Self-Correcting Assemblable Optical Fiber Sensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber shape sensing technologies face challenges in accurately monitoring long-distance displacement fields in large-scale infrastructure projects due to device size limitations, fiber breakage, and accumulative error issues, which hinder real-time monitoring and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A self-correcting assemblable optical fiber sensing system comprising flexible optical fiber sensing devices with inclination angle self-sensing connection modules and an optical fiber demodulation device, allowing for modular assembly and error compensation to enhance measurement accuracy and reduce accumulative errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If optical fiber sensing devices are used for long-distance displacement sensing in large-scale infrastructure projects, then the coverage area is increased, but accumulative error increases significantly and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensing sections, each with its own reference measurement path. The total measurement path is segmented into L1, L2, L3, etc., where each section performs independent strain measurement and compensation. This segmentation prevents error accumulation across the entire long distance by resetting the reference frame at each section boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference optical fibers are introduced as intermediary elements that run parallel to the sensing optical fibers throughout the measurement path. These reference fibers experience the same environmental conditions (temperature, stress) but do not experience the structural deformation being measured. By comparing the strain difference between sensing fibers and reference fibers, the system compensates for environmental effects and eliminates accumulative error.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single long optical fiber sensing device is used to cover large areas, then installation complexity is reduced, but the device becomes difficult to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple modular optical fiber sensing sections that can be manufactured, tested, and installed independently. Each section covers a manageable distance and can be handled easily during installation. The sections are then connected through splicing to form a complete long-distance monitoring system, combining the ease of handling short fibers with the coverage capability of long fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each optical fiber sensing section is pre-assembled, pre-tested, and calibrated independently before field installation. The reference optical fibers are pre-laid alongside the sensing fibers during construction, and the splicing connections are pre-prepared. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site installation complexity and ensures measurement accuracy before the system is put into operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber is embedded in substrate for shape sensing, then distributed networking capability is achieved, but the optical fiber is vulnerable to breakage and device damage
Solution Approach 1:
Protective measures are implemented before the optical fiber sensing devices are installed in the substrate. This includes using protective coatings on the optical fibers, designing protective channels or conduits within the substrate structure, and creating buffer zones around the fiber paths. These protective structures cushion the optical fibers against mechanical damage, breakage, and environmental degradation while maintaining the distributed sensing capability.
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 accurate displacement field monitoring of large-scale structures by correcting deformation measurements and reducing errors, facilitating easier installation and improved measurement precision across long distances.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber is pasted or embedded into the substrate, and the strain at each point is measured, which in turn deduce the overall deformation of the material to realize the perception of displacement field
Implementation Method 2
measure an inclination angle and a torsion angle at a connection position of the assembled flexible optical fiber sensing devices
Implementation Method 3
acquire strain data of the assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices and data of the inclination angle and the torsion angle measured by the inclination angle self-sensing connection devices, and correct the displacement field measured by the assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices
Data Source
AI summary
A self-correcting assemblable optical fiber sensing system for a displacement field and a correction method thereof are provided. The system includes multiple assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices for measuring displacement field; multiple inclination angle self-sensing connection devices for connecting between assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices, and an optical fiber demodulation device for obtaining strain data of the assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices and two-axis inclination angle data of the inclination angle self-sensing connection devices, and correcting the displacement field measured by the assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices. The assemblable flexible optical fiber sensing devices are connected between the inclination angle self-sensing connection devices, and the optical fiber demodulation device is connected to a free end of the inclination angle self-sensing connection device. In this situation, two-dimensional displacement field monitoring of the large-scale structure can be realized.