Sensor devices for structural health monitoring
US7986218B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2209/823
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices. Thus this invention finds particular usefulness in the context of an array of devices that can be probed by a wireless interrogation unit. In one embodiment, the devices are passive and derive power from the interrogation signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.