Optical Sensor Identification System for Conduit Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensing technologies are prone to erroneous data and failure, particularly in critical conduits, and existing methods are inadequate for detecting issues like conduit chafing, pinch points, and installation problems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a microprocessor, storage device, test instrument, and switching/splitting systems that use sensors such as optical fibers and OTDRs to detect anomalies by comparing measured data with baseline information, and optionally employs optical tags for data storage and identification, allowing for continuous monitoring and precise temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical sensing technologies are used in critical conduits, then monitoring capability is provided, but erroneous data and sensor failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (optical fibers, electrical wires, insulators, capacitors, resistors) into a hybrid sensing system that monitors critical conduits through multiple physical parameters simultaneously, reducing reliance on single sensor types and improving overall system reliability and data accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor outputs and compares them against baseline data, providing real-time feedback that enables detection of anomalies and sensor failures. The feedback mechanism allows the system to identify when sensor data deviates from expected patterns, correcting for erroneous readings
2Reliability
If comprehensive sensor arrays are deployed to detect all potential errors, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into modular components: multiple sensor types are divided into separate functional units, each responsible for specific physical parameters. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture and independent sensor interrogation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal interrogation platform that can test and monitor multiple different sensor types (optical, electrical, mechanical) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using common control and processing infrastructure across diverse sensor types
3Measurement precision
If optical fibers doped with rare earth elements are used for temperature monitoring, then temperature detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic optical pulse interrogation of the rare earth doped optical fibers rather than continuous monitoring. The OTDR sends optical pulses at intervals, allowing the rare earth elements to emit light signals at specific time points. This periodic action maintains high temperature detection precision while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
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 system effectively detects anomalies and temperature changes along conduits, providing accurate data for maintenance and preventing potential failures, while enabling efficient sensor replacement and network reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature change at a location is detected by using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to monitor the temperature of an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
The OTDR sends an optical pulse down an optical fiber. When the optical pulse interacts with the optical fiber, some of the light is sent back to the OTDR where the OTDR collects the light and determines the amount of loss within the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
The excited electrons eventually fall from the upper energy level back to the ground state. In the process of falling to the ground state, the electron releases its energy by emitting light. The emitted light travels down the optical fiber and combines with the light already in the optical fiber.
Implementation Method 4
Optical fibers that are doped with rare earth elements are currently used within the optical amplifiers for optical networks. The rare earth elements that are used within the optical amplifiers are three and four energy level systems.
Implementation Method 5
The optical splitter splits the input signal of the OTDR equally between the sensing fibers, allowing all the sensing fibers to be tested at one time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a microprocessor, storage device, test instrument, switching system, main switching system with subsidiary, switching systems and the sensors. The program that is executed by the microprocessor accesses the database stored on the storage device. The microprocessor accesses information in the database and directs the switching system to select the appropriate sensor. Once the switching system has selected the appropriate sensor, the microprocessor then tells the test instrument to send a signal to the sensor. The test instrument sends the signal and collects the measured data. The measured data is then sent to the microprocessor, where the measured data is analyzed and compared with the baseline data. The comparison between the measured data and the baseline data reveals any anomalies that are occurring over the length of the sensor. The microprocessor displays the anomalies and keys an alarm when the anomalies are detected.