Fiber optic sensing apparatus for detecting a fracture in a metallic workpiece and an associated method of attaching a fiber optic sensing element to the metallic workpiece
US5525796A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D2045/0085
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fracture detecting apparatus for identifying fractures in a metallic workpiece includes a fiber optic element securely affixed to the workpiece with a metallic material, such as a metallic solder. Accordingly, a fracture in the portion of the metallic workpiece to which the fiber optic element is attached will damage the fiber optic element. A light source and a detector are connected to the fiber optic element for transmitting light therethrough and receiving the transmitted light, respectively. The detector determines, based upon the reflection or attenuation of the transmitted light, if the fiber optic element has been damaged. Accordingly, a damaged fiber optic element as well as the fracture in the underlying metallic workpiece which caused the damage to the fiber optic element may be detected and repaired prior to causing additional damage to the metallic workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.