Optical Fiber Ribbon Strain Separation for Torsion and Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring strain in optical fiber ribbons cannot accurately calculate torsion angles or strain amounts due to tension/compression.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that separate torsional and tensile strain measurements by calculating torsion angles and strain amounts based on differences between outer and inner core wires of an optical fiber ribbon, allowing for accurate determination of torsion and tension strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain amount of each core wire is measured to calculate torsion angle, then torsion measurement capability is improved, but inability to separate tensile strain from torsional strain remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total strain measurement into distinct components by utilizing the spatial distribution of strain across multiple core wires. By measuring strain at different radial positions (outer vs inner core wires) and applying mathematical decomposition, the system separates tensile strain (affecting all wires equally) from torsional strain (creating differential strain based on position), thereby resolving the information loss problem.
2Ease of operation
If only total strain amount is measured, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but inability to distinguish between tensile and torsional components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber ribbon measurement system multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously measure both tensile strain and torsional strain using the same infrastructure. The system processes strain data from multiple core wires to extract both strain components, allowing a single measurement system to perform multiple measurement functions without requiring separate sensor systems.
3Device complexity
If strain measurement system is designed for single component, then device complexity is reduced, but capability to measure both torsion and tension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the strain distribution pattern across different core wires to encode multiple measurement information. By analyzing how strain parameters vary radially across the fiber ribbon (with outer wires experiencing different strain than inner wires under torsion), the system extracts both tensile and torsional components from a single measurement set, achieving versatility without proportional complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber strain measurement method including, in order: a strain amount measurement step S2 of measuring a strain amount εn′ of each core wire of an optical fiber ribbon F; a torsion angle calculation step S3 of calculating a torsion angle γ per unit length of the optical fiber ribbon F on the basis of a difference ε′ in strain amount between an outer core wire and an inner core wire; a torsional strain amount calculation step S4 of calculating a strain amount εn caused by torsion of each core wire of the optical fiber ribbon F on the basis of the torsion angle γ; and a tensile strain amount calculation step S5 of subtracting the strain amount εn from the strain amount εn′, and calculating a strain amount Δεn caused by tension of each core wire of the optical fiber ribbon F.