US 2010/0061677 A1 · FLEXURAL DISC FIBER OPTIC SENSOR AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME

Abstract

A fiber optic sensor employs at least two flexural discs that are spaced apart from one another along a central axis. A fiber optic coil is affixed to at least one of the flexural discs. A proof mass is disposed between the flexural discs. A first stop member is disposed between the proof mass and one flexural disc. A second stop member is disposed between the proof mass and the other flexural disc. The first and second stop members are sized to provide space between the proof mass and the corresponding flexural disc to allow for normal motion of the flexural discs, while interfering with movement of the flexural discs to prohibit unwanted extreme motion. The fiber optic sensor can be used for OTDR measurements of acceleration for real-time oilfield monitoring applications as well as other fiber-based interferometric measurement applications. A coupling structure preferably couples the outer edges of the flexible disks, the mass being attached to the coupling structure.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A fiber optic sensor comprising:

first and second flexural discs that are spaced apart from one another along a central axis;
a fiber optic coil affixed to one of said first and second flexural discs;
a proof mass disposed between said first and second flexural discs;
a first stop member, disposed between said proof mass and said first flexural disc, said first stop member sized to i) provide space between said proof mass and said first flexural disc to allow for normal motion of the first flexural disc, and ii) interfere with movement of said first flexural disc to prohibit unwanted extreme motion of said first flexural disc;
and
a second stop member, disposed between said proof mass and said second flexural disc, said second stop member sized to i) provide space between said proof mass and said second flexural disc to allow for normal motion of the second flexural disc, and ii) interfere with movement of said second flexural disc to prohibit unwanted extreme motion of said second flexural disc.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flexural disc fiber optic sensor and method of forming same

Life of this patent

Flexural disc fiber optic sensor and method of forming same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22