Passive Optical Sensor for Remote Mechanical Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors for detecting mechanical movement are unsuitable for remote monitoring in scenarios where a power supply is not available, such as with optical cross-connecting boxes far from monitoring rooms, as they require electrical signals for transmission.
Innovation Solution
A passive optical sensor system comprising a holding sleeve, fixed and movable ferrules, a reflection part, and an actuation part that moves to contact the ferrules, allowing light transmission through an optical cable for remote detection of mechanical movement without the need for electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electric sensor is used to detect mechanical movement and transmit signals remotely, then detection capability is improved, but the requirement for electrical power supply and wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical sensing system with an optical sensing system. Instead of using electric sensors that require power supply and wiring, the invention uses optical fibers to transmit light signals that indicate mechanical movement. The optical sensor detects position changes through light reflection and transmission properties, eliminating the need for electrical power at the sensing location while maintaining detection capability.
2Loss of information
If an optical cable communication system is used for remote transmission, then signal transmission capability is improved, but the ability to provide power supply at remote locations remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical fiber as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of attempting to transmit electrical power through the communication cable to remote locations, the system uses optical fibers to carry light signals that encode mechanical movement information. This intermediary approach allows high-quality signal transmission over long distances while acknowledging that power supply must be provided separately at the sensing location.
3Ease of operation
If a passive optical sensor is used without power supply, then ease of installation in remote locations is improved, but the complexity of optical component alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical sensing system into separate functional modules: a light source module, a sensing module with optical components, and a detection module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized and tested independently before assembly. The modular design simplifies alignment procedures by breaking down the complex alignment task into smaller, more manageable steps for each optical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor design incorporates self-aligning features where certain optical components automatically position themselves relative to each other during installation or operation. For example, the reflection part and ferrules are designed with mechanical constraints that guide proper alignment, reducing the need for precise manual adjustment and making the system easier to install in remote locations.
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 remote, power-free detection and monitoring of mechanical movements, such as the opening or closure of optical cross-connecting boxes, by using optical signals transmitted through optical fibers, ensuring continuous monitoring without the need for electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection part arranged at a second movable end of said movable ferrule opposite to said first movable end, for reflecting light entering the movable ferrule
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor (100) comprises: a holding sleeve (11); a fixed ferrule (12) fixedly mounted in said holding sleeve (11); a movable ferrule (13) movably mounted in said holding sleeve (11), a predetermined distance existing between a first movable end of said movable ferrule (13) and a first fixed end of said fixed ferrule (12) in said holding sleeve (11); a reflection part (14) arranged at a second movable end of said movable ferrule (13) opposite to said first movable end, for reflecting light entering the movable ferrule (13); and an actuation part (15), said actuation part (15) being constructed to drive said movable ferrule (13) to move so that said first movable end moves towards said first fixed end. An optical sensor assembly and a monitoring device comprising the optical sensor (100), or another sensor (1012) can remotely detect a mechanical movement in a passive mode. A first reflector (14, 1016) is configured to provide a first reflected optical signal. The sensor (100, 1012) is connected to the first reflector and has a first position and a second position, the second position configured to attenuate the first reflected optical signal more than the first position. The sensor is configured to move between the first and second positions in response to a monitored parameter (1018).