Optical Fiber Sensor Spatial Resolution via Adjacent Linear Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed optical fiber sensors, such as BOCDR, have limited spatial resolution when measuring surface regions, as the resolution in directions perpendicular to the optical fiber extension is not effectively utilized, leading to inadequate measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber sensor measuring apparatus with a base portion and measuring optical fiber where adjacent linear portions are in contact, allowing for improved spatial resolution by arranging the optical fiber in a manner that covers the surface with linear and folded portions, wound around three-dimensional shapes, or embedded in grooves, enhancing measurement precision in surface regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the optical fiber is laid in a surface region for measurement, then the measurement coverage area is improved, but the spatial resolution in directions perpendicular to the fiber extension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear fiber layout to two-dimensional grid or matrix arrangement, where fibers are positioned both longitudinally and laterally to cover surface areas while maintaining high spatial resolution in all directions through the multi-dimensional configuration
2Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is wound around a cable core to improve longitudinal sensing resolution, then the longitudinal measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable core serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fiber winding, acts as the measurement target itself, and provides a convenient carrier for achieving high longitudinal resolution without requiring separate winding fixtures or complex mounting 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
This configuration significantly enhances spatial resolution in surface region measurements, achieving up to 0.15 mm precision in directions perpendicular to the optical fiber extension, compared to the 10 cm resolution in the extension direction, enabling more accurate temperature and distortion distribution measurements.
Implementation Method 1
When light enters an optical fiber, reflected light having a frequency reduced by about 11 GHz is generated due to a phenomenon of Brillouin scattering. It is known that this shift amount called Brillouin shift is proportional to distortion and temperature.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Provided is an optical fiber sensor measuring apparatus including a base portion, and a measuring optical fiber laid in the base portion, wherein adjacent linear portions of the measuring optical fiber are in contact with each other. The base portion may be plate-like. The measuring optical fiber may have the linear portion and a folded portion.