Optical Fiber Sensor for Horizontal Foundation Flow Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately measure flow deformation in the horizontal direction of a foundation layer, which is crucial for assessing foundation stability and detecting horizontal deformation, as they either require high labor costs, are not suitable for continuous testing, or can only measure vertical settlement deformation.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus and method utilizing a rotation assembly with optical fiber sensors and lead wires that measure tensile strain changes before and after rotation, allowing for the determination of flow deformation degree and direction within the foundation layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a level gauge is used to measure surface elevation for determining settlement amount, then the vertical settlement deformation can be obtained, but the labor cost is high and continuous testing cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling instruments with an optical fiber-based sensing system. The optical fiber sensors embedded in the foundation layer automatically detect deformation through optical signal changes, eliminating the need for manual measurement and enabling continuous monitoring without labor intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fiber sensors as an intermediary element embedded within the foundation layer. These sensors act as mediators that convert mechanical deformation into optical signal changes, allowing indirect but continuous measurement of settlement deformation without requiring direct surface access or manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is used to test deformation of earth surface, then the settlement amount of the earth surface can be obtained, but the deformation distribution for the profile of the foundation layer cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds optical fiber sensors nested within the foundation layer structure itself, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the sensing system to be positioned inside the foundation layer, enabling measurement of internal deformation profiles at multiple depths rather than only surface deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from surface-only measurement (two-dimensional) to three-dimensional deformation profiling by embedding sensors at multiple depths within the foundation layer. This adds the vertical dimension to the measurement capability, allowing reconstruction of the complete deformation profile through the foundation layer thickness.
3Measurement precision
If distributed optical fiber sensors are implanted through drilling holes for measurement, then the settlement deformation of the foundation layer in the vertical direction can be measured, but the flow deformation in the horizontal direction cannot be tested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the optical fiber sensor system with multiple sensing elements oriented in different directions (vertical and horizontal). This multi-functional arrangement allows the same embedded sensor system to measure both vertical settlement deformation and horizontal flow deformation, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical fiber sensing system into multiple independent sensing segments or elements, each capable of detecting deformation in specific directions. By segmenting the measurement capability across multiple oriented sensors, the system can simultaneously capture both vertical and horizontal deformation components.
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 accurate monitoring of flow deformation and direction without labor-intensive processes, avoiding structural disturbance and climatic influences, suitable for both engineering projects and indoor tests, providing reliable and high-accuracy results.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement assembly includes an optical fiber sensor and an optical fiber lead wire. The first optical fiber lead wire is provided with the first optical fiber sensor... the first optical fiber sensor is configured to: measure an initial value of tensile strain of the first optical fiber lead wire and the first optical fiber sensor before the rotation assembly rotates, and measure a final value of tensile strain of the first optical fiber lead wire and the first optical fiber sensor after the rotation assembly rotates.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is detection apparatus for flow deformation of foundation layer in horizontal direction including: housing, rotation assembly rotatably disposed within accommodation cavity of the housing, and measurement assembly including first optical fiber lead wire, first optical fiber sensor disposed on first optical fiber lead wire, second optical fiber lead wire, and second optical fiber sensor disposed on second optical fiber lead wire, and disposed within the accommodation cavity. First optical fiber sensor is configured to measure tensile strain of first optical fiber lead wire and first optical fiber sensor before and after the rotation assembly rotates; second optical fiber sensor is configured to measure tensile strain of second optical fiber lead wire and second optical fiber sensor before and after the rotation assembly rotates, to obtain strain amount and displacement change amount, and further to obtain flow deformation degree and flow deformation direction of soil mass of the foundation layer.