Lattice Optical Path Damage Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damage detection systems using optical fibers struggle to accurately specify multiple damage positions on a structure, as they often result in light loss and difficulty in distinguishing between adjacent damaged areas when damage occurs at multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A damage detection system employing a lattice-shaped arrangement of optical paths with at least three axes, utilizing polymer optical waveguides to minimize light loss and intersection issues, and using a common light source and photodetector to simplify the configuration, allowing for precise identification of damage locations by analyzing intensity changes across multiple intersecting paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical fibers are arranged in a simple grid pattern for damage detection, then the system configuration is simple, but light loss occurs at intersection points making it difficult to distinguish adjacent damage positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional grid arrangement to a three-dimensional lattice arrangement of optical paths. By adding the third dimension (depth/layer), the system achieves better spatial resolution for damage detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through the structured lattice pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple independent optical paths arranged in a lattice pattern. Each optical path acts as an independent detection channel, allowing the system to precisely locate damage by comparing signals across multiple segmented paths rather than treating the entire detection area as a single unit.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple optical paths intersect frequently to cover the detection area, then coverage is improved, but light loss at intersection points increases reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice arrangement creates regions of varying optical path density - some areas have higher path concentration for better damage localization, while other areas have lower concentration to reduce light loss. This local variation in optical path distribution optimizes both coverage and detection accuracy in different spatial zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure acts as an intermediary arrangement between complete optical path intersection (which causes light loss) and no intersection (which reduces coverage). By carefully designing the lattice geometry, the system achieves adequate coverage while minimizing harmful light loss at intersection points.
3Loss of energy
If optical paths are arranged sparsely to reduce light loss, then light transmission is improved, but damage position resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the third dimension to the optical path arrangement, the system achieves better damage position resolution without requiring increased optical path density in the two-dimensional plane. The lattice structure extends detection capability vertically, improving resolution while maintaining adequate light transmission.
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 enables accurate detection and specification of multiple damage positions with reduced light loss, improved position resolution, and simplified system configuration, enhancing safety by facilitating real-time damage detection during flight and reducing structural stress on aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
radially reducing the thickness of a core, and forming a stress sensitive unit
Implementation Method 2
an optical signal is propagated with an optical fiber attached to a structure from which damage should be detected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a damage detection system includes optical paths, a light source, a photodetector, and a signal processing system. a signal processing system. The optical paths propagate lights in at least three different directions. The optical paths have at least two paths per one direction. The light source makes the lights incident on one ends of the optical paths respectively. The photodetector detects the lights output from other ends of the optical paths. The signal processing system specifies at least one location of damage based on optical detection signals detected by the photodetector.