Patent · US Active

Structures with integral life-sensing capability

US7752904B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
11References
45Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 22, 2006
Grant dateJul 13, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 27, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60C19/00
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A structure subjected to stresses that can lead to structural failure. The structure includes first and second conductive layers and an intermediate layer therebetween formed of a dielectric, semiconductive, or resistive material, such that the first, second, and intermediate layers form in combination an electrical element, namely, a capacitive or resistive element. The electrical element is located within the structure so as to be physically responsive to transitory and permanent distortions of the structure resulting from extrinsic and intrinsic sources. The structure further includes applying an electrical potential to at least one of the first and second conductive layers so as to generate an electrical signal from the electrical element, sensing changes in the electrical signal generated by the electrical element in response to the electrical element physically responding to the transitory and permanent distortions, and transmitting the changes in the electrical signal to a location remote from the structure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.