Optical Sensor Shock Absorption via Viscosity Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical strain-based sensors face challenges in withstanding high shocks and pressures during installation and operation in harsh environments, such as down-hole oil and gas operations, due to fiber over-straining and damage to internal parts, which is exacerbated by the need for precise stopper positioning and increased mass or hardness of sensor casings.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor device with a housing filled with a thermally-responsive or pressure-responsive substance whose viscosity reduces by at least 70% from ambient to working conditions, allowing the sensor to protect the fiber at lower temperatures and enable straining at higher temperatures, thereby preventing over-straining and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stoppers are used to prevent fiber overstretching, then fiber protection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to sub-μm level and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the filling substance from solid (at ambient temperature) to liquid (at operating temperature above melting point). This parameter change allows the substance to automatically adjust its shock absorption properties without requiring precise mechanical positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between fiber protection and manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The filling substance acts as an intermediary between the fiber and the external shock forces. It absorbs and dissipates shock energy through its viscosity and phase transition characteristics, protecting the fiber without requiring direct mechanical contact or precise positioning of stoppers, thus eliminating the need for sub-μm manufacturing precision
2Strength
If sensor casing hardness or mass is increased to withstand high shocks, then shock resistance is improved, but overall sensor mass increases and internal part damage is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid filling substance (hydraulic principle) that can be compressed and deformed to absorb shock energy. This liquid medium provides shock absorption through its bulk modulus and viscosity, protecting internal components without requiring increased casing mass or hardness, thereby resolving the contradiction between shock resistance and sensor mass
Solution Approach 2:
The filling substance undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, fundamentally changing its mechanical properties. In liquid state, it provides continuous shock absorption throughout the housing, protecting internal parts from damage without requiring increased sensor mass or casing hardness
3Strength
If sensor mass or casing hardness is increased to withstand high shocks, then shock resistance is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock absorption function with the existing housing structure by filling the available space with the appropriate substance. This eliminates the need for separate shock absorption components, complex mounting mechanisms, or additional structural elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between shock resistance and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filling substance automatically provides shock absorption protection without requiring external control systems, active components, or complex mechanisms. The substance's inherent physical properties (viscosity, phase transition) enable passive shock protection, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining high shock resistance
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 solution effectively impedes fiber straining during installation and transportation, allowing for accurate measurements at elevated temperatures and pressures, enhancing the sensor's durability and precision without increasing mass or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally-responsive or a pressure-responsive shock absorption mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a thermally-responsive or a pressure-responsive shock absorption mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an optical sensor device, comprising: an optical fiber; a transducer; and an intrinsic fiber optic sensor embedded in the optical fiber;wherein the transducer is arranged as to receive an input action and converting such input action into a proportional strain on the intrinsic fiber optic sensor being at least the transducer and the intrinsic fiber optic sensor enclosed by a housing being the housing filled either with a thermally-responsive substance or a pressure-responsive substance being such device characterized in that the substance is a substance whose viscosity is reduced by at least 70% upon the change from ambient conditions to working conditions.