Optical Fiber Sensing Expansion via Signal Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber sensing systems face challenges in effectively utilizing existing optical fibers for expansion, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in adding new monitoring objects and improving detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber sensing expansion apparatus that connects a sensing optical fiber to an existing optical fiber using a fiber connection unit, allowing the detection results to be superimposed on the optical signal, thereby enabling the expansion of the sensing system without the need for new fiber installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical fiber is newly installed in a monitoring region, then the detection sensitivity and monitoring capability are improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing optical fiber is made to serve dual purposes: its original communication function and new sensing function. By installing sensing equipment at both ends of the existing optical fiber, the same fiber infrastructure is utilized for both data transmission and environmental monitoring, eliminating the need for separate sensing fiber installation and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The existing optical fiber infrastructure serves itself by being repurposed for sensing applications. The optical fiber already in place is utilized for the new sensing function without requiring additional dedicated sensing infrastructure, making the system resource-efficient and cost-effective
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical fiber sensing system is expanded to monitor additional objects, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the system cost increases due to new fiber installation
Solution Approach 1:
The existing optical fiber is repurposed to monitor multiple different objects and environments. By placing sensing equipment at the ends of the existing fiber, the same fiber infrastructure supports expanded monitoring coverage for diverse applications such as temperature, strain, and vibration sensing across different locations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions and monitoring capabilities are merged into the existing optical fiber infrastructure. Instead of installing separate fibers for each monitoring need, the system combines multiple sensing applications using the same fiber, reducing the total quantity of optical fiber required
3Ease of manufacture
If existing optical fiber is utilized for sensing, then the installation cost is reduced, but the detection sensitivity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensing equipment units at both ends of the existing optical fiber to achieve enhanced detection sensitivity. By combining the sensing capabilities of equipment at both ends, the system compensates for the limitations of the existing fiber and achieves sufficient detection precision for various monitoring applications
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 approach allows for the inexpensive and easy expansion of optical fiber sensing systems by leveraging existing fibers, enhancing detection sensitivity and accuracy while reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber connection unit which connects the sensor unit and the optical fiber to each other, and superimposes a detection result detected by the sensor unit on an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical fiber sensing expansion apparatus (30) according to the present disclosure includes a sensor unit (32) storing a sensing optical fiber (33), a fixing unit for fixing the sensor unit (32) to a monitoring object (40), and a fiber connection unit (31) that is capable of connecting the sensing optical fiber (33) to an optical fiber (10), wherein the fiber connection unit (31) superimposes a detection result of the sensor unit (32) on an optical signal to be transmitted by the optical fiber (10).