Reflective Element for Fiber Optic Sensor Using Optical Fiber Stub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic sensors face challenges due to the high cost and sensitivity of reflective targets, which are prone to shape distortions and degradation from temperature variations, affecting their performance in high-temperature and strong electromagnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A reflective element for fiber optic sensors is developed using a single optical fiber with a plane containing sharply defined straight lines separating areas of low and high reflectivity, allowing relative movement to induce variations in the optical signal, enabling measurement of physical changes while simplifying construction and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional reflective target is used in fiber optic sensors, then the sensor can detect physical parameters, but the reflective target is expensive and sensitive to temperature variations causing shape distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical fiber stub as a reflective element that replicates the reflective function without requiring expensive traditional reflective targets. The optical fiber stub is coated with a reflective material and positioned to reflect light back through the same fiber, creating a cost-effective alternative that maintains sensor functionality while reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability against temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the reflective element by using an optical fiber stub with specific geometric parameters (length, diameter, coating) instead of traditional reflective targets. This parameter change allows the element to withstand temperature variations better while maintaining reflective functionality, thereby improving reliability without increasing manufacturing complexity
2Temperature
If a monocrystal reflector is used to withstand thermal loads, then thermal resistance improves, but the crystalline texture is modified during forming and machining reducing optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical fiber stub that can be easily manufactured and replaced, avoiding the need for expensive monocrystal reflectors that require precise crystalline structures. The fiber stub with reflective coating provides sufficient thermal resistance for the application while being much easier and cheaper to manufacture without compromising optical performance through complex forming and machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining optical fiber material with a reflective coating layer. This composite approach allows the element to achieve both thermal resistance from the fiber structure and reflective properties from the coating, eliminating the need for pure monocrystal materials that suffer from manufacturing precision issues during forming and machining
3Device complexity
If a single optical fiber is used for both transmitting and receiving light, then device complexity reduces, but the reflective element must be precisely positioned to maintain optical signal intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitting and receiving optical fibers into a single fiber that performs both functions. The optical fiber stub is positioned at the end of this single fiber to reflect light back through the same fiber, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining optical signal intensity through precise positioning and reflective coating
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 provides a cost-effective and sensitive reflective element that maintains performance in high-temperature conditions, allowing for precise measurement of physical changes through variations in optical signal intensity, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fiber optic sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Via a transmitting optical fiber light from a light source is dispatched to reflective target that partly reflects it back through a receiving optical fiber to a photo detector
Implementation Method 2
light from a light source is dispatched to reflective target that partly reflects it back through a receiving optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
transformed by the photo detector into electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective element for directing an optical signal into a fiber optic sensor having an optical fiber includes a plane containing a sharply defined straight line that separates between a first area of low reflectivity and a second area of high reflectivity. The plane is disposed parallel to a free end surface of the optical fiber so that the free end surface intersects the line of the reflective element, whereby relative movement between the free end surface of the optical fiber and the line in response to a physical change sensed by the fiber optic sensor induces variations in an optical signal reflected by the reflective element through the optical fiber, which variations allow measurement of the physical change.