Optical Sensor Junction Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors using confocal systems face challenges in detecting junction abnormalities in optical fibers without increasing costs, as existing methods require additional detection mechanisms, which can complicate the measurement process and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system that includes a light source device, a light receiving part, and a processing part, which determines junction abnormality by analyzing the increment in received light amount detected by the light receiving part, using a reference detection amount set in a state of no reflection from the other end of the optical fiber, and determines abnormalities based on predetermined threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor for detecting junction abnormality of optical fibers is provided, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system performs self-diagnosis by using its existing light source and light receiving part to detect junction abnormalities. The system irradiates light through the optical fiber and monitors the reflected light characteristics to determine if junction abnormalities exist, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors and reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If additional detection mechanisms are added, then abnormality detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving part serves dual functions: it detects the reflected light for normal distance/displacement measurement and simultaneously detects junction abnormalities by analyzing the characteristics of reflected light from the optical fiber junction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional detection mechanisms and keeps the system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (light source and light receiving part) to perform both measurement and self-diagnosis functions, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding the addition of external detection devices that would increase complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the light receiving part detects reflected light for measurement, then measurement function is achieved, but junction abnormality detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system distinguishes between light reflected from the measurement object and light reflected from the optical fiber junction by analyzing the characteristics and intensity of the reflected light. The processing part determines junction abnormalities based on specific criteria applied to the detected light characteristics, enabling simultaneous measurement and abnormality detection without interference.
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 detection of junction abnormalities without the need for additional sensors, ensuring accurate measurement and reducing costs by integrating the abnormality detection within the existing optical sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
a light source device for generating light to be irradiated to an object
Implementation Method 2
a first optical fiber optically coupled to the light source device and a second optical fiber optically coupled to the light receiving part
Implementation Method 3
a branch part for fusing a first optical fiber optically coupled to the light source device and a second optical fiber optically coupled to the light receiving part to join with one end of a third optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor and an abnormality detection method therefor are provided. The optical sensor includes a light source device that generates light to be irradiated to an object; a light receiving part that receives a reflected light from the object; a branch part that fuses a first optical fiber optically coupled to the light source device and a second optical fiber optically coupled to the light receiving part to join with one end of a third optical fiber facing the object; and a processing part that determines whether junction abnormality occurs at a junction between the third optical fiber and the branch part based on whether an increment in a received light amount detected by the light receiving part with respect to a reference detection amount which is detected in a state of no reflection from the other end of the third optical fiber is within a predetermined range.