In-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement during thermoplastic composite welding and other applications
US11958255B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3076
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An in-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement is disclosed that can allow process monitoring and diagnosis for thermoplastic composite welding and other applications. A distributed fiber-optic sensor can be permanently embedded in a thermoplastic welded structure when it is welded and left there to perform lifelong monitoring and inspection. The fiber optic sensor can include a dissolvable coating, or a coating matched to the composite material to be welded. Other applications include in-situ fiber-optic temperature field measurement on thermoset composite curing (autoclave), for thermoplastic and thermoset composites during compression molding, and for fiber-optic field measurements on freeze/thaw of large items of public health interest, such as stored or transported foodstuffs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.