Modular Fiber Optic Sensor Probe for Independent Multiparameter Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiparameter measurement systems using electronic or optoelectronic point sensors are complex, expensive, and prone to failure due to non-modular and non-independent sensor integration, requiring external structures and increased maintenance time.

Innovation Solution

A single fiber optic cable with a multiparameter probe that integrates modular, independently encapsulated fiber optic sensors, allowing easy maintenance and configuration, with multiplexed signal transmission through a single fiber optic cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic or optoelectronic point sensors are integrated in the same structure, then multiparameter measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiparameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into multiple independent sensor capsules, each containing a single sensor type. This segmentation allows each sensor to be independently replaced or maintained without affecting others, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance difficulty while maintaining multiparameter measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal hermetic container structure is designed to accommodate different types of fiber optic sensors (temperature, pressure, acoustic, etc.) within the same probe assembly, enabling multiparameter measurement while using a standardized platform that reduces device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple sensors are integrated in the same structure without independent encapsulation, then compact design is achieved, but reliability decreases due to higher failure probability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe compactnessVSAvoidsensor failure probability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensor is enclosed in its own hermetic capsule within the probe assembly, creating physical isolation between sensors. This segmentation prevents failure of one sensor from affecting others, improving reliability while maintaining compact overall probe design through integrated housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Hermetic sealing is applied to each sensor capsule beforehand to protect sensors from environmental damage and failure. This preventive protection measure ensures sensors operate reliably in harsh conditions without being affected by external factors, reducing failure probability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If non-modular sensor integration is used, then initial system setup is simplified, but maintenance time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial system setupVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors are provided as separate, replaceable capsules that can be individually removed and replaced without disassembling the entire probe. This modular segmentation significantly reduces maintenance time and cost compared to non-modular integration, while the standardized hermetic container design keeps initial setup simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular capsule design allows failed sensors to be quickly removed and replaced with new or refurbished units. This approach enables rapid maintenance operations where individual sensor capsules can be exchanged without affecting other sensors or the probe structure, reducing overall maintenance time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of operation

If external structures are used for each sensor, then individual sensor access is improved, but overall device complexity and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor accessVSAvoidprobe dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual sensor access structures are merged into a single integrated hermetic container assembly. This consolidation provides individual access to each sensor capsule through the unified probe structure, maintaining ease of operation while reducing overall probe dimensions compared to having separate external structures for each sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4300076B1Modulable multiparameter probe with fiber optic sensors

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 FIBSEN MONITORIZACIONES SL

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AI summary

A modulable multiparameter fiber optic sensor probe (10) which being embedded or integrated in a single fiber optic cable (1) is configured as a hermetic container with a fiber optic inlet (1a) and a fiber optic outlet (1b), as well as an inlet for a sample (2) and which inside the multiparameter probe (10) incorporates a plurality of capsules (20), each of them independent of the rest; wherein each capsule (20) consists of a fiber optic sensor configured to measure a physical, chemical or biological parameter of the sample (2) when it is inside the multiparametric probe.