Monitoring device for detecting predetermined local deformations of a surface of a component and apparatus having such a monitoring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring device (10) for detecting a predetermined local deformation (13) of a surface (12) of a component (11). According to the invention, a layer (18) is arranged on the surface (12), which layer extends not only in a deformation region (15) in which the deformation (13) is to be detected, but also in a sensing region (16) which is different from the deformation region (15). The layer (18) has a reinforcement (23) which is designed to transmit a force (19) which the surface (12) exerts on the layer (18) in the event of a local deformation (13) in the deformation region (15) into the sensing region (16). In the sensing region (16), a sensor unit (14) is arranged on the layer (18), which sensor unit (14) is designed to detect a measurement variable which is associated with the transmitted force (19) on the layer (18) in the sensing region (16) and to provide this measurement variable as a sensor signal (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a monitoring device that can determine the presence of localized deformation on a component. Such localized deformation is limited to a region on the surface of the component, such as a recess or protrusion. The invention also includes a device, such as an instrument equipped with such a monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] The automatic monitoring of instrument components for deformation has numerous applications. For example, monitoring whether a battery module's casing is swelling (expanding) can indicate its wear condition. Another application is examining the severity of damage to a vehicle bumper, for instance, when it is struck by another road user. The depth to which thin sheet metal is indented can indicate damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as high-voltage electrical wiring.

[0003] If comprehensive monitoring of surfaces with relatively large localized deformations is required, such as thin sheet metal parts in motor vehicles or the housing walls of battery modules, then monitoring the deformation of components can be technically complex. Therefore, existing technologies require a sufficient number of sensor units distributed across the surface to reliably sense or detect deformations that are typically locally limited, such as pits in thin sheet metal parts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to detect local deformation on the surface of a component, that is, deformation that occurs only locally on a portion of the surface.

[0005] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] This invention includes a monitoring device for detecting predetermined localized deformations on a component surface. "Localized deformation," as described, means that the deformation does not necessarily involve or change the entire surface, but rather represents, for example, only a protrusion or depression in a sub-region of the surface. Because the location of the deformation is not necessarily known in advance, according to the prior art, multiple sensor units must be distributed across the entire surface in order to detect deformations occurring only locally. To reduce the cost associated with the required number of sensor units, the following is provided according to this invention.

[0007] A layer is disposed on a surface, extending not only in the deformation region where deformation should be detected, but also in a sensing region distinct from the deformation region. Thus, the layer, such as a thin film, covers the deformation region to be monitored and, for example, the adjacent sensing region. The deformation region and / or sensing region may each have a unique area or multiple separate sub-regions.

[0008] If a component deforms on its surface, such as by denting or protruding, the layer on that surface also deforms, i.e., it becomes taut or compressed. This layer is not arbitrarily soft or fluid; rather, its strength or stiffness is specifically adjusted by means of a reinforcing device. The reinforcing device is designed to transmit the torsional / deformation or force exerted on the layer by the surface itself during deformation to the sensing area within the layer, i.e., the effect of the layer's tautness or compression extends beyond the deformed sub-region.

[0009] Therefore, starting from the deformation location, the layer transmits the deformation as torsion, force, or force change to the sensing area through its reinforcing device. Through the deformation of the component, the reinforcing device of the layer arranged on the component is, for example, stretched, compressed, or bent. The reinforcing device has a stiffness related to tensile stiffness and / or compressive stiffness and / or bending stiffness. Thus, through the reinforcing device, the effect of local deformation in the layer is transmitted to the sensing area in a manner that extends beyond the deformation area. Here, the force caused by deformation is transmitted; that is, the force acting on the reinforcing device changes with the degree or scale of the local deformation.

[0010] In the sensing region, sensor units are at least partially arranged on the layer. The sensor units are designed to detect measurement parameters related to the transmitted force in the sensing region on the layer and provide these measurement parameters as sensor signals. Therefore, local deformation can still be detected or measured in the sensing region, i.e., outside the deformation region where local deformation occurs or exists; that is, as measurement parameters related to the force transmitted to the sensing region through the layer and its reinforcing devices. For example, elongation / expansion or shape change can be measured or sensed as measurement parameters. The sensor signal then describes whether local deformation exists in the deformation region and / or how strong the local deformation is in the deformation region. The surface of the component is covered, for example, by a thin film or layer, and if the component located beneath it deforms at some point on the surface, then the thin film or layer deforms over a large area. If sensor units are also arranged somewhere on this thin film or layer, then torsion is transmitted to the sensor units and can be measured there.

[0011] The present invention offers the advantage that surface deformation can be detected or measured not only directly in the region of the sensor unit, but also locally in spaced deformation regions. Therefore, by providing the layer and its reinforcing device, fewer sensor units are needed to monitor local deformation of the component surface.

[0012] The invention also includes embodiments that produce additional advantages.

[0013] As described above, force can be transmitted through the layer in different forms, starting from local deformation. Therefore, one embodiment includes a reinforcing device designed to transmit force as tensile force via tensile stiffness and / or as torque via bending stiffness and / or as normal force to the surface and / or as shear / thrust via shape stability. Tensile force can be transmitted to the sensor unit from local deformation, for example, via at least one fiber in the layer. In other words, the reinforcing device comprises one or more fibers. For example, these fibers can be embedded in the elastic polymer of the layer, allowing them to be supported with sufficient mobility. The layer can also be rigid or stiff. As a reinforcing device, a rod, plate, or sheet can be provided, for example, lifted by local deformation or subjected to force perpendicular to the surface, which is transmitted to the sensor unit as torque or normal force along the rod, plate, or sheet. Compression or pressure can also be transmitted by integrating shape-stable and / or incompressible elements—such as incompressible or low-compressibility fibers, such as carbon fibers—as reinforcing devices into the layer accordingly. Here, fibers can also be embedded in an elastic polymer. The reinforcement device can generally be designed by selecting its shape and / or material, allowing localized deformation within a predetermined value range to be detected using a sensor unit within the sensing area. For example, the minimum deformation can be a relative surface displacement in the range of 500 μm to 2 mm. The maximum deformation that keeps the layer undamaged, i.e., the maximum deformation within the elastic limit of the layer, can be a relative surface displacement value ranging from 3 mm to 100 mm. The term "relative displacement" is based on the undeformed state, i.e., the manufactured state.

[0014] Since the force transmission line is known in advance based on the location of the sensor unit, the force must be transmitted towards the sensor unit along this force transmission line starting from local deformation. Accordingly, it is advantageous to design the reinforcing device to be optimized for force transmission from possible local deformation to the sensor unit along the force transmission line, and less sensitive or efficient for force transmission in the other direction. This is achieved by designing the reinforcing device anisotropically within the layer, thereby having a principal direction of maximum stiffness, and this principal direction is oriented in a manner described above such that it linearly connects the deformation region and the sensing region. Therefore, the principal direction of maximum stiffness is the direction of minimum compressibility or elasticity of the reinforcing device. A force transmission line exists along this principal direction to transmit the force introduced or applied to the layer by local deformation towards the sensor device.

[0015] Typically, a sensor unit can be used to monitor a strip-shaped area of ​​deformation. Outside this strip-shaped area, additional sensor units must be used for detection.

[0016] The implementation accordingly includes: in the sensing region, one or at least two additional sensor units are arranged on the layer, and the sensor units are generally arranged on the layer along different force transmission lines, which lead from the deformation region to the respective sensor unit. Therefore, force lines can be provided separately by means of a reinforcing device, which couple the monitored area or monitored sub-area in the deformation region to the sensor unit. Such force lines can be determined, for example, by the orientation of the fibers or the tensile orientation of the gereckte foil, along which the force generated by the deformation of the layer is transmitted towards the respective sensor unit.

[0017] As already described, force transmission can be achieved through different design schemes for strengthening the unit.

[0018] One embodiment includes a strengthening device comprising:

[0019] - At least one glass fiber that transmits force as tensile or shear force; and / or

[0020] - Stretch-formed materials, especially oriented films, and / or

[0021] - One or more thin film strips.

[0022] Glass fibers have the advantage that they are incompressible under both tensile and shear or compressive forces, thus allowing the transmission of both forms of force, and therefore, for example, the transmission of surface protrusions and indentations. If a material, such as a polymer, is stretched, the principal direction of the tensile stiffness can be determined. "Stretch forming" refers to the stretching (longitudinal deformation) of a material beyond its elastic yield limit to achieve the stated mechanical properties. The material is thus anisotropic in the described manner because the fibers (molecular chains, crystalline planes) are oriented along the stretching direction. Stretching of materials, such as films, is a particularly inexpensive and therefore advantageous solution for providing reinforcing devices in layers. For example, a film bonded to a surface can be provided as an oriented film. Additionally or alternatively, the force transmission lines can be specifically determined using film strips.

[0023] Transmitting pressure or shear force within a layer can be complex or error-prone because the layer may bulge or corrugate. To reliably transmit force to the sensor unit even during layer shrinkage, a reduction in tensile force can be incorporated instead of shear force. Related implementations include a reinforcement device comprising pre-tightening the material within the layer with a tensile load when the surface is undeformed. In cases where localized deformation causes layer shrinkage, the force transmitted to the sensing area is a reduced tensile load, i.e., a negative force increment (Δ). The term "undeformed surface" refers to a surface with its normal shape before localized deformation occurs. If, for example, a tensile load is introduced into the reinforcement device as a pre-tightening force by bonding a taut film to the surface or pre-tightening at least one fiber, then in the case of surface shrinkage or compression, the reduction in tensile force is obtained, which can be detected in the sensor unit as a reduced tensile load or force increment.

[0024] Multiple solutions can be configured as sensor units for detecting or measuring forces caused by localized deformation. According to one embodiment, the corresponding sensor device includes: at least one metal wire and / or strain gauge (DMS) and circuitry connected to the strain gauge, designed to generate a sensor signal via ohmic resistance measurement. In the metal wire and strain gauge, tensile and shear forces, respectively, cause the material of the metal wire or strain gauge to be elongated or compressed, thus changing the ohmic resistance in the metal wire or strain gauge, which can be measured or detected by circuitry known in itself. The term "detection" here means a change relative to a comparison value or threshold, and therefore only generates a trigger signal or switching signal. Conversely, the term "measurement" can provide a similar measurement, i.e., quantifying the degree of deformation. Resistance measurement is technically particularly simple and stable.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the corresponding sensor device includes: an optical structure connected to the layer, an optical sensor, and a processing circuit. The detection area of ​​the optical sensor is oriented toward the optical structure, and the processing circuit is designed to generate a sensor signal by comparing the detected optical structure with reference data. Optical measurements can detect or measure large sensitivity, and therefore can also detect or measure small local deformations in particular. Here, changes in geometry and / or shape are identified by comparison with reference data, especially reference image data, and / or distortions of the optical structure are identified in the sensor signal of the optical sensor by means of the processing circuit, especially image processing circuitry. Such an optical sensor can be, for example, a CCD sensor (CCD-Charged Coupled Device). The reference data can be, for example, sensor data of the optical sensor at a time point before local deformation (undeformed state). By forming a difference image with the current sensor data (digital sensor signal), it is then possible to identify whether there is a change in the optical structure relative to the reference image data. However, the reference data can also represent a target signal, i.e., describing target sensor data. For optical detection of the optical structure, a light source can be provided in the sensor device so as to be independent of the local illumination conditions of the environment.

[0026] One implementation includes providing at least one of the following elements as an optical structure: a 2D optical pattern, a 3D texture, a light-refracting element, an interference pattern, an etched portion, a roughened portion, and a mirror. For example, the 2D pattern can be printed. The 2D pattern can be, for example, a pixel pattern, pixel graphics, or a character or trademark image. The 3D texture additionally includes ridges or protrusions relative to a surface. The 3D texture can be, for example, an embossing, a notch, or a stamped portion. The light-refracting element can be provided, for example, based on so-called mica or mother-of-pearl, or by means of prisms or prisms. Through light refraction, the spectrum of light can be decomposed (rainbow effect), thereby allowing deformations smaller than 1 mm, especially smaller than 100 μm, in the region of the optical structure to be sensed by a sensor unit. More sensitively, an interference pattern can be generated, for example, by a holographic optical element (HOE), through which deformations in the wave range of light can be detected and / or measured. The 3D structure can be generated as an etched portion in the manner described, i.e., by removing layer material and / or roughening. In the case of a reflector, for example, the change in the angle of the reflector caused by the transmitted force can redirect or deflect light, such as a laser beam. This can also be detected by an optical sensor, which does not have to be pixel-resolved, i.e., it does not have to be a CCD sensor, but can be designed as a photodiode, for example.

[0027] One implementation includes a sensorless deformation region. By arranging sensor units within the sensing region, the deformation region can be designed even without sensor units, allowing for surface monitoring of the deformation region without the need for sensor units within it.

[0028] Another advantage is that the control circuitry of the monitoring device is designed to receive corresponding sensor signals from the respective sensor units and, if the sensor signals meet predetermined trigger criteria, generate warning signals and / or status signals that describe or report the internal state of the component and / or the instrument to which the component belongs. The control circuitry may therefore include a data processing device or processor device designed to process the sensor signals in the described manner. The processor device may therefore include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor device may have program code designed to execute methods to generate warning signals and / or status signals when implemented by the processor device. The program code may be stored in the data memory of the processor device. The status signals may be generated by an assignment function / correspondence function that maps the corresponding signal value of the corresponding sensor signal of at least one sensor unit to the signal value of the status signal. For example, the trigger criteria for the warning signal may specify a threshold or value range for the corresponding sensor signal, within which the sensor signal must be to trigger the warning signal. Therefore, warning signals can indicate the erroneous state of the instrument to which a component belongs. However, local deformation does not necessarily require an erroneous state; there may also be a desired internal state. Thus, a state signal can report one of several different states in which the component or the instrument to which it belongs is currently in, and which results in the current degree of local deformation. The assignment function for the state signal can be formed based on an artificial neural network or, typically, on an instrument learning algorithm.

[0029] The invention also includes an instrument having one embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention, or a device generally including one embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention, wherein the monitoring device is arranged on the surface of a component of the device in the manner described. Such an instrument or device can therefore monitor internal conditions or defects by arranging sensor units on the surface of a component of the instrument, thereby monitoring not only the sensing area using the sensor units themselves, but also (especially in the absence of sensors) localized deformation of deformable areas.

[0030] One implementation includes the component being a gas tank, battery module, battery system, plate, or sheet metal. In the case of a gas tank, overload or fatigue of the material of the gas tank—i.e., the container under pressure—can be detected, for example, by detecting expansion or bulging. In the case of a battery module, so-called expansion can be monitored in the manner described. In the case of a battery system, overpressure causing the battery casing to expand can be identified, for example, by detecting the escape of gas from the battery module. When an instrument with plates or sheets, such as a motor vehicle, is subjected to an impact intercepted by the plates or sheets, the severity of the accident can be identified, for example, in the plates or sheets. By measuring the force transmitted to the sensing area due to local deformation in the plates or sheets, it can be determined to what extent at least one other component of the instrument, especially the motor vehicle, is damaged or destroyed by the impact. A force-to-component mapping table or assignment function can be created in simple prototyping tests and / or implemented using instrument learning methods.

[0031] One embodiment includes a device designed for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as an automobile, particularly a passenger car or truck, or a bus or motorcycle. The described detection and / or measurement of local deformation is particularly advantageous in motor vehicles, thereby enabling automated self-monitoring of the vehicle's condition during operation.

[0032] The invention also includes a method comprising the described steps for detecting and / or measuring local deformation in a deformable region of a member.

[0033] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also includes implementations having combinations of features of multiple embodiments described in the embodiments, unless these embodiments are described as mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. Therefore:

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in top view and cross-sectional view; and

[0036] Figure 2 The diagram shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of the component before and after deformation in the deformation zone over time. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the various components described in the embodiments represent various features of the invention that are considered independent of each other, and these features also independently improve the invention. Therefore, this disclosure is also intended to include combinations different from the combinations of features shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, the described embodiments may be supplemented by other features of the invention that have already been described.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote elements that have the same function.

[0039] Figure 1 A device 10 with component 11 is shown, in which surface 12 is to be monitored, specifically for the formation or occurrence of local deformation 13, such as recesses, grooves, protrusions, or ridges, on surface 12. To monitor local deformation 13 on surface 12, one or more sensor units 14 can be provided on surface 12. However, it is unnecessary in device 10 to arrange a correspondingly large number of sensor units 14 over a wide area on surface 12 to monitor the entire surface 12. Alternatively, no sensor units 14 for identifying local deformation 13 are provided in the deformed region 15, but it is desirable to detect the deformed region 15 using one or more sensor units 14, and it is still desirable to detect local deformation 13 there by means of at least one sensor unit 14. Multiple sensor units 14 or a single sensor unit 14 can be arranged for this purpose in an adjacent sensing region 16, which itself can of course be directly monitored for local deformation by the corresponding sensor unit 14. However, monitoring of the deformed region 15 is also present in the context of illustrating this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1 The right side shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the component 11 in the region of the sensor unit 14. The surface 12 of the component 11 can be formed, for example, from a thin plate or the housing wall 17 of the component 11. A layer 18 can be arranged on the surface 12, which, in the event of local deformation 13 occurring in the deformation region 15, transmits the force 19 acting on the layer 18 along force transmission lines 20 within the layer 18 to the sensor unit 14, where the transmitted force 19 can be detected or measured. For this purpose, the sensor unit 14 can, for example, have a conductive metal wire 21 whose geometry changes due to the transmitted force 19, which can be measured as a change in ohmic resistance in a known manner. Instead of the metal wire 21 or other than the metal wire, the sensor unit 14 can have an optical structure, such as a geometric pattern, which changes or twists due to the transmitted force 19, and this can be detected optically by means of an optical sensor, such as a camera.

[0041] Layer 18 and / or sensor unit 14 may be covered by a protective layer so as not to impair the conductivity of metal wire 21, for example, in the presence of moisture.

[0042] Component 11 can be, for example, a planar shape, such as a housing wall or vehicle trim. It can be made of materials such as plastic and / or FVK (fiber-reinforced plastic) and / or metal, to name just a few examples. Layer 18 can have a mixture of materials, thus allowing it to be arranged or pre-designed to be anisotropic in terms of stiffness along different directions. The corresponding sensor unit 14 can represent a local structure by its metal wire 21, which is twisted or deformed by the transmitted force 19, corresponding in this case to the degree of deformation 13 itself. Therefore, global elongation in the anisotropic layer 18 can be transmitted to the sensor unit 14 and detected there (i.e., probed or quantified).

[0043] Layer 18 can also be used as a tolerance compensation layer and / or an adhesion layer, and is designed accordingly. Due to the anisotropy of the layer, the force transmission line 20 can be determined along the principal direction of the layer's maximum stiffness or minimum elasticity, and thus oriented toward the sensor unit 14.

[0044] Figure 2 The transmission of force 19 is shown again in longitudinal section view when local deformation 13 occurs in deformation region 15.

[0045] The diagram shows a manufacturing-determined or undeformed state 22 of component 11, based on which component 11 deforms within deformation region 15 due to localized deformation 13. Deformation may be caused by external forces, such as in the event of an accident, and / or by changes in the internal state of the device 10.

[0046] Layer 18 may have a reinforcing device 23 through which force 19 is transmitted along the force line 20 in the case of deformation 13. It is also shown how deformation 13 creates a recess or groove, thereby causing elongation 24 in layer 18. The tensile stiffness of the reinforcing device 23 can be set large enough that even when the shape change of member 11 is confined within deformation region 15 by deformation 13, the tensile force or mechanical load in layer 18 due to elongation 24 is still transmitted as force 19 to sensor unit 14 in sensing region 16. In sensor unit 14, the described metal wire 21 and / or optical structure 25 may be arranged on or within the layer. Deformation 26, such as elongation or compression or generally torsion, of the metal wire 21 and / or optical structure 25 is generated by force 19. This can be measured by sensor unit 14, thereby generating sensor signal 27, which can be received by control circuitry 28. Control circuitry 28 can check sensor signal 27 using trigger criteria 29 and / or allocation rule 30. If trigger criterion 29 is met, a warning signal 31 can be generated, indicating that the variant 13 has, for example, damaged the device 10, so that the operation of the device 10 must be interrupted or terminated. For assignment rule 30, sensor signal 27 can be converted or mapped into status signal 32, which describes an inference or description of the internal state of the device 10, which can be identified, for example, by means of variant 13.

[0047] As a reinforcing device 23, for example, layer 18 is constructed as a thin film that has slight elasticity due to stretching along a main direction 33 corresponding to or parallel to the force transmission line 20, allowing force 19 to be transmitted to sensor unit 14 via elongation 24. The reinforcing device 23 can be designed such that deformation 13 can be detected and / or quantified by means of sensor unit 14, with the deformation scale, such as mechanical deflection 34, ranging from 100 μm to 10 cm. An additional or alternative possibility for the reinforcing device could be the arrangement of at least one glass fiber along the force transmission line 20 in layer 18. The glass fiber can be embedded, for example, in an elastic plastic or elastic polymer, allowing it to move forward or backward relative to the remaining material of layer 18 along the longitudinal extension of the layer, thereby enabling the transmission of force 19. To adjust the desired stiffness, those skilled in the art can select appropriate materials and / or material mixtures for the reinforcing device and / or for the layer as a whole.

[0048] The planar shape of component 11 is not mandatory here; any material, such as plastic, FVK, metal, mixed materials, or any other shape of material combination, may be equipped with layers and at least one sensor unit.

[0049] Layers can be used as tolerance compensation layers / adhesion layers and information layers. Layers are distorted due to their anisotropy and trigger global deformation.

[0050] Preferably, at least two structures of sensor units are locally arranged on the compensation layer. These structures measure the global elongation of the anisotropic compensation layer and transmit the global elongation to the measurement circuit of the corresponding sensor unit.

[0051] Therefore, the device may be equipped with at least one sensor device including at least one electrical conductor for detecting at least one parameter that can infer the state of the device substrate, wherein a compensation layer or layer is arranged between the at least one sensor device and the outside of the substrate, the compensation layer or layer being designed to compensate for unevenness in at least the region of the at least one sensor device in the event of unevenness on the outside of the substrate.

[0052] The surface of the compensation layer preferably has at least two structures and / or different distributions of structures and surfaces.

[0053] Preferred monitoring is used for energy storage containers, particularly battery modules, within devices. Therefore, the following preferred design has emerged for devices serving as energy storage containers, particularly for energy storage containers used in motor vehicles. This device has a container module, on the outer surface of which at least one sensor device, comprising at least one electrical conductor, is at least partially disposed for detecting at least one parameter that can infer the state of the container module. A compensation layer is arranged between the at least one sensor device and at least one corresponding outer surface region of the container module. This compensation layer is designed to compensate for unevenness on the outer surface of the container module, at least in the region of the at least one sensor device. The surface of the compensation layer at least partially has at least two structures configured to detect the global elongation of the anisotropic compensation layer and to provide this global elongation to the at least one sensor device.

[0054] Energy storage containers are specifically designed for electric vehicle batteries or gas storage devices.

[0055] In summary, these examples demonstrate how condition-monitoring can be provided by leveraging feature scaling (shape change).

Claims

1. A monitoring device (10) for detecting predetermined local deformation (13) on the surface (12) of a component (11), wherein, A layer (18) is arranged on the surface (12) extending not only in the deformation region (15) where deformation (13) should be detected, but also in a sensing region (16) different from the deformation region (15). The layer (18) has a reinforcing device (23) designed to transmit the force (19) applied to the layer (18) by the surface (12) in the event of local deformation (13) in the deformation region (15) to the sensing region (16), in which... A sensor unit (14) is arranged on the layer (18). The sensor unit (14) is designed to detect a measurement parameter related to the transmitted force (19) on the layer (18) in the sensing area (16) and provide the measurement parameter as a sensor signal (27). The reinforcing device (23) is designed to be anisotropic in the layer (18) and thus has a principal direction (33) with maximum stiffness. The principal direction (33) is oriented such that it connects the deformation area (15) and the sensing area (16) in a straight line.

2. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing device (23) is designed to transmit force (19) by means of tensile stiffness as tensile force and / or by means of bending stiffness as torque and / or by means of surface (12) normal force and / or by means of shape stability as shear force.

3. The monitoring device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the sensing area (16), one or at least two additional sensor units are arranged on the layer (18). The sensor units are generally arranged on the layer (18) along different force transmission lines (20), which lead from the deformation area (15) to the corresponding sensor units.

4. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reinforcing device (23) includes: - At least one glass fiber, which transmits force (19) as tension or thrust; and / or - Stretch-formed materials, and / or - One or more film strips.

5. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reinforcing device (23) includes pre-tightening the material in the layer (18) with a tensile load when the surface (12) is not deformed, and making the force (19) transmitted to the sensing area (16) a reduced tensile load in the case where local deformation (13) causes the reinforcing device (23) to shrink.

6. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The corresponding sensor unit includes: - At least one metal wire and / or strain gauge, i.e., DMS, and circuitry connected to at least one metal wire and / or strain gauge, the circuitry being designed to generate a sensor signal (27) by means of ohmic resistance measurement, and / or - An optical sensor and an optical structure (25) connected to the layer (18), and a processing circuit, wherein the detection area of ​​the optical sensor is oriented toward the optical structure (25), and the processing circuit is designed to generate a sensor signal (27) based on a comparison of the detected optical structure (25) with reference data.

7. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The optical structure (25) includes at least one of the following elements: 2D optical pattern, 3D texture, light refraction element, interference pattern, etched part, roughened part, and reflector.

8. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The deformable region (15) is sensorless.

9. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control circuit (28) of the monitoring device (10) is designed to receive corresponding sensor signals (27) from the corresponding sensor unit (14), generate warning signals (31) when the corresponding sensor signals (27) meet preset trigger criteria (29), and / or generate status signals (32) that describe the internal status (22) of the component (11) and / or the instrument to which the component (11) belongs.

10. The monitoring device (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The material used for stretch forming is an oriented film.

11. A device having a monitoring device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The monitoring device (10) is arranged on the surface (12) of the component (11) of the equipment.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, Component (11) is a gas storage tank or battery module or battery system or plate or sheet.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The equipment is designed for motor vehicles.

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