Optical Sensor Clearance Measurement via Dual Plate Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors fail to perform quantitative clearance measurements in high-temperature and high-pressure steam environments due to white turbidity or wear occurring in optical fibers, which affects the direction of light and subsequently the measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor design incorporates a first and second plate material with through-holes corresponding to the optical fibers, along with an environmental resistance window that allows light to pass through, ensuring that the light receiving direction remains consistent even after white turbidity or wear occurs, and includes a measuring unit to determine clearance based on light input timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical sensors are used in high temperature and high-pressure steam environment, then they are not affected by insulation failure or dielectric constant variation, but white turbidity or wear occurs in optical fibers causing measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plate materials with through-holes as intermediary structures between the optical fibers and the measurement environment. These plates serve as mediators that guide light in a fixed geometric path, isolating the optical measurement from the harmful effects of white turbidity and wear in the optical fibers. The through-holes in the plates create a defined optical pathway that maintains measurement precision even when the optical fibers deteriorate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct optical fiber measurement to a multi-plate geometric structure. By introducing spatial dimensions through multiple plates with precisely positioned through-holes, the system creates a three-dimensional light guidance path. This dimensional approach allows the light to travel through a fixed geometric structure rather than relying solely on the optical fiber's physical integrity.
2Device complexity
If conventional optical fiber structure is used, then the sensor is simple in structure, but quantitative measurement cannot be performed due to white turbidity or wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical sensor into multiple functional segments: optical fibers for light transmission, plate materials with through-holes for geometric light guidance, and a measuring unit for data processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity. The plates are divided into multiple sections with through-holes at specific positions to create the necessary light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate materials serve as intermediary structures that bridge the simple optical fiber structure and the quantitative measurement requirement. These plates introduce geometric constraints on light paths without significantly increasing overall system complexity, enabling precise clearance measurement through the defined optical pathways created by the through-holes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are exposed to high temperature and high-pressure steam, then they can operate in the environment, but wear occurs in the optical fibers leading to white turbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The plate materials with through-holes act as protective intermediaries that shield the optical fibers from direct exposure to the harsh steam environment. The plates create a physical barrier and define a controlled optical pathway, reducing the degradation effects on the optical fibers while maintaining the sensor's ability to operate in high temperature and high-pressure steam conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a protective structure with plates and through-holes before the optical fibers are exposed to the harsh environment. This pre-established geometric light guidance path cushions the optical measurement system against the deteriorating effects of white turbidity and wear, allowing the sensor to maintain reliability longer in aggressive steam environments.
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
This configuration enables accurate clearance measurement even after white turbidity or wear occurs in the optical fibers, maintaining measurement precision and durability under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
optical fibers included in the optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion of optical fibers are disposed
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor includes an optical fiber disposed in such a way that an end surface thereof is exposed in a distal end surface (10a) of a sensor head (10). The optical sensor includes: a first plate material (first metal plate) (20) in close parallel contact with the distal end surface of the sensor head, and in which a through-hole is formed in a position corresponding to the end surface of the optical fiber; and a second plate material (second metal plate) (30) disposed parallel to the first plate material (first metal plate) and toward the front thereof in a measuring direction, and in which a through-hole is formed at a point of intersection with a virtual straight line perpendicular to the end surface of the optical fiber. With this optical sensor, it is possible for clearance measurement to be performed even if the optical fiber becomes opaque or worn.