Optical Fiber Hitpoint Sensor EMI Immunity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitpoint sensor systems face issues with electromagnetic interference (EMI), high channel counts, complex data processing, and the need for external power sources, which can limit their effectiveness and efficiency in rapidly determining the precise location of energetic impacts on a surface.
Innovation Solution
A hitpoint sensor utilizing an optical fiber wound around the surface, with a data processor connected to its ends, where light generated by collisions is used to determine impact location through counter-propagating light signals, operating in modes that are immune to EMI and require no external power, utilizing low channel counts and implicit data compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical or optical hitpoint sensor systems are used, then impact location can be detected, but electromagnetic interference corrupts the information and causes erroneous conclusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. The optical fiber detects impact location by measuring the time of flight of light pulses, eliminating electromagnetic interference that plagues electrical systems. This substitution of electrical signals with optical signals directly resolves the EMI corruption issue while maintaining impact location detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary medium between the impact detection point and the data processing system. The optical fiber acts as a protected transmission channel that isolates the detection system from electromagnetic interference in the environment. This intermediary approach allows reliable transmission of impact location data without direct exposure to EMI.
2Measurement precision
If existing optical and electrical systems are used, then impact location can be determined, but high channel counts require high-speed sampling systems and complex data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical fiber into multiple sections with reflective elements positioned at known locations along the fiber length. This segmentation creates discrete measurement zones that simplify the detection process. Instead of requiring high-speed sampling across all channels simultaneously, the system can process signals from individual segmented sections independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions reflective elements at known locations along the optical fiber before impact occurs. These pre-placed reflectors create predetermined reference points that enable the system to calculate impact location based on time-of-flight measurements. This preliminary arrangement of reference elements eliminates the need for complex real-time processing, as the calculation can be performed using simple timing data and pre-known geometric relationships.
3Reliability
If conventional systems are used, then impact detection is possible, but external power sources are required which can be awkward and limit utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passive optical detection system that does not require external power sources. The optical fiber detects impacts through intrinsic optical properties and time-of-flight measurement, using the impact itself to generate the detection signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power supplies, making the system easier to deploy and more adaptable to various test environments where power availability may be limited.
4Measurement precision
If conventional systems with high channel counts are used, then comprehensive impact detection is achieved, but time transmission of information is limited before system destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for impact location detection from the complex optical signal. By using time-of-flight measurement with pre-positioned reflective elements, the system extracts solely the timing data required to calculate position, discarding unnecessary signal complexity. This extraction of minimal essential data dramatically reduces transmission time requirements while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting complex multi-channel data signals that require lengthy transmission, the patent inverts the approach by using the impact event itself to generate a simple time-based signal. The impact creates a optical pulse that travels through the fiber at known speed, and the timing of this pulse provides the location information directly. This inversion from data-driven transmission to event-driven timing measurement dramatically reduces transmission time.
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 solution provides precise and efficient impact location measurement, is cost-effective, and immune to electromagnetic interference, enabling rapid data transmission without the need for external power, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
When a collision with the surface occurs, light is generated in the fiber
Implementation Method 2
light is generated in the fiber which passes in two counter-propagating directions through the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a hitpoint sensor for a surface of interest, the hitpoint sensor having an optical fiber which is wound around or otherwise covering the surface, and a data processor connected to the ends of the optical fiber. When a collision with the surface occurs, light is generated which passes through the optical fiber. The ends of the fiber are connected to the data processor which uses arrival time information of the light signals arriving at the processor to determine the impact location on the surface. There are several modes in which the processor can operate to make this calculation.