Fiber Optic Sensor Self-Diagnosis for Automated Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic sensors are durable but require human intervention to ensure they function correctly, hindering full automation in measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-diagnosis process is implemented to automate the calibration and functionality check of fiber optic sensors, using a controller to manage a self-diagnosis processor that identifies issues such as breakage, adhesive deterioration, and detachment, allowing for automated health and collection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic sensors are used for measurement, then durability and measurement capability are improved, but human intervention is required for functionality checks which hinders full automation
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic sensor system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own output characteristics. The diagnosis apparatus compares the sensor output against reference values to automatically detect abnormalities such as breakage, adhesive deterioration, or detachment, enabling the system to self-verify functionality without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the output of the fiber optic sensor is continuously monitored and fed back to the diagnosis apparatus. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of sensor degradation or failure by comparing real-time output against predetermined reference ranges, allowing the system to automatically determine whether measurement collection should proceed.
2Extent of automation
If self-diagnosis process is implemented, then automation is improved, but additional processing steps are added to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnosis apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors sensor output, compares against reference values, detects various types of abnormalities (breakage, adhesive issues, detachment), and controls the measurement collection process. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary diagnosis before initiating measurement collection. By checking sensor functionality in advance and comparing output against reference values stored in memory, the system prevents unnecessary measurement operations when the sensor is faulty, simplifying the overall control logic rather than adding complexity.
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 full automation of fiber optic sensor measurements without human intervention, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance burdens, even in challenging environments like high altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
light is emitted from a light source and travels through an optical fiber to reach a measurement point
Implementation Method 2
A characteristic of the light, such as an intensity, a phase, a frequency, a wavelength, or a polarization, can change due to a disturbance attributable to the target
Implementation Method 3
The fiber optic sensor measures the quantity of the target through measuring such a characteristic of the light by means of a light receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A diagnosis apparatus (100) includes a fiber optic sensor (118), a collection processor (132), and a self-diagnosis processor (136). The fiber optic sensor (118) is configured to be disposed over a target (TG). The collection processor (132) is configured to perform a collection process that collects measurement data related to the target (TG) obtained by the fiber optic sensor (118). The self-diagnosis processor (136) is configured to perform a self-diagnosis process before the collection processor (132) starts the collection process. The self-diagnosis process obtains an output value related to calibration of the fiber optic sensor (118), causes the collection processor (132) to start the collection process when the output value falls within a proper range, and outputs an error when the output value falls outside the proper range.