Optical Fiber Embedding Sheet for Accurate Strain Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber placement methods require labor-intensive operations, risk damage to the optical fiber, and may not accurately reflect deformations or changes in the placement object due to the presence of intervening sheets or members, while being costly.
Innovation Solution
An optical-fiber-embedding sheet with a base material and adhesive layer, where the optical fiber is embedded, and optionally a protective layer, which can be applied using an application device to reduce labor and protect the fiber, ensuring accurate deformation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical fiber is directly applied with an adhesive to a placement object, then the optical fiber can be fixed to the placement object, but the placement operation requires a plurality of persons and is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical fiber with a sheet structure, creating an integrated optical-fiber-embedding sheet where the fiber is embedded within the sheet body. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixing operations, as the entire sheet with embedded fiber can be applied as a single unit to the placement object, significantly reducing labor requirements while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is pre-embedded into the sheet during manufacturing before application to the placement object. This preliminary action of embedding the fiber within the sheet structure allows the fiber to be positioned and fixed simultaneously with the sheet application, eliminating subsequent separate fixing steps and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If an optical fiber is directly applied with an adhesive to a placement object, then the optical fiber can be fixed to the placement object, but the risk of damaging the optical fiber increases because it is glassy and thin
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is merged with the sheet structure through embedding, where the sheet material surrounds and protects the fragile optical fiber. This integration provides mechanical protection to the glassy and thin fiber during handling and application, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining effective fixation to the placement object.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet structure serves as a protective cushion around the optical fiber before and during the application process. This beforehand protection prevents direct exposure of the fragile fiber to external forces, reducing the risk of damage during handling, transport, and installation while ensuring reliable fixation.
3Ease of operation
If a sheet or member for placement is used to fix the optical fiber, then the labor required for placement operation is lessened, but the cost of production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical fiber with a simple sheet structure rather than using complex dedicated placement members. This integration creates a straightforward manufacturing process where the fiber is embedded during sheet production, avoiding the need for separate expensive placement devices or complex assembly steps, thus reducing production costs while maintaining ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, protects the optical fiber, enables easy application to the placement object, and facilitates fixation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining operational ease.
4Ease of operation
If a sheet or member for placement lies between the placement object and the optical fiber, then the placement operation is simplified, but the deformation or change of the placement object is less apt to be reflected in the sensor results
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is embedded within the sheet structure rather than being placed on top of it, creating an integrated system where the fiber becomes part of the sheet's internal structure. This embedding ensures that deformations of the placement object are directly transmitted to the fiber through the sheet material, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the placement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a surface-level placement approach to an embedded approach, moving the optical fiber from the surface dimension to the internal dimension of the sheet structure. This dimensional change allows the fiber to be surrounded and coupled with the sheet material, ensuring direct transmission of deformations while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optical-fiber-embedding sheet (1) which is a strip-shaped sheet material containing an optical fiber (13) to be used as a sensor and is configured of a base material (11) and an adhesive layer (12) formed thereover which is to be bonded to a placement object where the optical fiber (13) is to be placed, the optical fiber (13) having been embedded in the adhesive layer (12). The optical fiber (13) is placed by applying a primer, which is for curing the adhesive layer (12) by a chemical reaction with the adhesive layer (12), to a placement object for the optical fiber (13) and thereafter applying the optical-fiber-embedding sheet (1) to the portion of the placement object to which the primer has been applied.