Composite panel with wireless, self-powered or remotely powered sensing components

Abstract

A composite panel for a vehicle includes a plurality of layers bonded together by a resin. A sensing assembly is disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers. The sensing assembly includes at least one of a piezoelectric layer that senses vibrations of the composite panel when mounted on the vehicle and a thermopile configured to sense temperature changes of the composite panel when mounted on the vehicle. The sensing assembly further includes a transmitter configured to transmit data to the vehicle based on an output of the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to composite panels, and more particularly to composite panels having wireless, self-powered, or remotely powered sensing assemblies. BACKGROUND

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that can not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0003] Composite panels are typically manufactured by arranging one or more layers of glass fiber, carbon fiber, and / or other fibrous material in a predetermined orientation, impregnating the layers with resin, and heating / curing the composite panel. Composite panels have high strength and low weight. Some composite panels are arranged in areas that are susceptible to damage. For example, composite panels can be arranged as structural members in underbody locations or as body panels.

[0004] Most vehicle operators do not regularly inspect underbody panels because they are arranged in inconvenient locations. Composite panels can be damaged due to impacts or thermal events. While physical inspection can be performed by a skilled technician at a dealership, this approach is inconvenient because the vehicle needs to be brought to the dealership for repair, and relatively expensive because damage can not be visible or easily diagnosed. SUMMARY

[0005] A composite panel for a vehicle includes a plurality of layers bonded together by a resin. A sensing assembly is arranged between at least two of the plurality of layers. The sensing assembly includes at least one of a piezoelectric layer that senses vibrations of the composite panel when installed on the vehicle and a thermopile configured to sense temperature changes of the composite panel when installed on the vehicle. The sensing assembly further includes a transmitter configured to transmit data to the vehicle based on an output of the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile.

[0006] In other features, the sensing assembly further includes a comparison circuit in communication with the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile and configured to compare the output of the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile to one or more predetermined thresholds, wherein the transmitter is configured to selectively transmit the data to the vehicle in response to the comparison.

[0007] In other features, the controller includes the comparison circuit. L conductive loops are arranged between at least two of the plurality of layers and in communication with the controller, where L is an integer greater than zero.

[0008] In other features, the controller further includes time domain reflectometry (TDR) circuitry configured to determine a distance to a damage of at least one of the L conductive loops from the controller. The controller includes loop sensors configured to sense parameters of the L conductive loops. The parameters are selected from a group including current, voltage, and resistance.

[0009] In other features, the controller selectively identifies the damage of at least one of the L conductive loops in response to the parameters. The energy harvesting circuitry is configured to harvest power from the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile. The energy harvesting circuitry is configured to supply power to the energy storage device. The energy storage device includes at least one of a battery and a supercapacitor. The reference generator is configured to generate the one or more predetermined thresholds.

[0010] In other features, radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry is configured to receive power from a remote transmitter. The energy harvesting circuitry is configured to harvest power from the RFID circuitry and store the power in the energy storage device. The transmitter is connected to the energy storage device.

[0011] A composite panel for a vehicle includes a plurality of layers bonded together by a resin. A sensing assembly disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers includes radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry configured to receive power from a remote transmitter. Energy harvesting circuitry is configured to harvest power from the RFID circuitry and store the power in an energy storage device. A controller is in communication with the energy storage device and at least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile, and is configured to compare an output of the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile to one or more predetermined thresholds. A transmitter is in communication with the controller and the energy harvesting circuitry and is configured to selectively transmit a message to the vehicle in response to the comparison.

[0012] In other features, L conductive loops are disposed between at least two of a plurality of layers and are in communication with a controller, where L is an integer greater than zero. The controller includes loop sensors configured to sense parameters of the L conductive loops. The parameters are selected from a group including current, voltage, and resistance. The controller selectively identifies a damage of at least one of the L conductive loops in response to the parameters. The controller further includes time domain reflectometry (TDR) circuitry configured to determine a distance to the damage of at least one of the L conductive loops from the controller. The energy storage device includes at least one of a battery and a supercapacitor.

[0013] Scheme 1. A composite panel for a vehicle, comprising:

[0014] a plurality of layers bonded together by a resin; and

[0015] a sensing assembly disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers, and including:

[0016] at least one of a piezoelectric layer that, when installed on a vehicle, senses vibrations of the composite panel, and a thermopile configured to, when installed on a vehicle, sense temperature changes of the composite panel; and

[0017] a transmitter configured to transmit data to the vehicle based on an output of the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile.

[0018] Scheme 2. The composite panel of Scheme 1, wherein the sensing assembly further comprises:

[0019] a comparison circuit in communication with the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile and configured to compare an output of the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile to one or more predetermined thresholds, wherein the transmitter is configured to selectively transmit data to the vehicle in response to the comparison.

[0020] Scheme 3. The composite panel of Scheme 2, further comprising a controller comprising the comparison circuit.

[0021] Scheme 4. The composite panel of Scheme 3, further comprising L electrically conductive loops disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers and in communication with the controller, wherein L is an integer greater than zero.

[0022] Scheme 5. The composite panel of Scheme 4, wherein the controller further comprises a time domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit configured to determine a distance of a damage from the controller to at least one of the L electrically conductive loops.

[0023] Scheme 6. The composite panel of Scheme 5, wherein the controller comprises a loop sensor configured to sense a parameter of the L electrically conductive loops.

[0024] Scheme 7. The composite panel of Scheme 6, wherein the parameter is selected from a group comprising current, voltage, and resistance.

[0025] Scheme 8. The composite panel of Scheme 6, wherein the controller selectively identifies a damage of at least one of the L electrically conductive loops in response to the parameter.

[0026] Scheme 9. The composite panel of Scheme 1, further comprising a power harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from the at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile.

[0027] Scheme 10. The composite panel of Scheme 9, further comprising an energy storage device, wherein the power harvesting circuit is configured to supply power to the energy storage device.

[0028] Scheme 11. The composite panel of Scheme 10, wherein the energy storage device comprises at least one of a battery and a supercapacitor.

[0029] Scheme 12. The composite panel of Scheme 2, further comprising a reference generator configured to generate the one or more predetermined thresholds.

[0030] Scheme 13. The composite panel of Scheme 1, further comprising:

[0031] an energy storage device;

[0032] a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit configured to receive power from a remote transmitter; and

[0033] an energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from the RFID circuit and store the power in the energy storage device,

[0034] wherein the transmitter is connected to the energy storage device.

[0035] Scheme 14. A composite panel for a vehicle, comprising:

[0036] a plurality of layers bonded together by a resin; and

[0037] a sensing assembly disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers, comprising:

[0038] a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit configured to receive power from a remote transmitter;

[0039] an energy storage device;

[0040] an energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from the RFID circuit and store the power in the energy storage device;

[0041] at least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile;

[0042] a controller in communication with the energy storage device and the at least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile, and configured to compare an output of the at least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile to one or more predetermined thresholds; and

[0043] a transmitter in communication with the controller and the energy harvesting circuit and configured to selectively transmit a message to the vehicle in response to the comparison.

[0044] Scheme 15. The composite panel of Scheme 14, further comprising L electrically conductive loops disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers and in communication with the controller, wherein L is an integer greater than zero.

[0045] Scheme 16. The composite panel according to Scheme 15, wherein the controller comprises a loop sensor configured to sense a parameter of the L electrically conductive loops.

[0046] Scheme 17. The composite panel according to Scheme 16, wherein the parameter is selected from the group comprising current, voltage, and resistance.

[0047] Scheme 18. The composite panel according to Scheme 16, wherein the controller selectively identifies damage to at least one of the L electrically conductive loops in response to the parameter.

[0048] Scheme 19. The composite panel according to Scheme 14, wherein the controller further comprises a time domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit configured to determine a distance to damage to at least one of the L electrically conductive loops from the controller.

[0049] Scheme 20. The composite panel according to Scheme 14, wherein the energy storage device comprises at least one of a battery and a supercapacitor.

[0050] Other applications of the present disclosure will be apparent from the Detailed Description, the Claims, and the Drawings. The Detailed Description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the Detailed Description, the Claims, and the Drawings, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an example of a composite panel having a sensing assembly including a piezoelectric layer according to the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 2 is a side view cross-sectional view of an example of a composite panel having a sensing assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a functional block diagram of an example of a composite panel having an integrated sensing assembly including a piezoelectric layer according to the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of an example of a composite panel having a sensing assembly including an energy harvesting device according to the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of an example of a thermopile according to the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of an example of a composite panel having a sensing assembly including a thermopile according to the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 8This is a functional block diagram of an example vehicle comprising multiple composite panels according to the present disclosure, each composite panel including one or more sensing components; and

[0059] Figures 9 to 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a sensing component according to the present disclosure.

[0060] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The composite panel according to this disclosure includes embedded sensing components to actively sense impact events and / or thermal events during vehicle operation. The sensing components include a transmitter or transceiver to transmit data related to the impact event and / or thermal event to a receiver communicating with the vehicle's data bus. The data may be stored locally for triggering fault or other diagnostic fault codes, and / or remotely transmitted from the vehicle using a telematics system.

[0062] The sensing components are embedded between the layers of the composite panel. These components add a small amount of weight (typically less than 2 wt%) while significantly improving the detection of damage to the composite panel due to shock and / or thermal events. The sensing components can be self-powered using piezoelectric layers that generate voltage in response to vibration and / or thermopile that generates voltage in response to heat. In some examples, the sensing components include radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry that wirelessly receives power from a remote transmitter associated with a vehicle, repair tool, and / or another device.

[0063] The sensing component may include energy harvesting circuitry that harvests power output from a piezoelectric layer, thermopile, and / or RFID circuitry. The sensing component may include an energy storage device for storing the power. In some examples, the energy storage device includes a battery and / or a supercapacitor, but other devices may be used. The sensing component may also include one or more conductive loops arranged in the area of ​​the composite panel to be monitored for damage. The sensing component includes a loop sensor configured to detect damage to one or more conductive loops by sensing changes in current, voltage, resistance, or other parameters that occur when one or more conductive loops are damaged. In some examples, the sensing component includes a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit configured to determine the distance from the TDR circuit to one or more damaged portions of the conductive loops.

[0064] Now for reference Figures 1-3 The vehicle 10 includes a composite panel 16 with sensing components 18. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the sensing component 18 is embedded in the composite panel 16. For example, the sensing component 18 is laminated between two or more layers of the composite panel 16.

[0065] The sensing component 18 includes a piezoelectric layer 20 that outputs a voltage in response to vibrations of the composite panel 16. In some examples, the piezoelectric layer 20 is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), perovskite zirconium titanate (PZT), and / or lead magnesium niobate / lead titanate (PMN-PT), but other piezoelectric materials may be used.

[0066] In some examples, the piezoelectric layer 20 outputs a voltage that increases with the amplitude of vibration. Typical vibrations encountered during normal operation correspond to lower voltage levels. Higher levels of vibration occurring in response to a damage event correspond to higher output voltage levels. The voltage / power output by the piezoelectric layer 20 can be used to power sensor components, and the amplitude of the voltage can be used to identify shock events.

[0067] In some examples, the piezoelectric layer 20 outputs voltage to the energy storage device 24. Since vehicle operation will cause vibrations during normal operation, the piezoelectric layer 20 generates power stored by the energy storage device 24. In some examples, the energy storage device 24 includes a battery 26. Figure 1 ) and / or supercapacitors (SC) 27 ( Figure 3 If the energy storage device 24 includes a battery, it may also include a charger 28 for charging the battery 26. In other words, the charger 28 uses the voltage output of the piezoelectric layer 20 to charge the battery 26. Alternatively, the battery 26 may be charged wirelessly or inductively in a manner similar to that of a mobile phone, using radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry remotely, and / or in another manner using an inductive wire loop.

[0068] Energy storage device 24 provides power to controller 30, which includes comparator circuit 34. The output of piezoelectric layer 20 is also output to comparator circuit 34. Comparator circuit 34 compares the output of piezoelectric layer 20 with one or more predetermined thresholds corresponding to one or more impact levels. If the output of piezoelectric layer 20 is greater than one or more of the predetermined thresholds, controller 30 may take further appropriate action. For example, at lower impact levels, vehicle 10 may notify the driver via an infotainment display and take no further action. At higher impact levels, vehicle 10 may notify the driver and / or send a message to the manufacturer, change vehicle operation, and / or take other actions.

[0069] The controller 30 is also connected to L conductive loops 37-1, 37-2, ..., 37-L (collectively referred to as L conductive loops 37) arranged between the layers of the composite panel 16 (where L is a positive integer). In some examples, each of the L conductive loops 37 is associated with a different region of the composite panel (shown as L regions 38-1, 38-2, ..., 38-L (collectively referred to as region 38)).

[0070] The controller 30 includes a loop sensor 44 to sense changes in L conductive loops 37 corresponding to damage. For example, the loop sensor 44 senses parameters of the L conductive loops to determine the damage state of the loops. In other words, the loop sensor 44 may include a voltage, current, or resistance sensor to sense the voltage or current flowing in the loop or the resistance of the loop. In other words, if a conductive loop is damaged, the voltage, current, or resistance of the conductive loop will change. A voltage or current input at one end of the loop will not be received at the other end. If a conductive loop is damaged, the resistance of the conductive loop will increase from zero to a non-zero value (e.g., infinity).

[0071] In other examples, loop sensor 44 sends a digital code at one end of each conductive loop, senses the signal received at the other end of the conductive loop, compares the two signals, and determines the state of the conductive loop based on the comparison. Although loop sensor 44 is shown as integrated with controller 30, loop sensor 44 can be implemented separately from controller 30.

[0072] exist Figure 1 In addition, the controller 30 also includes a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit 48, which identifies the distance from the controller 30 to an interrupt location in one of the L conductive loops 37. The TDR can be performed from both ends of the L conductive loops 37 to provide further information.

[0073] In some examples, controller 30 initiates a TDR test in response to comparator circuit 34. In other examples, the TDR test is performed in response to an event and / or periodically, independent of the output of comparator circuit 34. TDR circuit 48 generates a test signal on the conductive loop and determines the distance to the open circuit by measuring the time required for the reflection to return from an interruption / damage in the conductive loop and / or the amplitude of the reflected signal. In examples such as Figure 2 In other examples, the TDR circuit is omitted.

[0074] The sensing component 18 also includes a transmitter 50 (or a transceiver for bidirectional communication) to transmit data to the receiver 52. When the loop sensor 44 determines that one or more of the L conductive loops 37 are interrupted due to a damage event, the controller 30 causes the transmitter 50 to transmit a signal to the vehicle 10. The transmitter 50 can also be used to send other data to the vehicle 10. For example, the data may include the results of the comparison circuit 34, the results of the TDR test, information related to damage to one or more of the L conductive loops 37, and / or location or distance information related to the interruption in one or more of the L conductive loops 37.

[0075] In some examples, receiver 52 receives signals from transmitter 50 and outputs the signals to controller 56, which communicates with vehicle bus 64. In some examples, controller 56 sends data to telematics controller 66 or vehicle controller 68. In some examples, vehicle controller 68 sets diagnostic codes and / or warns the driver. In other examples, telematics controller 66 wirelessly transmits data to a remote server associated with the manufacturer or another service (via cellular or satellite systems and distributed communication systems, such as the Internet (not shown)).

[0076] In some examples, the L conductive loops 37 include insulated wires. In other examples, the L conductive loops 37 include non-insulated wires or conductive ink printed on one or more of the layers of the composite panel 16.

[0077] exist Figure 2 The image shows a composite panel 16 with a sensing component 18. The composite panel 16 includes L first layers 82-1, 82-2, ..., 82-L (collectively referred to as the L first layers 82) and M second layers 84-1, 84-2, ..., 84-M (collectively referred to as the M second layers), where L and M are integers greater than zero. A component 86 of the sensing component is shown sandwiched between the L first layers 82 and the M second layers 84.

[0078] In some examples, L first layers 82 and M second layers 84 are made of the same material, such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or another suitable material. In other examples, layers 82-1 and 84-1 are made of a different material than the remaining layers. For example, layers 82-1 and 84-1 are made of glass fiber (or another insulating / non-conductive material), while the remaining layers are made of carbon fiber. Because carbon fiber is conductive, the insulating / non-conductive layers adjacent to conductive circuits and / or integrated circuits provide insulation to prevent short circuits. Therefore, if carbon fiber or another conductive material is used, insulating / non-conductive layers can be used to provide insulation relative to the conductive outer layer of the composite panel.

[0079] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, the energy storage device 24 includes a supercapacitor (SC) 27 that stores the power output from the piezoelectric layer 20. The power stored in the supercapacitor (SC) 27 is used to supply the controller 30 and the transmitter 50. Although the TDR circuit is omitted in this example, it can be used. Despite the lack of TDR functionality, the controller 30 can provide some information about the location of the damage by using the loop sensor 44 to identify the loops where damages 90 and 92 occurred and the corresponding loop areas.

[0080] Figures 1 to 3The circuitry can be used in other ways. In the foregoing example, both the piezoelectric layer and the loop sensor can identify impact events and / or physical damage to the conductive loop (and therefore the composite panel). However, in other examples, the piezoelectric layer can be used simply to power the sensing components, while the loop sensor detects damage caused by an impact event. Alternatively, the loop sensor and conductive loop can be omitted, and damage from an impact event can be sensed solely based on the output of the piezoelectric layer.

[0081] Now for reference Figures 4A to 4B Other examples of composite panels with piezoelectric layers are shown. Figure 4A In this embodiment, the composite panel 112 includes a sensing component 114 having a piezoelectric layer 120. The output of the piezoelectric layer 120 is input to an energy harvesting circuit 124. The energy harvesting circuit 124 harvests the power output from the piezoelectric layer 120 and outputs the power to an energy storage device 126 (e.g., a battery and / or a supercapacitor). In some examples, the energy harvesting circuit 124 includes an integrated circuit (IC).

[0082] The output of piezoelectric layer 120 is also input to an A / D converter and comparator 128. The A / D converter samples the output of piezoelectric layer 120 and converts the analog signal into a digital signal representing the current output level of piezoelectric layer 120. The comparator of A / D converter and comparator 128 compares the digital level with a predetermined threshold stored in A / D converter and comparator 128. If the digital level is greater than the predetermined threshold corresponding to a possible impact event, A / D converter and comparator 128 causes transmitter 130 to transmit the signal to the vehicle, as described above. In other examples, multiple thresholds are used and / or the amplitude is sent to vehicle 10 for evaluation. Energy storage device 126 provides power to various components of sensing assembly 114, such as A / D converter and comparator 128 and transmitter 130.

[0083] Now for reference Figure 4B The A / D converter and comparator 128 can be replaced by comparator 154 and reference generator 158, which operate without analog-to-digital conversion. In some examples, reference generator 158 generates one or more predetermined thresholds corresponding to one or more impact levels. Comparator 154 compares the output of piezoelectric layer 120 with one or more predetermined thresholds and generates one or more signals in response to the comparison. If a single threshold corresponding to an impact event is used, comparator 154 makes the comparison and triggers transmitter 130 when a predetermined reference is exceeded. Energy storage device 126 provides power to various components of sensing assembly 114, such as comparator 154, reference generator 158, and transmitter 130.

[0084] Now for reference Figure 5The vehicle 10 includes a composite panel 212, which includes a sensing component 214. The sensing component 214 includes an energy harvesting circuit 220, which includes an energy storage circuit 222, such as a capacitor, supercapacitor, or battery. Although the energy storage circuit 222 is shown integrated with the energy harvesting circuit 220, the energy storage circuit 222 may be implemented separately. The energy harvesting circuit 220 is connected to a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit 230, which includes an antenna.

[0085] RFID circuit 230 (via transceiver 52) wirelessly receives power from vehicle 10 and outputs the power to energy harvesting circuit 220. Energy harvesting circuit 220 harvests power and optionally stores the power in energy storage circuit 222. The power in energy storage circuit 222 is used to power controller 30. Loop sensor 44 senses an interruption in the conductive loop and TDR circuit 48 identifies the distance to the interruption location.

[0086] Now for reference Figure 6 The thermopile 410 is shown as comprising multiple thermocouples connected in series, parallel, or in combination. Each thermocouple includes an electrical device in which two different electrical conductors form an electrical junction. Due to the Seebeck effect, each thermocouple of the thermopile 410 generates an output voltage. The output voltage depends on the temperature.

[0087] The thermopile 410 includes a thermal resistance layer 416 and first and second sets of electrical conductors 412 and 414, which are made of different materials and are connected in series alternately as shown to form multiple thermocouples. In other words, the thermopile 410 includes multiple thermocouples connected in series as thermocouple pairs, with the junction located on either side of the thermal resistance layer 416. The output of the thermocouples is a voltage proportional to the temperature difference across the thermal resistance layer 416 and the heat flux through the thermal resistance layer. Adding more thermocouple pairs in series increases the magnitude of the voltage output. The output of the thermopile 410 can be used to detect thermal events and / or power sensor assemblies.

[0088] Now for reference Figure 7 The vehicle 10 includes a composite panel 452, which includes a sensing component 454, and the sensing component 454 includes a thermopile 410. The output of the thermopile 410 is input to an energy harvesting circuit 124. The energy harvesting circuit 124 harvests the power output by the thermopile 410 and supplies the power to an energy storage device 126 (e.g., a battery and / or a supercapacitor).

[0089] The output of thermopile 410 is also input to A / D converter and comparator 128 to allow for the detection of thermal events. The A / D converter portion of A / D converter and comparator 128 samples the output of thermopile 410 and converts the analog signal into a digital signal representing the temperature of the composite panel. The comparator of A / D converter and comparator 128 compares the temperature signal output by thermopile 410 with a predetermined temperature threshold stored in A / D converter and comparator 128 or another device. If the temperature signal is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold corresponding to a thermal event, A / D converter and comparator 128 causes transmitter 130 to transmit the signal to vehicle 10, as described above. In other examples, A / D converter and comparator 128 compares the digital level with multiple predetermined temperature thresholds corresponding to different thermal events. As will be understood, it is also possible to use... Figure 4B The arrangement shown (using a comparator and a reference generator).

[0090] Now for reference Figure 8 Vehicle 10 includes one or more composite panels 482-1, 482-2, ..., and 482-P (where P is a positive integer) (collectively referred to as composite panel 482). Each of composite panels 482 includes one or more embedded sensing components. Composite panel 482-1 includes one or more sensing components 486-1, 486-2, ..., and 486-S (where S is a positive integer) (collectively referred to as sensing component 486), each sensing component including a transmitter or transceiver 488-1, 488-2, ..., and 488-S (collectively referred to as transceiver 488). Composite panel 482-2 includes one or more sensing components 486-1, 486-2, ..., and 486-T (where T is a positive integer), each sensing component including a transmitter or transceiver 488-1, 488-2, ..., and 488-T. The composite panel 482-P includes one or more sensing components 486-1, 486-2, ... and 486-R (where P and R are integers greater than zero), and each sensing component includes a transmitter or transceiver 488-1, 488-2, ... and 488-R.

[0091] Now for reference Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a method 500 for operating a sensing component. At 510, the sensing component is embedded in a composite panel. In other words, the component is arranged on one layer of the composite panel and connected. Conductive circuits are laid out and connected to a controller. Other layers of the composite panel are disposed on the component and the conductive circuits, said layers being impregnated with resin, and the laminate is heated to cure the resin.

[0092] At 514, the composite panel is mounted on the vehicle. The sensing component is powered by a piezoelectric layer, a thermopile, RFID circuitry, and / or an energy storage device (battery or SC). The sensing component generates an RF signal in response to a damage impact event or a thermal event. At 518, the transmitter signal from the sensing component is monitored by the vehicle. At 522, the method determines whether a signal corresponding to an impact event or a thermal event has been received from the sensing component. In some examples, additional data related to the location of the damage, the magnitude of the impact, and / or the temperature of the thermal event is sent to the vehicle. If 522 is true, the method sets a fault at 526. The damage to the vehicle is then inspected and repaired as needed.

[0093] Now for reference Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a method 600 for operating sensing components in a composite panel. At 610, power is generated using a piezoelectric device, thermopile, and / or RFID circuitry. At 614, the power is collected and / or stored. At 618, the output of the piezoelectric layer, thermopile layer, and / or loop sensor is monitored. At 622, the method determines whether the conductive loop is interrupted or whether a predetermined threshold (thermal or shock) has been exceeded. If 622 is false, the method returns to 610. If 622 is true, the method continues at 626, and the sensing components transmit a message to the vehicle. At 630, the method determines whether TDR (Time-to-Distance Reduction) is enabled. If 630 is false, the method terminates. If 630 is true, the method performs TDR at 634 to determine the distance to the damage and transmits the distance to the vehicle at 638.

[0094] Now for reference Figure 11 The diagram illustrates a method 700 for monitoring thermal events. At 710, a sensing component generates power using a thermopile. At 714, the power is collected and / or stored. At 718, temperature is sensed using the thermopile. At 722, the method determines whether the measured temperature is greater than one or more predetermined thresholds. If 722 is true, the method transmits the measured temperature to the vehicle at 726.

[0095] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0096] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as meaning the logic of using the non-exclusive logic “OR” (A or B or C) and should not be interpreted as meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0097] In a diagram, the direction of the arrows typically indicates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest. For example, when components A and B exchange various types of information, but the information transmitted from component A to component B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from component B to component A. Furthermore, for information sent from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information or an acknowledgment of receipt of the information to component A.

[0098] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" or "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the aforementioned functionality; or some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0099] A module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module disclosed herein may be distributed across multiple modules connected via the interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow for load balancing. In another example, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0100] As used above, the term "code" can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuitry" covers a single processor circuitry that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuitry" covers a processor circuitry that, in combination with additional processor circuitry, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuitry cover multiple processor circuitry on discrete dies, multiple processor circuitry on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuitry, multiple threads of a single processor circuitry, or a combination thereof. The term "shared memory circuitry" covers a single memory circuitry that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuitry" covers a memory circuitry that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0101] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (e.g., on a carrier wave); the term "computer-readable medium" can therefore be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (e.g., flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or masked read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (e.g., static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (e.g., analog or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0102] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a special-purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions implemented in a computer program. The aforementioned function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements serve as software specifications that can be routinely converted into computer programs by skilled technicians or programmers.

[0103] A computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. A computer program may also include or depend on stored data. A computer program may encompass a basic input / output system (BIOS) for interacting with the hardware of a special-purpose computer, device drivers for interacting with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0104] Computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Symbolization); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code executed by an interpreter; (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler; and so on. As an example only, source code can be written using syntax from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th Revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

Claims

1. A composite panel for a vehicle, comprising: Multiple layers bonded together by resin; as well as A sensing component, the sensing component being disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers, and comprising: At least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile, wherein the piezoelectric layer senses vibrations of the composite panel when mounted on a vehicle, and the thermopile is configured to sense temperature changes of the composite panel when mounted on a vehicle. A transmitter configured to transmit data to a vehicle based on the output of at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile; and A comparison circuit, which communicates with at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile and is configured to compare the output of at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile with one or more predetermined thresholds, wherein the transmitter is configured to selectively transmit data to the vehicle in response to the comparison so as to display an indication of damage to at least one of the plurality of layers via an infotainment display, or to remotely transmit an indication of damage to at least one of the plurality of layers from the vehicle.

2. The composite panel according to claim 1 further includes a controller, the controller including the comparison circuit.

3. The composite panel according to claim 2, further comprising L conductive loops arranged between at least two of the plurality of layers and communicating with a controller, wherein, L is an integer greater than zero.

4. The composite panel according to claim 3, wherein, The controller also includes a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit configured to determine the distance from the controller to damage to at least one of the L conductive loops.

5. The composite panel according to claim 4, wherein, The controller includes loop sensors configured to sense parameters of the L conductive loops.

6. The composite panel according to claim 5, wherein, The parameters are selected from the group including current, voltage, and resistance.

7. The composite panel according to claim 5, wherein, The controller selectively identifies damage to at least one of the L conductive circuits in response to parameters.

8. The composite panel of claim 1 further includes an energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile.

9. The composite panel according to claim 8 further includes an energy storage device, wherein, The energy harvesting circuit is configured to supply power to the energy storage device.

10. The composite panel according to claim 9, wherein, Energy storage devices include at least one of batteries and supercapacitors.

11. The composite panel of claim 1, further comprising a reference generator configured to generate the one or more predetermined thresholds.

12. The composite panel according to claim 1, further comprising: Energy storage devices; Radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry, configured to receive power from a remote transmitter; as well as An energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit and store the power in an energy storage device. The transmitter is connected to the energy storage device.

13. A composite panel for a vehicle, comprising: Multiple layers bonded together by resin; as well as Sensing components, the sensing components being disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers, include: Radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit configured to receive power from a remote transmitter; Energy storage devices; An energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from a radio frequency identification circuit and store the power in an energy storage device; At least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile; A controller that communicates with an energy storage device and at least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile, and is configured to compare the output of at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile with one or more predetermined thresholds; The transmitter communicates with the controller and energy harvesting circuitry and is configured to selectively transmit messages to the vehicle in response to a comparison; L conductive loops, arranged between at least two of multiple layers and communicating with the controller, where L is a positive integer; and A loop sensor is configured to transmit a digital code at one end of each conductive loop, sense a signal received at the other end of the conductive loop, compare the received signal with the digital code, and determine the state of the conductive loop based on the comparison, so as to selectively identify damage to at least one of L conductive loops.

14. The composite panel according to claim 13, wherein, The loop sensor is configured to sense parameters of L conductive loops.

15. The composite panel according to claim 14, wherein, The parameters are selected from the group including current, voltage, and resistance.

16. The composite panel according to claim 14, wherein, The controller selectively identifies damage to at least one of the L conductive loops in response to parameters.

17. The composite panel according to claim 13, wherein, Energy storage devices include at least one of batteries and supercapacitors.

18. A composite panel for a vehicle, comprising: Multiple layers bonded together by resin; as well as Sensing components, the sensing components being disposed between at least two of the plurality of layers, include: Radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit configured to receive power from a remote transmitter; Energy storage devices; An energy harvesting circuit configured to harvest power from a radio frequency identification circuit and store the power in an energy storage device; At least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile; A controller that communicates with an energy storage device and at least one of a piezoelectric layer and a thermopile, and is configured to compare the output of at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the thermopile with one or more predetermined thresholds; L conductive loops, arranged between at least two of multiple layers and communicating with the controller, where L is a positive integer; and A transmitter, which communicates with the controller and energy harvesting circuitry and is configured to selectively transmit messages to the vehicle in response to a comparison, The controller also includes a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit configured to determine the distance from the controller to at least one of the L conductive loops where damage may occur.

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