Integrated Optical Sensor Substrate for Compact State Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring state variables using fiber optic sensors are mechanically robust, have high space and energy requirements, and are costly to manufacture and operate.
Innovation Solution
Integration of optical couplers, filter elements, and photoelectric converters on a substrate, along with an electronic circuit, to create a compact, cost-effective device that reduces space requirements and energy consumption, allowing for reliable monitoring of mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete optical components (optical circulator, arrayed waveguide grating) are assembled with connectors or splice connections, then the device can be manufactured using conventional methods, but the mechanical robustness deteriorates and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple discrete optical components (optical circulator, arrayed waveguide grating, connectors) into a single integrated optical component where these functions are combined in one mechanically robust unit, eliminating connector interfaces and improving reliability while maintaining manufacturability through integrated fabrication processes
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete optical components with connectors are used, then the device can be assembled using standard procedures, but the space requirement increases and energy consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of optical components into a single compact unit reduces the overall space requirement by eliminating the need for separate housings, alignment mechanisms, and connector interfaces that would be required for discrete component assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete optical components are used, then the device can be constructed with standard components, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical component reduces energy consumption by minimizing optical loss at connector interfaces and reducing the need for alignment adjustments, while the integrated fabrication process maintains ease of manufacture through established semiconductor or optical fabrication techniques
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 enables the production of compact, reliable, and energy-efficient devices that can monitor mechanical components with high spatial resolution, reducing manufacturing effort and operational costs while providing accurate data on mechanical stresses and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The optical waveguide has a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings. Each fiber Bragg grating reflects part of an optical input signal traveling in the optical waveguide. When a mechanical tension is applied, the length of the optical waveguide changes and thus the grating constant of the fiber Bragg grating. This also changes the reflected wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The portion of the optical input signal reflected by the at least one fiber Bragg grating is filtered by at least one passive optical component and converted into an electrical signal by a photoelectric converter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for measuring state variables with at least one fibre-optic sensor (200), containing at least one optical coupler (125, 128, 129), at least one filter element (121) and at least one photo­electric converter (140, 145), wherein the optical coupler (125, 126, 128, 129), the filter element (121, 130) and the photoelectric converter (140, 145) are integrated on a substrate (100), characterized in that the filter element (121) contains at least one Bragg grating (121) which is set up to supply that portion of the light which is reflected by the Bragg grating (121) to the photoelectric converter (140, 145).