Multi-Axis Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for EMI-Immune Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sensing technologies are not suitable for harsh environments, are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, and require processing circuitry near the sensor, limiting their robust performance in unstructured and unknown environments, particularly in space applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis fiber Bragg grating sensing system with spatially distributed and mechanically isolated three-dimensional sensing towers, each equipped with nonparallel sensing pillars and optical fiber Bragg gratings, providing multi-axis force information immune to electromagnetic interference and suitable for harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tactile sensing technologies are used, then sensing capability is provided, but electromagnetic interference susceptibility increases and reliability in harsh environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic-based sensing technologies with fiber optic-based sensing. The fiber optic sensors use optical principles (light transmission and reflection) instead of electromagnetic fields, making them inherently immune to electromagnetic interference while maintaining sensing capability in harsh environments including space applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to transmit sensing information. The optical fibers serve as a protected transmission channel that isolates the sensing function from electromagnetic interference, enabling reliable operation in harsh environments where conventional electronics would fail.
2Ease of operation
If processing circuitry is located near the sensor, then sensing function is achieved, but device complexity and vulnerability to electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex electronic processing circuitry and implements it using simple optical components. The fiber optic sensors require minimal electronics compared to conventional systems, as the optical signals can be transmitted over long distances without requiring nearby processing circuitry, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic processing circuitry with optical signal transmission. Instead of processing electrical signals nearby, the system uses optical fibers to transmit sensing data, eliminating the need for complex electronic processing circuitry close to the sensor and reducing vulnerability to electromagnetic interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing FBG embodiments are used for multi-axis sensing, then sensing capability is provided, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-axis sensing function into multiple independent fiber Bragg grating elements arranged in specific geometric configurations. Each FBG element senses a specific axis, and by combining multiple segmented sensing elements, the system achieves comprehensive multi-axis sensing capability while keeping each individual element compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-axis to multi-axis sensing by adding spatial dimensions to the FBG arrangement. Multiple FBGs are positioned and oriented in different spatial directions, allowing the system to measure forces and strains along multiple axes simultaneously without increasing the overall footprint significantly.
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 system offers electromagnetic interference immunity, excellent signal-to-noise ratio, and compact design, enabling effective multi-axis force sensing in robotic grippers for applications like space robotics, manufacturing, and warehouse robotics.
Implementation Method 1
Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) provide strain information through changes in detected wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber has a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings and is affixed to each of the dimensional multi-axis sensing towers
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis fiber Bragg grating sensing system has a plurality of spatially distributed and mechanically isolated three dimensional multi-axis sensing towers, each having a plurality of connected nonparallel sensing pillars having a straight portion of a length and straightness to support a fiber Bragg grating and connected to at least one other of the three dimensional multi-axis sensing towers via a curved portion having a curvature radius equal to the minimum bend radius of an affixed optical fiber. The optical fiber has a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings and is affixed to each of the dimensional multi-axis sensing towers wherein a fiber Bragg grating is positioned along a straight portion of a sensing pillar of each of the towers. An interrogator captures and measures wavelength data from the fiber Bragg gratings for measuring multi-axis force information applied to each of the three dimensional multi-axis sensing towers.