摘要:
A sensor array embedded within a flexible layer. The sensors, which can be transducers, are controlled by local electronics also embedded within the flexible layer. The invention includes numerous different arrangements of these electronic controllers and their associated transducers. For example, each transducer can have its own controller embedded nearby. Alternatively, one controller can control a number of transducers, and can therefore be embedded in various configurations proximate to one or more of the transducers it controls. The controllers can include various components that impart other advantages, such as wireless transceivers for reducing the number of wires needed within the flexible layer, and local processors for reducing or eliminating the need for a remote data processor.
摘要:
A sensor/actuator network configured with a number of electrically-interconnected elements. More specifically, the sensors/actuators are each placed in electrical communication with the same transmission line. Various embodiments of such networks employ sensors/actuators connected in electrical series and in electrical parallel. Networks having these configurations, when placed upon a structure, are capable of detecting and/or transmitting stress waves within the structure so as to detect the presence of an impact, or actively query the structure. Advantageously, as these networks employ a single transmission line, they utilize fewer wires than current sensor/actuator networks, thus making them easier to install and maintain. They can also be configured as flexible layers, allowing for further ease of installation and maintenance.
摘要:
Use of a single line for switching multiple monitoring elements on/off, and a single line for sending signals to, or receiving signals from, those elements that are switched on. Monitoring elements each have an associated switching element, and each switching element is connected to a common switching line, or control line. A signal from the control line turns each switch on or off. Each monitoring element is also connected to a single signal line, and only those monitoring elements that are turned on can transmit/receive data signals along this signal line.
摘要:
Use of a single line for switching multiple monitoring elements on/off, and a single line for sending signals to, or receiving signals from, those elements that are switched on. Monitoring elements each have an associated switching element, and each switching element is connected to a common switching line, or control line. A signal from the control line turns each switch on or off. Each monitoring element is also connected to a single signal line, and only those monitoring elements that are turned on can transmit/receive data signals along this signal line.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for reducing crosstalk in a structural health monitoring system. A pair of actuator input signals are sent to an actuator, each resulting in the transmission of stress waves to a corresponding sensor. The sensor then converts these stress waves to a pair of output signals, each having a crosstalk portion due to electromagnetic interference from the input signals to the actuator, and a stress wave portion corresponding to the stress waves. Various methods of varying the actuator input signals, the input to the actuator, and the output of the sensor result in two output signals that can be combined so as to reduce the crosstalk portions and isolate the stress wave portions. This allows actuators and sensors to be placed sufficiently close together that the stress wave portions of sensor output signals can overlap their crosstalk, without corrupting or otherwise compromising the data contained therein.
摘要:
A sensor network is attached to a structure and employed to detect and analyze load changes. The sensor network has transducers, capable of acting as both passive sensors and active actuators, integrated within it. In a passive mode, the transducers detect load changes upon the structure, such as impacts. Upon detection of a load change, the transducers are engaged in an active mode to actively scan the impact area to determine the location and size of any resulting damage region. In this manner, passive and active systems are integrated within a single, convenient layer that possesses the best features of both active systems and passive systems.
摘要:
A self-sufficient structural health monitoring system that can monitor a structure without need for external power input. Embodiments of the invention provide a structural health monitoring system with a power supply integrated within, so that the system relies on itself for operational power. Systems with such an on-board electrical power source, independent of an external power source (and in particular, independent of the power system(s) of the structure being monitored), are much more self-contained and self-sufficient.
摘要:
A structural health monitoring system using ASICs for signal transmission, reception, and analysis. Incorporating structural health monitoring functionality into one or more ASICs provides a durable yet small, lightweight, low cost, and portable system that can be deployed and operated in field conditions. Such systems provide significant advantages, especially in applications such as armor structures.
摘要:
A self-sufficient structural health monitoring system that can monitor a structure without need for external power input. Embodiments of the invention provide a structural health monitoring system with a power supply integrated within, so that the system relies on itself for operational power. Systems with such an on-board electrical power source, independent of an external power source (and in particular, independent of the power system(s) of the structure being monitored), are much more self-contained and self-sufficient.
摘要:
A method for determining optimal locations of a plurality of sensors for damage detection in a structural health monitoring system includes providing a one or more signal performance characteristics, spatial parameters describing a layout of a structure, and generating a layout for the plurality of sensors according to the signal performance characteristics and the spatial parameters. An estimated largest critical damage size that may not be detected by sensors arranged according to the first layout is determined. The layout is edited so as to reduce the estimated largest critical damage size to be less than or equal to a selected maximum size requirement.