Oxygen Barrier Coating for Fiber Optic Gyroscope Coil Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) accuracy decreases due to component deterioration caused by oxygen consumption over time, particularly by resins used to hold the optical fiber coil in place, which convert oxygen to carbon dioxide, affecting sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
A layer of oxygen blocking material with a transmission rate less than 15 cc/m2/day is applied to the outer surface of the optical fiber coil to prevent oxygen from coming into contact with the resin, thereby reducing oxygen depletion and maintaining stable conditions for sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If resin is used to hold the optical fiber coil in place, then the coil structure is stabilized, but oxygen is consumed and converted to carbon dioxide causing component deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the resin and the optical fiber coil. This barrier layer prevents oxygen and carbon dioxide generated by the resin from reaching and deteriorating the optical fiber and other sensitive components, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and component reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: an adhesive layer for bonding, a barrier layer for oxygen/carbon dioxide prevention, and optionally a topcoat layer for mechanical protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while preventing the harmful effects of resin oxygen consumption.
2Reliability
If oxygen blocking material is applied to the outer surface of the coil, then oxygen depletion is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin film barrier layer is applied to the outer surface of the optical fiber coil. This thin film provides effective oxygen and carbon dioxide blocking while adding minimal structural complexity. The barrier layer can be applied as a continuous coating that conforms to the coil geometry, maintaining simplicity in application and structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating system uses composite material structure combining an adhesive layer and a barrier layer with specific functional properties. The adhesive layer provides bonding functionality while the barrier layer provides oxygen/carbon dioxide protection. This composite approach achieves reliable oxygen blocking while keeping the overall structure manageable through clear functional division.
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 effectively prolongs the performance of FOG components sensitive to oxygen depletion by inhibiting oxygen conversion to carbon dioxide, maintaining accuracy and reliability over time.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of oxygen blocking material is disposed on an outer surface of the coil of optical fiber, wherein the oxygen blocking material has an oxygen transmission rate less than 15 cc/m2/day
Implementation Method 2
a housing providing a hermetically sealed chamber and an optical fiber disposed within the hermetically sealed chamber of the housing, wherein a gas including oxygen is disposed in the hermetically sealed chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic sensing coil apparatus for a fiber optic gyroscope is provided. In at least one embodiment, the fiber optic sensing coil apparatus comprises a housing providing a hermetically sealed chamber and an optical fiber disposed within the hermetically sealed chamber of the housing, wherein the optical fiber is disposed in a coil. A gas including oxygen is disposed in the hermetically sealed chamber between the coil of the optical fiber and the housing. Moreover, an adhesive is amongst the optical fiber, wherein the adhesive holds the optical fiber together in the coil; and, a layer of oxygen blocking material is disposed on an outer surface of the coil of optical fiber, wherein the oxygen blocking material has an oxygen transmission rate less than 15 cc/m2/day.