Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing for Vehicle Panel Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle safety systems face complications in measuring temperatures and strains due to the use of multiple sensors and wiring, which complicates assembly and operation, and often include redundant systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensing system utilizing an optic fiber with a transmitter/receiver and reflector, where changes in the frequency of the emitted beam indicate physical changes, such as temperature and strain, allowing for the detection of distortions and strains on vehicle panels without the need for multiple sensors and wiring, using coherent optical frequency domain reflectometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual sensors are used to detect temperatures and strains at different locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple wires and mounting arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual sensors are merged into a single distributed fiber optic sensing system. The fiber optic cable acts as a continuous sensing element that replaces numerous discrete sensors, consolidating multiple measurement functions into one integrated component that can detect temperature and strain along its entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensing element and the signal transmission medium. A single fiber optic system can detect multiple physical parameters (temperature, strain, impact) at multiple locations along the vehicle body, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor systems.
2Reliability
If dedicated sensors are used for different safety systems, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to redundant systems
Solution Approach 1:
A single distributed fiber optic sensing system provides universal sensing capability that serves multiple safety functions simultaneously. The same fiber optic infrastructure supports airbag deployment, side curtain deployment, and other safety systems, eliminating redundant dedicated sensors while maintaining reliable detection for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dedicated sensor systems are merged into one unified distributed sensing platform. The fiber optic cable consolidates the sensing functions of various safety systems into a single infrastructure, reducing component count while maintaining the reliability needed for critical safety applications.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are distributed throughout the vehicle, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complicated assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is simplified by merging multiple discrete sensor installation tasks into a single fiber optic cable installation. Instead of mounting numerous individual sensors at different locations, workers install one continuous fiber optic cable that provides sensing coverage along the entire vehicle body panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable can be installed in segments or sections along the vehicle body, allowing for modular assembly. The cable can be routed through existing vehicle structures and connected at terminals, breaking down the complex installation into manageable sections while maintaining continuous sensing capability.
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 system simplifies the detection of physical changes on vehicle panels by eliminating redundant sensors and wiring, enabling accurate measurement of temperature and strain, and triggering safety systems effectively.
Implementation Method 1
dimensional changes to the optic fiber change the originating frequency reflected back to the transmitter/receiver
Implementation Method 2
a reflector disposed at a terminal end of the optic fiber for reflecting the beam back through the optic fiber to the transmitter/receiver
Implementation Method 3
the optic fiber expands and contracts responsive to temperature changes in the vehicle panel and expansion and contraction of the optic fiber causes changes in the originating frequency that are indicative of a temperature of the vehicle panel
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed vehicle sensing system includes an optic fiber disposed adjacent to a vehicle panel, a transmitter/receiver disposed at an originating end of the optic fiber, the transmitter/receiver configured to emit a beam through the optic fiber at a defined originating frequency, and a reflector disposed at a terminal end of the optic fiber for reflecting the beam back through the optic fiber to the transmitter/receiver. Dimensional changes to the optic fiber change the originating frequency reflected back to the transmitter/receiver and the change in the originating frequency is indicative of a physical change in the vehicle panel.