Optical Fiber Vibration Detection for Utility Pole Engineering Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques require large-scale installation of vibration sensors under the ground to detect engineering works near utility poles or towers, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially for unauthorized works.
Innovation Solution
An engineering work detection device that utilizes an optical signal reception system from an overhead optical fiber cable to detect vibrations in utility poles or towers, allowing for the detection of engineering works without ground-based sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration sensors are installed under the ground to detect engineering works, then detection capability is improved, but installation complexity and scale increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration sensor system with an optical detection system. Optical fibers are attached to utility poles or towers, and vibrations caused by engineering works are detected through changes in optical signal characteristics (such as Brillouin scattering frequency shifts), eliminating the need for complex underground sensor installation while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to detect vibrations. Instead of directly measuring ground vibrations with sensors, the optical fibers serve as mediators that convert mechanical vibrations into optical signal changes, enabling indirect detection with simpler installation infrastructure
2Reliability
If regular patrol is performed by workers to detect engineering works, then detection coverage is maintained, but detection efficiency and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the utility pole or tower itself to perform detection by incorporating optical fibers directly onto its structure. The infrastructure becomes self-monitoring, automatically detecting vibrations from engineering works without requiring external patrol workers, thereby improving detection efficiency and timeliness while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber detection system enables continuous monitoring of vibrations along the entire length of utility poles or towers, providing uninterrupted detection capability compared to periodic manual patrols, thus improving both efficiency and timeliness of engineering work detection
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 remote and efficient detection of engineering works with a simplified configuration, eliminating the need for ground-based sensor installations and utilizing existing optical fiber cables for communication.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal reception means for receiving an optical signal from an optical fiber cable provided in an overhead manner via a utility pole or a tower, and an engineering work detection means for detecting occurrence of an engineering work in a periphery of the utility pole or the tower, based on a vibration pattern of the utility pole or the tower that is indicated by the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present disclosure is to detect the occurrence of engineering work in the surroundings of a utility pole or a pylon using a simple configuration. This engineering work detection device comprises: an optical signal reception unit for receiving an optical signal from an optical fiber cable installed by a method of overhead installation via a utility pole or a pylon; and at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to detect, on the basis of a pattern of vibration of the utility pole or the pylon indicated by the optical signal, the occurrence of engineering work in the surroundings of the utility pole or the pylon.