Fiber optic sensor network for subsurface impact protection system
US12259228B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/35316
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A subsurface impact protection system for protecting an underground asset is provided. The protection system includes a subsurface polymer layer provided above the asset to prevent impact forces from reaching the asset. A sensor network is embedded in the polymer layer. The sensor network comprises optical fibers each including one or more fiber optic sensors. The optical fibers receive an input signal from a source and transmit it through the fiber. At the output end of the fiber is an optical detector that measures light properties of the output optical signal indicative of environmental conditions near the polymer layer. The sensor network transmits a signal including measured light or environmental parameters to a monitoring computing system. In some embodiments, the polymer layer includes a protective mesh made up of a plurality of high density polyethylene strands in a woven pattern. A method of protecting an underground asset is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.