Optical Sensor Chassis for Consistent Spring Pre-Strain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic sensor installations face challenges in achieving consistent pre-strain for optimal performance, leading to reduced sensitivity or reflectivity issues due to insufficient or excessive strain during attachment to structures.

Innovation Solution

The use of a chassis with a spring mechanism and a mobile attachment point to apply a specified force, ensuring a consistent pre-strain to fiber optic sensors, utilizing a constant force spring for repeatable tensioning and a bearing mechanism to minimize friction during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fiber optic sensors are attached to structures without a pre-strain application mechanism, then the installation process is simple, but the sensors exhibit reduced sensitivity or reflectivity issues due to insufficient or excessive strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-strain consistencyVSAvoidattachment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism applies the required pre-strain force to the optical fiber before the fiber is permanently attached to the structure. This preliminary action ensures that the fiber is pre-loaded with the correct tension, preventing sensitivity loss and reflectivity issues that would occur without proper pre-strain application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary device between the attachment points, providing a controlled force to maintain consistent pre-strain on the optical fiber. This intermediary mechanism allows for repeatable tensioning without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual tensioning methods are used to attach optical fiber to structures, then the device complexity is low, but the pre-strain consistency and sensitivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor sensitivityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is designed to automatically apply the correct pre-strain force when the optical fiber is installed between the attachment points. The spring's inherent elastic properties provide the necessary tension without requiring external force application or complex adjustment mechanisms, making the system both reliable and easy to install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism transforms the installation process by introducing a controlled force parameter. Instead of relying on manual tensioning variability, the spring provides a consistent elastic force that reliably achieves the required pre-strain level, improving sensor sensitivity while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If excessive strain is applied during fiber attachment, then the fiber is securely fixed, but the sensors experience reflectivity issues and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidreflectivity control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism applies a controlled pre-strain force before permanent attachment, ensuring the fiber is securely tensioned without exceeding the threshold that would cause reflectivity issues. This preliminary force application prevents both insufficient and excessive straining during the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic properties of the spring provide a self-regulating force that maintains pre-strain within the optimal range. The spring's force-displacement characteristics ensure adequate attachment security while preventing excessive strain that would degrade sensor reflectivity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures consistent pre-strain for fiber optic sensors, enhancing sensitivity and maintaining reflectivity within operational ranges, facilitating rapid and repeatable deployment on various substrates.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is coupled to the second wall and the mobile attachment point. The spring is configured to provide a specified force as the mobile attachment point moves.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The spring is configured to provide a specified force as the mobile attachment point moves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a constant force spring for repeatable tensioning and a bearing mechanism to minimize friction during movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12449282B2System for applying pre-strain to an optical sensor

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus has a chassis having a base. A first wall extends substantially perpendicularly from the base at a first edge of the base. The first wall is configured to be a first attachment point for an optical cable comprising one or more optical sensors. An opposing second wall extends substantially perpendicularly from the base at a second edge of the base. A mobile attachment point is configured to be a second attachment point for the optical cable. A spring is coupled to the second wall and the mobile attachment point. The spring is configured to provide a specified force as the mobile attachment point moves.