Fiber Optic Transducer Mass Enveloping Moveable Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic sensing systems face limitations due to spatial restrictions and sensitivity issues in transducer designs, particularly in environments requiring precise motion detection across different axes, where conventional transducers are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A transducer design featuring a fixed and moveable portion with a spring and optical fiber wound between them, where a mass envelops the moveable portion to enhance sensitivity and control off-axis excitation, integrated into fiber optic accelerometers and sensing systems like Sagnac and Michelsen interferometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional transducer designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity and control for precise motion detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mass envelops the moveable portion, creating a nested structure where the moveable portion is contained within the mass. This nesting arrangement enhances sensitivity by concentrating the sensing element within the moving mass, while the integrated design prevents excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces off-axis sensitivity control by adding dimensional considerations to the transducer design. The mass enveloping the moveable portion creates geometric constraints that affect motion in multiple dimensions, enabling precise control of off-axis excitation and improving overall measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional transducer designs are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot meet sensitivity requirements in constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed portion, moveable portion, spring, and mass are integrated into a unified transducer assembly. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, while the integrated design maintains high sensitivity through the enveloping mass configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass serves multiple functions: it provides the moving mass for acceleration sensing, envelops the moveable portion for structural integration, and contributes to off-axis sensitivity control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, easing manufacturing while improving sensitivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional transducer designs are used, then the structure is simple, but off-axis sensitivity cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The mass enveloping the moveable portion creates an asymmetric geometric relationship that inherently controls off-axis sensitivity. The enveloping structure provides different mechanical constraints for axial versus off-axis motions, allowing selective sensitivity control without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric configuration of the mass enveloping the moveable portion is designed in advance to pre-determine the off-axis sensitivity characteristics. This preliminary structural arrangement establishes the sensitivity profile before the transducer is subjected to actual measurements, simplifying the control of harmful off-axis effects.
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 transducer effectively converts physical disturbances into phase changes in optical fiber, improving sensitivity and reducing off-axis sensitivity, enabling more accurate motion detection in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion
Implementation Method 2
a length of fiber wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion. The length of fiber spans the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic transducer is provided. The fiber optic transducer includes a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest, a moveable portion having a range of motion with respect to the fixed portion, a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, and a length of fiber wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion. The length of fiber spans the spring. The fiber optic transducer also includes a mass engaged with the moveable portion. In one disclosed aspect of the transducer, the mass envelopes the moveable portion.