularly in aircraft and power systems, are inadequate in ensuring timely and accurate detection, leading to potential operational inefficiencies and fire hazards due to damaged insulation.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic system integrated with an electric conductor, where the fiber optic core and cladding surround the conductor, allowing for the detection of electromagnetic radiation generated by arcs, which is then monitored to alert for potential damage and prevent further issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electric conductor insulation is used without integrated sensing, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but damage detection is delayed or inaccurate leading to operational inefficiencies and fire hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor damage detection reliabilityVSAvoidconductor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fiber optic sensing system with the electric conductor insulation into a single integrated structure. The fiber optic core is embedded within the insulation layer, allowing the insulation to serve dual purposes: electrical insulation and damage detection. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensing components while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic core is nested within the insulation layer of the electric conductor. The cladding surrounds the core, and the entire fiber optic system is embedded within the insulation material. This nested configuration allows the sensing system to be protected by the insulation while the insulation itself becomes the protective barrier for the optical fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If fiber optic system is integrated around the electric conductor, then arc detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric arc detection precisionVSAvoidconductor assembly manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic system is pre-assembled with the electric conductor during the manufacturing process rather than being installed separately in the field. The fiber optic core is embedded within the insulation layer before the conductor is fully assembled, ensuring proper positioning and protection. This preliminary integration simplifies field installation while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If fiber optic core is embedded within insulation, then detection response time is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection response timeVSAvoidfiber optic positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic core is positioned at a specific optimal location within the insulation layer to maximize its proximity to the electric conductor surface where arcs are most likely to occur. This localized positioning ensures that electromagnetic radiation from arcs is detected as quickly as possible while maintaining feasible manufacturing tolerances through controlled placement in the insulation material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables rapid and reliable detection of electric arcs, reducing the risk of operational failures and fire hazards by quickly identifying and responding to conductor damage through the use of electromagnetic radiation sensing and monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation traveling through the fiber optic core, where the electromagnetic radiation may be generated by an electric arc with the electric conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12196820B2Detecting damage to electric conductor using electromagnetic radiation

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

An electric apparatus is provided that includes a fiber optic system and an electric conductor. The fiber optic system includes an inner cladding, an outer cladding and a fiber optic core between the inner cladding and the outer cladding. The electric conductor extends longitudinally along a centerline within the fiber optic system. The centerline may be a centerline of any one or more or all of the fiber optic system, the inner cladding, the outer cladding, the fiber optic core and/or the electric conductor.