Wavelength Tunable Optical Measurement for Rotor Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rotary machines, non-contact optical measurement techniques face issues with decreasing reflection intensity over time due to contamination, leading to increased measurement errors and eventual impossibility of measuring reflection intensity.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device employing a wavelength tunable light source, a concave surface on the rotor, and an intensity detector, where the controller adjusts the emission wavelength to maximize reflection intensity and maintain light concentration, even as the distance between the light source and rotor changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser light is projected to a reflective sticker or blade surface for non-contact measurement, then measurement can be performed without contact, but reflection intensity decreases over time due to contamination leading to increased measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing a concave surface with specific curvature (ellipsoidal or parabolic) on the rotor surface. This geometric parameter change enables the surface to act as a light concentrator, reflecting divergent light from the optical fiber back to the fiber core, thereby maintaining reflection intensity despite contamination over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curved surface geometry by forming a concave surface with ellipsoidal or parabolic curvature on the rotor. This curvature is specifically designed to reflect and concentrate light back to the light receiving portion, solving the problem of intensity loss from contamination while maintaining non-contact measurement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the optical fiber and rotor surface changes due to thermal expansion or centrifugal force, then measurement conditions vary, but reflection intensity becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic light concentration system where the concave surface geometry automatically adapts to varying distances. The ellipsoidal or parabolic curvature ensures that regardless of distance changes from thermal expansion or centrifugal force, the light reflection path remains optimized to concentrate light back to the fiber, maintaining stable intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the relationship between distance parameters and optical path by designing the concave surface curvature to compensate for distance variations. The specific geometric parameters of the concave surface are chosen to maintain optimal light concentration across a range of distances, adapting to thermal and centrifugal effects
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
This approach sustains reflection intensity by selecting the optimal emission wavelength, maintaining light concentration and reducing measurement errors caused by changes in distance and contamination, ensuring accurate optical measurements in rotary machines.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength tunable light source that outputs light and is capable of changing emission wavelength of the light
Implementation Method 2
a concave surface that is an ellipsoidal surface or parabolic surface formed to be recessed on the rotor and reflects the light projected from the first optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
an intensity detector configured to detect intensity of the light received by the second optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes: a laser that can change the emission wavelength of light; a light-emitting fiber that emits light output from the laser onto a rotor; a concave surface that is provided in a recessed manner in the rotor and reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting fiber; a light-receiving fiber that receives the light reflected by the concave surface; a photodetector that detects the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving fiber; and a control device that controls the laser and performs optical measurement. The intensity is detected by the photodetector while changing the emission wavelength of the laser; the emission wavelength at which the intensity is largest is selected; and optical measurement is performed by detecting the intensity of light reflected by the concave surface by using light having an emission angle determined by the selected emission wavelength.