Device and method for determining and detecting the onset of structural collapse
US7228240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M5/0033
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A significant number of rescue workers are killed or injured each year as they conduct searches within damaged or burning structures, unaware that the structure is in imminent danger of collapse. The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and monitoring structural damages which are irreversible and which lead to inevitable collapse of a building or structure. The system includes at least one accelerometer that is housed in a device that is mounted on an exterior surface outside the burn area, and within the reach of the rescue worker. The device communicates with a remote display that provides visual and/or audible signals to indicate imminent collapse of the structure. Additionally, the system includes collapse detecting analysis processes for determining the likelihood of collapse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.