Modular Deformable Frame for Fiber Optic Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic accelerometers lack versatility in manufacturing and adaptation to different applications, requiring improved ease of manufacturing and flexibility in application.
Innovation Solution
A deformable frame for fiber optic accelerometers is constructed using an interconnected stack of modular plates, allowing for adjustable inertial mass and rigidity, enabling tuning of resonance frequency and operational range by varying the number and type of plates, and optimizing manufacturing through standardized plate thickness and connection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a monolithic frame structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple modular plates that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each plate can be produced using standardized manufacturing processes, and the modular design allows for easy customization by adding or removing plates to adjust inertial mass and rigidity parameters.
2Strength
If a monolithic frame structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is made dynamically configurable through the modular plate design. Users can adjust the number of plates, their arrangement, and connections to optimize the accelerometer's performance for different application requirements, such as tuning resonance frequency and adapting to various measurement ranges.
3Measurement precision
If the inertial mass is increased, then sensitivity to acceleration is improved, but the resonance frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial mass is segmented into multiple plates that can be individually configured. This allows for fine-tuning of the total mass by adding or removing specific plates, enabling precise control over the resonance frequency while maintaining the desired sensitivity characteristics for different applications.
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 modular design enhances the accelerometer's versatility, ease of manufacturing, and adaptability to various applications by allowing for customizable inertial mass and rigidity, improving its operational frequency range and sensitivity to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber with an optical strain sensor attached between respective fiber attachment points on said transmission arms
Implementation Method 2
At least one inertial section of the frame is configured to allow a relative inertial motion of its inertial mass with respect to the one or more accelerated attachment sections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A deformable frame (10) for a fiber optic accelerometer (100). The frame (10) is formed by an interconnected stack of modular plates (10m, 10t). Attachment sections (13, 14, 15) are provided for attachment to an external structure (20) whose acceleration (A) is to be measured. At least one inertial section (16) is configured to allow a relative inertial motion (M) of the frame's inertial mass with respect to the one or more accelerated attachment sections (13, 14, 15). Transmission arms (11, 12) are pivotably attached to respective bridge sections (17,18) between the inertial section (16) an attachment section (15) such that the relative inertial motion (M) of the inertial mass in a sensing direction (Y) causes a transverse motion (S) in each of the transmission arms (11, 12) for stretching and/or compressing an optical fiber (1) with an optical strain sensor (2) attached between respective fiber attachment points (11a, 12a) on said transmission arms (11,12).