Modular sensor for damage detection, manufacturing method, and structural composite material
AssigneeFuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorsToshimichi Ogisu, Seiji Kojima
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Abstract
A modular sensor for damage detection with an optical fiber (FBG sensor) to detect a damage of a composite material, having a high level of visibility and manageability, and its manufacturing method is described. A structural composite material embedded with this modular sensor for damage detection is also described.
Claims28
A modular sensor for damage detection comprising:
- an optical fiber including an FBG sensor;
- two connectors connected to both end portions of the optical fiber;
- two reinforcing tubes to cover both end portions of the optical fiber, and
- a tube to partly cover the optical fiber,
- wherein the optical fiber movably penetrates the tube and the tube is movable between the two reinforcing tubes.
(canceled)
A modular sensor for damage detection comprising:
- an optical fiber;
- and
- a film covering a portion of the optical fiber,
- wherein the film is arranged in a position at a distance from the FBG sensor and is structured so that the film gradually narrows in width from a center portion of the film towards both boundaries with the optical fiber.
(canceled)
(canceled)
A manufacturing method for manufacturing a modular sensor for damage detection, comprising:
- a tubular member preparing step to prepare a tubular member, provided with an inner diameter which is slightly larger at a center portion and fully larger at both ends than an outer diameter of a tube and which inner diameter increases gradually from the center portion of said tubular member to both ends of the tubular member;
- a tube insertion step to insert one end portion of the tube into the tubular member through a first end of the tubular and restrict a movement of the tube in a diameter direction by placing the end portion in a vicinity of the center portion;
- an optical fiber insertion step to insert an optical fiber into the tubular member through a second end of the tubular member, and then into the end portion of the tube;
- a tubular member removal step to remove the tubular member from the tube and the optical fiber;
- and
- a connector fixing step to fix the connector to an end portion of the optical fiber.
A manufacturing method for manufacturing a structural composite material for damage detection, comprising:
- a connecting step for connecting a connector to an optical fiber including an FBG sensor, wherein said connector is made of a heat resistant material which tolerates heat applied when the structural composite material which a modular sensor including the connector and the optical fiber embedded therein is under hot forming;
- an embedding step for embedding the modular sensor into the structural composite material;
- and a hot forming step for forming the composite material with heat and pressure after the connecting step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.