Optical Fiber Presence Detection via Off-Axis Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to reliably and consistently detect the presence of optical fibers due to their small size and transparent nature, making alignment and positioning processes challenging in optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first illumination source and a detector positioned off-axis, which emits a light beam that refracts through the optical fiber, allowing for detection of the fiber's presence by sensing the refracted light, with optional additional illumination sources and detectors for enhanced positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection techniques are used, then the detection system is simple, but the detection reliability is poor due to the small size and transparent nature of optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (liquid or gas with specific refractive index) between the optical fiber and the detector. This intermediary acts as a mediator that enhances the interaction between the light beam and the optical fiber, making the refracted light more detectable. The intermediary substance amplifies the optical signal without requiring complex detection hardware, thus improving detection reliability while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the medium surrounding the optical fiber. By selecting a medium with a specific refractive index different from both the optical fiber and the detector, the system optimizes the refraction effect. This parameter change enhances the contrast between the refracted light and the background, making the optical fiber detectable without increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is made smaller and more transparent, then the fiber performance is improved, but the detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary substance serves as a bridge that compensates for the reduced detectability of smaller, more transparent fibers. By introducing this medium with optimized refractive index, the system enhances the optical interaction without requiring the fiber to be larger or less transparent, thus maintaining fiber performance while improving detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the detection problem by utilizing the refractive index difference as an additional detection parameter. Instead of relying solely on the geometric size or opacity of the fiber, the system detects the fiber through its optical interaction with the intermediary medium, effectively adding a new detection dimension that works with smaller, more transparent fibers.
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
Provides a reliable and consistent method for detecting the presence of optical fibers, overcoming the limitations of conventional techniques by utilizing refracted light to accurately sense the fiber's presence, even in small and transparent fibers.
Implementation Method 1
a first detector positioned off of the optical axis and configured to detect a portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sensing presence of an optical fiber is provided herein. The system may include a first illumination source configured to emit a first light beam along an optical path and a first detector. The first detector may be positioned off of the optical path and configured to detect a portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the first illumination source and at a first position along the optical path between the first illumination source and the first detector. In some embodiments, the system for sensing the presence of an optical fiber may include a collecting lens. The collecting lens may also be configured to direct the portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber to the first detector when the optical fiber is in the first position.