Infrared fiber optic distribution sensor

摘要

An Infrared Fiber Optic Distribution Sensor (IFODS) and control system is used in a non-contact method for ensuring that a fiber optic cable is unwound from a supply spool at a nominal angle to thereby reduce the twist and stress imparted to the cable. The system is mounted to a fiber optic winding machine platform for an automatic fiber winding system (AFWS). The AFWS is used to precision wind fiber optic dispensers for the Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) weapon system as well as the Naval Weapons Center's SKYRAY program. The IFODS uses pairs of infrared sources and receivers mounted directly across from each other and perpendicular to the plane of the fiber to sense the position of the fiber. Three pairs of sources/receivers are utilized. They are arranged so that the axis of each pair is offset from the center pair by 0.06 inches. If the fiber optic cable breaks the beam of the top pair the distribution motor will drive the supply spool down until he fiber breaks the beam of the middle pair. If the fiber optic cable breaks the beam of the bottom pair the distribution motor will drive the supply spool up until the fiber breaks the beam of the middle pair. With the fiber coming off the supply spool at a zero angle all twist can be eliminated from the fiber being wound onto the mandrel. The system comprises IFODS, IFODS electronics circuitries, and driver electronic circuitry in combination.