Fiber optic sensing of tool strain or tool angle
US10245115B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B11/16
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hinged tool includes a first member; a second member pivotally connected to the first member at a pivot; and an optical fiber. The optical fiber is fixed to the first member at a load application region and fixed to at least one of the pivot and the second member at a location such that the optical fiber bends when the first member and the second member are pivoted with respect to one another. A method of using a hinged tool includes measuring fiber strain in an optical fiber fixed to the hinged tool, and determining at least one of tool strain applied to the hinged tool and a degree of pivoting of the hinged tool using the fiber strain.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.