Process for manufacturing shell membrane force and deflection sensor
First Claim
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1. A method for manufacturing a sensor having:
- a first step of placing an optical fiber into a cylindrical inner shell form, said inner shell form having an array of posts directed substantially outward, said optical fiber routed in the gaps between said posts;
a second step of placing the optical fiber and cylindrical shell form into an enclosing outer shell form which is in contact with at least one of said outward directed posts, where a substantially cylindrical void is formed between said inner shell form and said outer shell form;
a third step of filling said void with an elastomeric material to thereby create a sensor middle part;
a fourth step of forming a cap and an attachment;
a fifth step of attaching said cap on one end of said sensor middle part and attaching said attachment on the opposite end of said sensor middle part.
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Abstract
A sensor for force is formed from an elastomeric cylinder having a region with apertures. The apertures have passageways formed between them, and an optical fiber is introduced into these passageways, where the optical fiber has a grating for measurement of tension positioned in the passageways between apertures. Optionally, a temperature measurement sensor is placed in or around the elastomer for temperature correction, and if required, a copper film may be deposited in the elastomer for reduced sensitivity to spot temperature variations in the elastomer near the sensors.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for manufacturing a sensor having:
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a first step of placing an optical fiber into a cylindrical inner shell form, said inner shell form having an array of posts directed substantially outward, said optical fiber routed in the gaps between said posts; a second step of placing the optical fiber and cylindrical shell form into an enclosing outer shell form which is in contact with at least one of said outward directed posts, where a substantially cylindrical void is formed between said inner shell form and said outer shell form; a third step of filling said void with an elastomeric material to thereby create a sensor middle part; a fourth step of forming a cap and an attachment; a fifth step of attaching said cap on one end of said sensor middle part and attaching said attachment on the opposite end of said sensor middle part. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for manufacturing a sensor using an outer mold, an inner mold, and an optical fiber having at least one grating formed therein, the method having the steps:
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placing said inner mold within said outer mold after placement of an optical fiber between posts which are either part of said inner mold or part of said outer mold; filling a void between said outer mold and said inner mold with an elastomer; where said at least one grating is positioned in a region between two adjacent said posts. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for making a shape and deflection sensor, the method having the steps:
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making an outer form with a substantially cylindrical middle section; making an inner form for placement inside said outer form and forming a void there between; placing an optical fiber having Bragg gratings in the gaps between posts formed in either said outer form or said inner form which extend into said void; placing a liquid elastomeric material in the void formed between said outer form and said inner form; curing said elastomeric material until said elastomeric material has hardened; removing said cured elastomeric material from said outer form and said inner form. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification