Fiber Optic Switch With Snap-Action Strain Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic switches have limited distance range due to light break occurring outside the fiber, making them unsuitable for hazardous environments and long-distance applications.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic switch design featuring a plunger, loaded member with a strain sensor, snap-action mechanism, and housing, which changes state rapidly in response to actuation, allowing for distinct strain measurements and signal transmission over long distances using a fiber optic cable, ensuring operation in hazardous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fiber light pipe is used as an on/off switch with light beam breaking outside the fiber, then the switch can be simple in structure, but the distance range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection method (light beam breaking) with a strain sensing method using fiber optic sensors. The strain sensor detects mechanical deformation of the rod member directly, eliminating the need for external light beam interruption and enabling long-distance signal transmission through the fiber optic cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fiber optic strain sensor as an intermediary between the mechanical switch mechanism and the signal transmission system. The sensor is mounted on the rod member to detect strain, converting mechanical deformation into optical signals that can be transmitted over long distances without requiring the light beam to break outside the fiber.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic switches are used to detect door or panel status, then the switch can provide clear on/off states, but the switch cannot be used in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic switches with a fiber optic-based mechanical sensing system. The fiber optic strain sensor detects rod member deformation mechanically, and the snap-action mechanism provides clear state transitions, all without using electromagnetic components that could spark or be affected by hazardous environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an intrinsically safe system by using fiber optic materials that do not conduct electricity or generate electromagnetic fields. The entire sensing mechanism operates in an electrically inert environment, making it suitable for use in explosive or flammable atmospheres where electromagnetic switches would be dangerous.
3Ease of manufacture
If the light break occurs outside the fiber for switching, then the switch can be simple to implement, but the distance from the receiving equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the external light beam breaking method with direct strain sensing on the rod member. The fiber optic strain sensor is mounted directly on the moving component, converting mechanical deformation into optical signals that travel through the fiber cable to remote equipment, enabling long-distance operation while maintaining simple implementation.
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 reliable and intrinsically-safe long-distance switching with discrete signal states, immune to electromagnetic interference and suitable for hazardous environments, such as explosive or flammable settings, with reduced thermal false readings.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical fiber located within the aperture, in which the first optical fiber includes at least one fiber Bragg grating sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is of a fiber optic switch, where an actuated plunger causes a snap-action mechanism to change rapidly from a first state to a second state and place a loaded member from a first strain condition into a second strain condition where the two conditions are substantially different. A strain sensor mounted on the loaded member senses the strain of the loaded member and transmits a corresponding signal on a fiber optic cable.