Multiplexed optical fiber wear sensor
US8790074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical fiber wear detector that includes one or more FBG sensors positioned within the fiber that are operable to reflect a defined wavelength of an optical input beam. The wear detector includes a light source for generating the optical input beam that propagates down the optical fiber and interacts with the FBG sensor. The wavelength of the optical beam that is reflected by the FBG sensor is detected, where loss of the reflected signal indicates that the fiber before the FBG sensor or the FBG sensor itself is damaged, which would most likely be an indication of wear on the component. The depth of wear can be determined by providing multiple FBG sensors in a single optical fiber and/or providing multiple optical fibers with one or more FBG sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.