Optical Fiber Sensing Supporting Wire Breakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber sensing systems fail to detect breakage of supporting wires in optical fiber cables, which can lead to inaccurate sensing due to applied tension on the optical fiber, especially under disturbances like typhoons.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber sensing system that includes an optical fiber cable with a supporting wire, a processor to transmit pulsed light, and a detection unit to derive the frequency characteristic of vibrations in the optical fiber, allowing for the detection of supporting wire breakage based on specific frequency patterns in the vibration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fiber sensing is used to detect events around the optical fiber, then sensing capability is improved, but the system cannot detect breakage of the supporting wire which causes tension on the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration analysis by transmitting pulsed light to the optical fiber and analyzing the vibration characteristics of the backscattered light. When the supporting wire breaks, it causes characteristic vibrations in the optical fiber that are detected through frequency analysis of the optical signal, enabling indirect detection of wire breakage through vibration patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical detection methods with optical detection. Instead of using mechanical sensors to detect wire breakage, the system uses optical fiber sensing to detect vibrations caused by the breakage, substituting a mechanical detection approach with an optical field-based approach that is more sensitive and non-intrusive.
2Productivity
If the supporting wire is broken due to disturbance, then the optical fiber cable structure is compromised, but the optical fiber sensing system continues to operate without detecting the breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the vibration characteristics of the optical fiber and comparing them against baseline patterns. When the supporting wire breaks, the change in vibration pattern provides feedback that triggers an alert, allowing the system to respond to structural compromises while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing baseline vibration characteristics before any breakage occurs. This preliminary characterization of the optical fiber's normal vibration patterns enables the system to detect deviations caused by wire breakage, allowing for early detection before the optical fiber itself is damaged.
3Strength
If tension is applied to the optical fiber when the supporting wire breaks, then the optical fiber may be damaged, but the system lacks the capability to detect the supporting wire breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration analysis to detect supporting wire breakage before it causes optical fiber damage. By analyzing the vibration patterns of the optical fiber caused by the breaking wire, the system can identify the breakage event and take preventive action, thereby protecting the optical fiber from tension-induced damage.
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
Enables accurate detection of supporting wire breakage by analyzing frequency characteristics of vibrations in the optical fiber, ensuring continuous and reliable sensing operations even when the supporting wire is damaged.
Implementation Method 1
transmit pulsed light to the optical fiber, also receive an optical signal from the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber sensing system according to the present disclosure includes: an optical fiber cable including an optical fiber and a supporting wire supporting the optical fiber; at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to transmit pulsed light to the optical fiber, also receive an optical signal from the optical fiber, derive a frequency characteristic of vibration generated in the optical fiber, based on the optical signal, and detect whether the supporting wire is broken, based on a frequency characteristic of the vibration.