Fiber Optic Needle Probe for Inaccessible IR Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IR spectroscopy methods struggle to non-destructively evaluate the condition of organic materials in hard-to-access or small sampling areas, as they require large sample sizes or cannot fit through narrow openings, making them impractical for assessing materials like aircraft composite materials and adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic needle probe with a measuring end diameter of less than 2.0 mm, coupled to an infrared spectrometer, allows for non-destructive IR spectroscopy measurements by transmitting and collecting infrared light through optical fibers, enabling access to small or inaccessible areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional IR spectroscopy methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the device cannot access hard-to-reach or small sampling areas
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into a remote probe head containing optical fibers and a separate spectrometer unit. The probe head with diameter less than 2.0 mm can be inserted into narrow openings and hard-to-reach areas, while the main spectrometer remains outside the confined space. This segmentation allows the measurement capability to be delivered to inaccessible locations without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as intermediaries to transmit infrared light from the spectrometer to the sample and carry the reflected light back. This intermediary mechanism enables the measurement system to reach small and hard-to-access sampling areas through narrow openings while maintaining the full measurement capability of the spectrometer.
2Measurement precision
If a large sample size is collected for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sample cannot be taken from hard-to-access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is divided into multiple optical fibers (at least three fibers) that work together to deliver and collect infrared light. This segmentation of the optical path allows the probe to maintain a small diameter (less than 2.0 mm) for accessing confined areas while still providing sufficient light throughput for accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement capability is extended from the spatial dimension of sample size to the dimensional space of light transmission through optical fibers. Instead of requiring a large physical sample, the system uses the optical dimension to deliver measurement capability through narrow spatial openings, effectively bypassing the limitation of sample accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If a small probe diameter is used to access narrow openings, then accessibility is improved, but light transmission capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmission function is segmented across multiple optical fibers (at least three fibers) within the probe. By distributing the light transmission across multiple thin fibers rather than requiring a single large aperture, the probe maintains a small diameter (less than 2.0 mm) while collectively providing sufficient infrared light transmission for accurate spectroscopy measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical fibers are merged into a single probe assembly that functions as a unified light transmission system. The combined light transmission capability of multiple thin fibers equals or exceeds that of a single larger fiber, enabling the probe to access narrow openings while maintaining adequate infrared energy transmission for measurement.
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
Enables non-destructive evaluation of organic and inorganic materials by providing accurate IR spectroscopy measurements over small sampling areas, even in confined spaces, thereby assessing the condition of materials like composite materials and adhesives effectively.
Implementation Method 1
infrared (IR) radiation is readily absorbed by organic materials in association with relative motions (vibrations) of atoms such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
providing infrared light from said infrared spectrometer through at least one of said plurality of optical fibers and collecting at least a portion of said infrared light reflected
Data Source
AI summary
A method of non-destructively determining the condition of a material, said method including providing an elongated probe containing a plurality of optical fibers, said elongated probe coupled to an infrared spectrometer, said tip of said elongated probe positioned near said material, said elongated probe including said tip having a width of less than about 2.0 mm; and, making an infrared spectroscopy measurement of said material by providing infrared light from said infrared spectrometer through at least one of said plurality of optical fibers and collecting at least a portion of said infrared light reflected from a material juxtaposed near said tip through at least another of said plurality of optical fibers to provide said reflected light to said infrared spectrometer.