Helical Fibre-Optic Sensor for Isolated Fluid Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for measuring fluid pressure struggle with accuracy and reliability, particularly when distinguishing fluid pressure from mechanical pressures from solid bodies like rock or earth, and are prone to interference from external factors.
Innovation Solution
A fibre-optic sensor device with a base body and helically wound sensor elements, combined with a transmission unit that receives fluid pressure independently of mechanical pressures, using a deformable base body and elastic materials to enhance measurement accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor device uses a deformable base body to measure fluid pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes susceptible to interference from mechanical pressures of solid bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission unit as an intermediary component between the fluid pressure source and the sensor element. This transmission unit selectively transmits fluid pressure to the sensor element while blocking or attenuating mechanical pressures from solid bodies, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and resistance to harmful interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the base body and the sensor element with a fluid-transmission-based system. The transmission unit uses fluid pressure transmission instead of direct mechanical force transmission, allowing the sensor to measure fluid pressure accurately while being isolated from mechanical pressures of surrounding solid bodies
2Reliability
If the base body is made deformable to transmit fluid pressure, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit serves as a protective intermediary that allows fluid pressure to reach the sensor element while blocking mechanical pressures from solid bodies. This intermediary structure maintains the reliability of the sensor by filtering out harmful external influences while preserving the desired measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission unit exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it is permeable to fluid pressure (allowing transmission) but impermeable to mechanical pressures from solid bodies (blocking transmission). This anisotropic local quality enables the system to maintain reliability while achieving measurement functionality
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 solution achieves high measuring accuracy and reliability by isolating fluid pressure measurements from mechanical pressures, ensuring precise fluid pressure detection even in complex environments like soil, with improved durability and resistance to external influences.
Implementation Method 1
a fibre-optic sensor unit (12a) which comprises at least one sensor element (13a) which is in the form of a light-conducting fibre
Implementation Method 2
transmit a fluid pressure to the sensor unit for a deformation of the at least one sensor element
Implementation Method 3
the base body is formed from an elastically deformable plastic, in particular from a thermoplastic elastomer
Implementation Method 4
The transmission unit (14a) is configured to transmit a fluid pressure to the sensor unit (12a)
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device, at least for measuring a fluid pressure, has a base body and has a fibre optic sensor unit which includes one or more sensor elements(s) which is in the form of a light conducting fibre and which extends along a longitudinal extension of the base body at least substantially helically around the base body. A transmission unit, which is arranged in at least one measuring range around the base body and the one or more sensor elements(s), receives a fluid from an environment and transmits a fluid pressure to the sensor unit for a deformation of the at least one sensor element.