Optical Bend Measurement Using Segmented Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical bend measurement apparatuses face difficulties in measuring curvature at specific locations independently, especially when laying optical fibers is challenging, such as in confined spaces, and cannot obtain individual curvature values using a single optical fiber.
Innovation Solution
An optical bend measurement apparatus comprising a light source unit, an optical transmission body with optical characteristic change members at different positions, and a photodetection unit that separates and detects light changes to independently measure bend quantities in specific directions, allowing for accurate measurement even in narrow or confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibers are laid to measure curvature at different locations independently, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to repeated laying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple measurement sections along its length, with each section containing light absorbers at specific positions. This allows a single optical fiber to independently measure curvature at multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating the need to lay multiple fibers or repeatedly lay a single fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring curvature at a single point to measuring curvature at multiple positions along the optical fiber's length. By utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the optical fiber, the system obtains spatial distribution of curvature values without increasing the number of fibers required.
2Device complexity
If a single optical fiber is used for measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because individual curvature values at different locations cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple measurement sections along its length, with each section containing light absorbers at specific positions. This segmentation enables a single optical fiber to independently measure curvature at multiple locations simultaneously, providing location-specific curvature values without requiring multiple fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the optical fiber are equipped with light absorbers at specific positions to measure curvature at corresponding locations. Each section has the local quality of being able to independently detect curvature at its specific position, allowing the single fiber to provide spatially-resolved curvature measurements.
3Area of stationary object
If optical fibers are laid in confined spaces, then measurement coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in laying and changing fiber conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple measurement sections that can be independently configured along its length. This allows the single fiber to cover multiple measurement locations in confined spaces without requiring complex laying arrangements or frequent repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical fiber performs multiple measurement functions by having light absorbers at different positions along its length. This multi-functional capability allows the fiber to measure curvature at multiple locations simultaneously, reducing the need to lay multiple fibers in confined spaces.
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 independent measurement of bend quantities in specific directions at various locations, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems by using optical characteristic change members to alter light properties based on bend amounts, facilitating precise curvature assessment without the need for multiple fiber layings.
Implementation Method 1
an optical characteristic change member which imposes a change of optical characteristics on light impinging on the optical characteristic change member depending on a bend quantity in a specific direction
Implementation Method 2
a photodetection unit which separates and detects light that has undergone the change of the optical characteristics
Implementation Method 3
an optical transmission body for transmitting the measurement light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical bend measurement apparatus includes a light source unit configured to supply measurement light, an optical transmission body configured to transmit the measurement light, a optical characteristic change members provided in different portions of the optical transmission body, and a photodetection unit configured to detect light output from the optical transmission body. Each optical characteristic change member imposes a change of optical characteristics on light impinging on the optical characteristic change member depending on a bend quantity in a specific direction of a portion of the optical transmission body where the optical characteristic change member is provided. The photodetection unit separates and detects the light that has undergone the change of the optical characteristics to independently measure bend quantities in specific directions of the different portions of the optical transmission bodies based on intensities of the detected light.