Magnetic self-mating fiber optic connector and fiber optic switch sensor
AssigneeNational Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
InventorsStephen Neidigk, Thomas M. Rice
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Abstract
A system or method for a magnetic self-aligning coupling device for a fiber optic cable. The device includes a first end coupling comprising a first magnet and a second magnet. Both magnets include a mating surface and an annular ring defining an axial aperture. The aperture receives a distal end of a segment of fiber optic cable in a tight fit. The fiber optic cable has an exterior sleeve and a fiber core. The fiber core of the first segment and the second segment of the fiber optic cable are axially aligned by magnetic force in the first and second apertures to create a continuous fiber optic path. A method for detecting a security breach of a door using the self-aligning couplings is also described.
Claims10
A fiber optic sensing switch comprising:
- a first module, and a second module disposed opposite the first module and separated by an air gap;
- each of the first module and the second module comprising pair of magnetic self-mating fiber optic connectors of opposite polarity, comprising:
- a first magnet comprising a first mating surface and first annular ring defining an axial first aperture;
- the first aperture for receiving a first distal end of a first segment of fiber optic cable;
- a second magnet comprising a second mating surface and a second annular ring defining an axial second aperture;
- the aperture for receiving a second distal end of a second segment of fiber optic cable extending into the second aperture;
- and
- each of the first and second connectors disposed within an annular recess with a distal end of the fiber optic cable;
- the annular recess having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the first or second connector disposed therein to provide a radial gap therebetween for flexible movement to allow engagement with an opposing magnet.
A method for detecting a security breach of a protected element, comprising:
- generating an optical signal by a fiber optic interrogator;
- sending the optical signal from a light source in the fiber optic interrogator via a fiber optic cable to a fiber optic sensing switch first module;
- providing within the first module an annular recess having an inner diameter greater than a magnetic connector end;
- aligning the fiber optic cable with a fiber optic loop via a magnetic coupling having an annular ring supporting the fiber optic cable;
- transmitting the optical signal to a second module in optical communication with the fiber optic loop;
- returning the optical signal to a light detector in the fiber optic interrogator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.