Optical Conduit Sensor System for Noise-Resistant Inspection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical cables used in inspection systems are prone to noise and interference, which degrade signal quality and limit the separation distance between sensors and diagnostic components, especially as cable length increases.

Innovation Solution

The use of light signals transmitted through optical fiber cables to communicate between sensors and signal processing and control components, converting electrical signals to light and vice versa, thereby reducing distortion and allowing for greater separation distances and higher frequency usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical cables are used to transmit signals between sensors and diagnostic components, then the system can be implemented with conventional technology, but signal distortion and noise increase as cable length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcable length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. Light signals are used instead of electrical signals to transmit data between the sensor and diagnostic components. This substitution eliminates the problems of electrical interference, noise, and signal degradation that occur in electrical cables over long distances, while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical converters as intermediary devices that convert electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa. These converters act as mediators between the electrical sensor components and the optical transmission medium, enabling the system to leverage the advantages of optical fiber transmission while maintaining compatibility with existing electrical sensor technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If electrical cables are used to connect sensor and diagnostic component, then the connection can be established with conventional technology, but the separation distance between components is limited due to signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation distanceVSAvoidsignal distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. Light signals are used instead of electrical signals to transmit data between the sensor and diagnostic components. This substitution eliminates the problems of electrical interference, noise, and signal degradation that occur in electrical cables over long distances, while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of stationary object

If longer electrical cables are used to increase separation distance, then greater component separation is achieved, but noise and interference problems become more pronounced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable lengthVSAvoidnoise and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical cable transmission with optical fiber transmission. Light signals are used instead of electrical signals to transmit data between the sensor and diagnostic components. This substitution eliminates the problems of electrical interference, noise, and signal degradation that occur in electrical cables over long distances, while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach effectively eliminates signal distortion, enabling sensor and diagnostic component separation of up to 27 feet or more, while allowing for more accurate measurements and higher frequency device use, particularly useful in near-field applications.

Implementation Method 1

The use of light signals transmitted through optical fiber cables to communicate between sensors and signal processing and control components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS8742319B2Sensor and inspection system deploying an optical conduit

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Embodiments of an inspection system comprise a conduit that can transmit light between a sensor and a processing component. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises an element that generates an electromagnetic field in response to an input from the processing component. The input comprises a light signal that traverses the conduit to the sensor. The sensor converts the light signal to an electrical signal to operate the element. In one example, the sensor generates a plurality of light signals, which also traverse the conduit to the diagnostic component where the lights signals are processed to determine, in one example, proximity of an object to the sensor.