3D printed multi-material optical fiber sensor for simultaneous detection of ultraviolet radiation and temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light and temperature sensors, particularly electrical sensors, are prone to inaccuracies due to electromagnetic interferences in various climatic conditions, necessitating a more accurate and reliable sensing solution.
Innovation Solution
A dual-functional optical fiber sensor is developed using thermochromic and photochromic powders integrated with polymer resin, capable of concurrent UV light and temperature detection through 3D printing techniques, allowing for precise monitoring via transmission and reflection spectrum analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical UV light sensors and electrical temperature sensors are used, then the sensing function can be provided, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to electromagnetic interferences in various climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors with an optical fiber sensor system that uses light transmission instead of electrical signals. The optical fiber sensor transmits UV light and detects temperature changes through optical property changes, eliminating electromagnetic interference entirely while maintaining measurement precision for both UV light detection and temperature monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sensor incorporates composite materials including thermochromic powder, photochromic powder, and polymer resin. The thermochromic powder responds to temperature changes by altering optical properties, while the photochromic powder responds to UV light intensity, enabling simultaneous detection of both parameters through a single optical sensing element that is immune to electromagnetic interference
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect both UV light and temperature, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to cross-sensitivity between parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor is segmented into distinct functional regions: a UV-sensitive section containing photochromic powder for UV light detection, and a temperature-sensitive section containing thermochromic powder for temperature detection. This spatial segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific parameter while maintaining overall system integration, preventing cross-sensitivity interference between measurements
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the optical fiber sensor are assigned different local qualities and sensitivities. The UV-sensitive section has high photochromic powder concentration for UV detection, while the temperature-sensitive section has thermochromic powder optimized for thermal response. This local differentiation enables precise parameter-specific detection while keeping the overall device structure simple
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 optical fiber sensor provides accurate and continuous monitoring of UV light and temperature levels, resistant to electromagnetic interference, enabling reliable detection in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber sensor can include a temperature-sensitive resin, which can include a thermochromic powder and a polymer resin
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber sensor may also include a UV-sensitive resin, which can include a UV-sensitive powder and the polymer resin
Implementation Method 3
The data acquisition system can be configured to detect an output signal from the optical fiber sensor, which may correspond to an intensity of a light signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for producing an optical fiber sensor and for monitoring ultraviolet (UV) light and temperature using the optical fiber sensor are described. The optical fiber sensor can include a temperature-sensitive resin and a UV-sensitive resin. The temperature-sensitive resin can include a thermochromic powder and a polymer resin. The UV-sensitive resin can include a UV-sensitive powder and the polymer resin. Additionally, a data acquisition system can be electrically coupled to the optical fiber sensor for detecting an output signal from the optical fiber sensor and for determining a temperature or a level of UV light based on the output signal.