Optical deformation detection sensor and system
US10180338B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D11/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical sensor and a deformation detection system in which the optical sensor is used. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber, an elongated hollow housing having an interior portion, and a material disposed on an inner surface of the housing that produces a persistent change in an optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber when the optical fiber contacts the material. The optical fiber elastically extends between opposing ends of the housing such that a bending deformation of the housing beyond a threshold radius of curvature causes a contact to occur between the material and the optical fiber. The contact results in persistent change in the optical signal transmission property of the optical fiber, which can be detected to determine whether deformation of the device occurred beyond a predetermined threshold value. The deformation detection system can use one or more of the optical sensors attached to the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.