Optical Fibre Carrier Layout for Single-Point Average Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor systems for measuring temperature along an optical fibre require multiple sensing points, complex and costly interrogators, and computationally intensive algorithms, making them impractical for applications like aircraft fuel tanks with thousands of sensing points.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a single measurement point using a fibre Bragg grating, where the optical fibre carrier is formed of materials with different thermal expansion coefficients, allowing relative movement to measure average temperature along the length, reducing the need for multiple points and complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing points are used along the optical fibre, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibre carrier is segmented into multiple sections along its length, with each section having a different coefficient of thermal expansion. This segmentation allows each section to respond differently to temperature changes, enabling accurate temperature measurement along the entire fibre length while using only a single sensing point, thus reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the carrier material by using sections with different coefficients of thermal expansion. This parameter change allows the carrier to translate temperature variations into mechanical displacement at the single sensing point, achieving accurate temperature measurement without requiring multiple sensing points
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors and receivers are used, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical fibre carrier serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural support and the temperature sensing element. By incorporating sections with different thermal expansion coefficients, the carrier itself becomes the sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and receivers, thus reducing manufacturing cost
3Measurement precision
If computational algorithms are used to calculate average temperature from multiple points, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the computational system with a mechanical system. Instead of using algorithms to calculate average temperature from multiple sensing points, the mechanical design of the carrier with different thermal expansion sections directly translates temperature variations into measurable displacement at the single sensing point, eliminating computational complexity
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
Provides an accurate average temperature reading along the length without multiple measurement points, minimizing complexity and cost while maintaining sensitivity to thermal fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fibre carrier is formed substantially of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; the structure is formed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion which is different to the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement comprises: a structure extending along a length, an optical fibre carrier, and an optical fibre sensor carried by the optical fibre carrier. The optical fibre carrier is fixed to the structure proximal to each end of the structure, and is formed of a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion that are movable relative to each other, and is formed substantially of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; the optical fibre sensor has a single measurement point and is fixed to the optical fibre carrier either side of the single measurement point; and the structure is formed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion which is different to the first coefficient of thermal expansion