Multi-Core FBG Sensor Fiber Asymmetric Core Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor fibers struggle to simultaneously measure multiple parameters such as length, bending, temperature, and torsion effectively, requiring many FBG fiber cores and complicating data evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core optical waveguide sensor fiber with a fiber Bragg grating structure, featuring at least two FBG fiber cores surrounded by a common cladding and differentiation and orientation means within the cladding to clearly identify each core, allowing for simple signal assignment and measurement of torsion effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many FBG fiber cores are combined in a multi-core optical fiber to enable simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters (temperature, length, bending, torsion), then the measurement capability and data comprehensiveness are improved, but the structural complexity and difficulty of signal analysis increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning FBG fiber cores at non-symmetric locations within the cladding cross-section. This asymmetric arrangement allows each core to experience different mechanical stresses and optical path changes when the fiber undergoes bending or torsion, enabling unique identification and measurement of individual parameters through pattern recognition in the collected data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many FBG fiber cores are combined in a multi-core optical fiber to enable simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters, then the measurement capability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring individual core signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct spatial positions for each FBG fiber core within the cladding. Each core is located at a specific position with unique local mechanical properties and stress distribution characteristics. This spatial differentiation allows measurement systems to distinguish and analyze signals from individual cores based on their location-specific response patterns to external stimuli.
3Ease of manufacture
If FBG fiber cores are arranged without specific orientation markers, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ability to assign and identify individual core signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of FBG fiber cores within the cladding to create inherent orientation markers. The non-uniform spatial distribution of cores provides unique geometric signatures that enable identification and tracking of individual cores throughout the manufacturing and measurement processes without requiring additional complex marking structures.
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
Enables simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters with improved signal clarity and simplicity, allowing for accurate detection of strain, length, bending, temperature, and torsion by distinguishing individual FBG fiber cores within the sensor fiber.
Implementation Method 1
By inscribing Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) into the fiber core, sensitivity to length and/or temperature changes is achieved
Implementation Method 2
at least two light-conducting FBG fiber cores (2) provided with the fiber Bragg grating structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The sensor fiber (1) has two light-conducting fiber Bragg grating fiber cores (2) provided with the fiber Bragg grating structure, and a common cladding (3) surrounding the fiber Bragg grating fiber cores. One or multiple discrimination- and orientation units are arranged within or on the sensor fiber for generation of a marking, which is detectable by a downstream measuring apparatus and which characterizes each individual fiber Bragg grating fiber core in a distinct manner.