Sensor module for detecting linear expansion and method thereof, preferably for wind turbine blade
By designing identification tags in the sensor module to detect the internal layering of wind turbine blades, and utilizing electrical coupling and decoupling mechanisms, the problems of low detection accuracy and resource intensity in existing technologies are solved, enabling early layer detection and ensuring structural integrity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are insufficient to effectively detect delamination defects inside wind turbine blades, especially the separation between composite material layers, which leads to a decrease in structural integrity. Furthermore, existing methods are resource-intensive, require high capital expenditures, or have low detection accuracy.
Design a sensor module comprising first and second tag elements for identifying tags, detecting linear expansion of object segments through electrical coupling and decoupling, and interrupting communication only when a predetermined distance threshold is exceeded, suitable for laminated products such as wind turbine blades.
This technology enables early detection of internal layering in wind turbine blades, avoiding resource-intensive detection methods, improving detection accuracy and reliability, and ensuring the structural integrity and service life of the blades.
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Figure CN121666493A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor module for detecting linear expansion of an object segment along a first axis.
[0002] The sensor module includes an identification tag for wireless data communication. The identification tag includes a first tag element electrically coupled to a second tag element.
[0003] When the displacement between the first tag element and the second tag element exceeds a predetermined distance threshold, the two are configured to be electrically decoupled.
[0004] The identification tag can only perform wireless data communication when the first tag element and the second tag element are in an electrically coupled state.
[0005] The sensor module can be used to detect localized delamination failures in laminated products (such as wind turbine blades).
[0006] The present invention also relates to a method for detecting linear expansion and delamination failure in a wind turbine blade, the wind turbine blade including the sensor module; and a system including the module and a receiver. Background Technology
[0007] In the field of wind turbine blades, delamination refers to the separation between layers within a composite material. This defect occurs when the bond between the adhesive layers weakens or fails, leading to gaps between the layers. Delamination can be caused by factors such as impact damage, manufacturing defects, or long-term fatigue loads. These defects typically develop below the surface, making them difficult to detect through visual inspection or in-plane sensors. Because delamination reduces the blade's stiffness and load-bearing capacity, thereby compromising its structural integrity, monitoring and addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring the reliability and service life of wind turbine blades.
[0008] Current techniques for identifying and potentially measuring layered expansion include visual inspection, acoustic emission (AE) technology, and infrared thermal imaging of blade surfaces.
[0009] The currently applied technologies have the following different drawbacks or limitations: • Visual inspection: This is typically very time-consuming, and the internal delamination of the blades can easily be overlooked, especially for laminated products with a large number of adhesive layers. For operating wind turbines, visual inspection is usually only performed at long intervals (e.g., 3 months), and the wind turbine usually needs to be shut down during the inspection.
[0010] • Tapping detection: This technique has the same drawbacks as visual detection.
[0011] • Acoustic emission technology: Microphones used for detecting and triangulating cracks have the disadvantages of low damage detection accuracy and / or low recall.
[0012] • Load response (blade frequency change): The technique can only detect large-scale delamination failures, so the failures are often detected too late.
[0013] • Ultrasonic scanning technology: resource-intensive, capital-intensive, and requires a highly skilled workforce. Due to the difficulty in detecting weak bonds and the fact that some delamination failures are only visible during loading, the levels of precision and recall that ultrasonic scanning can provide are still unclear.
[0014] • Infrared thermal imaging technology: Infrared cameras are used to capture thermal images of the blade surface, revealing internal defects (such as delamination, cracks, or moisture intrusion) through temperature changes.
[0015] Prior art for monitoring the structural condition of laminated structures includes IN201741029460A, which discloses an in-situ structural health monitoring (SHM) system for laminated composite materials using a piezoresistive embedded sensor; and IN202241067170A, which discloses a method and system for detecting delamination failure by using an exciter to induce vibration in a laminated structure. These two disclosed technologies represent alternative solutions for detecting delamination failure.
[0016] The prior art also discloses several solutions for using fasteners in layered structures. However, none of them disclose solutions for using typical fastening structures as sensor modules and configuring them for non-fastening purposes. Prior art includes US6499926B2 (disclosing a fastening device and method for fastening non-metallic structures) and WO2009121670A1 (disclosing a solid rivet for connecting composite material structural members). Summary of the Invention
[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a sensor module for detecting linear expansion of an object, preferably detecting across a segment of the object.
[0018] The purpose of this invention is to provide an alternative to the prior art.
[0019] Specifically, the purpose of this invention can be seen as providing a sensor and detection method to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0020] One objective is to develop a sensor for detecting the layering of layered structures, where layering detection spans multiple adhesive layers. Another objective is to develop a sensor for detecting linear expansion of small segments of an object.
[0021] A further objective is to develop a sensor module that can be fixed within a product for continuous monitoring of linear expansion (including delamination failure). The sensor module is preferably adaptable for embedding in a product or retrofitting into an existing product.
[0022] One object of the present invention is achieved by a sensor module for detecting linear expansion of an object segment along a first axial direction.
[0023] The sensor module is configured to be arranged in the object as a module that extends into the object along a first axis and spans a section of the object.
[0024] The sensor module includes an identification tag for wireless data communication. The identification tag includes a first tag element electrically coupled to a second tag element.
[0025] When the object segment expands along the first axis, the first tag element and the second tag element are displaced and separated from each other, and are electrically decoupled when a predetermined distance threshold is reached.
[0026] The identification tag can only perform wireless data communication when the first tag element and the second tag element are in an electrically coupled state.
[0027] In one aspect, the sensor module includes coupled first and second portions such that when the object segment expands along a first axis, the first and second portions are displaced and separated from each other and decoupled at a predetermined distance threshold.
[0028] The first part includes at least a portion of the identification tag for wireless data communication, and the identification tag can only perform wireless data communication when the first and second parts are coupled.
[0029] In one aspect, the sensor module is used to detect localized delamination failures in laminated products (e.g., wind turbine blades). The sensor module is configured to extend into and span a section containing multiple fiber layers, with the first axis substantially perpendicular to the layered structure.
[0030] In this application, multiple fiber layers are considered to be at least two layers, i.e., two or more layers.
[0031] In this application, the electrical coupling between the first and second tag elements can be a releasable coupling or a fixed coupling, but the coupling between the two tag elements must be able to break through elongation in at least one direction (here at least along the first axis direction).
[0032] In this application, the term "connection" may be used instead of "coupling," as both cover the same technical features.
[0033] In this application, the coupling between the first and second parts can be a releasable coupling or a fixed coupling, but the connection between the two parts must be able to break through elongation in at least one direction (here at least along the first axis direction).
[0034] In this application and in the field of wind turbine blade technology, delamination generally refers to the separation of the middle or adhesive layers in a composite material. Delamination occurs when the bond between adhesive layers weakens or fails, resulting in gaps between the layers. Delamination can be caused by factors such as impact damage, manufacturing defects, or long-term fatigue loads. Delamination typically develops below the surface, making it difficult to detect through visual inspection or in-plane sensors. Delamination can impair the structural integrity of laminated products, leading to reduced product strength, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity.
[0035] For wind turbine blades, monitoring and addressing stratification issues is crucial to ensuring blade reliability and lifespan.
[0036] A significant advantage (but not the only advantage) of the sensor module according to the present invention is that it is only in active communication mode when the first and second tag elements are coupled. Therefore, faulty data communication may indicate an elongation beyond a threshold distance or a failure of the identification tag. Thus, a communication interruption indicates that countermeasures must be taken; conversely, as long as communication remains active, no action is required.
[0037] The sensor module improves the monitoring of laminated products during testing and real-world use. For example, newly laid adhesive layers may require closer monitoring to ensure the product can withstand real-world usage conditions. Using the sensor module enhances the safety of new laminated products during production and actual use, as it allows for termination of use before actual product breakage.
[0038] Furthermore, the sensor module enables continuous monitoring of elongation within the product. Unlike wind turbine blades and laminated structures, product elongation exceeding a predetermined distance threshold may indicate plastic deformation, leading to reduced material flexibility and increased brittleness, posing a risk of sudden fracture even under low loads or low impacts below the product's rating. Therefore, the sensor module is beneficial for monitoring such elongation to ensure termination of use.
[0039] Furthermore, the sensor can also be used in hard-to-repair areas when non-conformities are detected. Embedding the sensor in such areas ensures close monitoring of those areas, demonstrating to the asset owner that the non-conformities will not pose a risk during operation.
[0040] In one embodiment, the releasable coupling between the first part and the second part is an irreversible coupling.
[0041] In this application, irreversible coupling refers to coupling that cannot be re-established once it is broken. The advantage of using irreversible coupling is that once the coupling breaks, even if it stretches back to its original state, the coupling will not be re-established, and therefore data communication cannot be resumed. Thus, data communication will be interrupted as soon as the distance threshold is exceeded even once. This is particularly advantageous (but not the only advantage) for monitoring that is performed only occasionally or at long intervals.
[0042] The significant advantage (but not the only advantage) of the sensor module lies in its following functionality: - If the coupling or connection between the tag elements is reversible, it functions as a switch; or - If the coupling or connection between tag elements is irreversible, it acts as a fuse.
[0043] Another significant (but not the only) advantage of the sensor module is that it can be set to a built-in elongation below a predetermined distance threshold, within which the coupling remains intact; the coupling will only break when the critical elongation is exceeded (for example), thereby interrupting wireless communication.
[0044] The built-in elongation can be designed according to application requirements. The built-in elongation can be defined by the coupling of the tag element, the coupling between the first part and the second part, or a combination of the coupling of the tag element and the coupling between the first part and the second part.
[0045] In one embodiment, the sensor module includes a power supply unit for the identification tag.
[0046] The power supply unit may be included in the identification tag itself, for example, as part of the tag.
[0047] In one embodiment, the power supply unit is an antenna, a battery, or an energy harvesting unit.
[0048] In one embodiment, the identification tag is selected from the following groups: UWB, RFID, Bluetooth.
[0049] The specific type of identification tag is preferably selected based on the intended use, cost, and communication distance. For example, RFID tags may include a passive antenna, be trackable at a distance of 5-10 meters, and may be printed on foil.
[0050] In one embodiment, the identification tag is a passive RFID tag.
[0051] For laminated products, implementing foil-type RFID tags across the laminate or adhesive layer is not a conventional design. In one aspect, the foil is embedded in an integral structure, which can be cast into or subsequently installed into the product to be monitored (e.g., the integral structure can be an injection-molded plastic blind rivet). In this way, the module can be mounted from one side of the blade by drilling and inserting the rivet. Furthermore, the plastic rivet can be designed to break at the correct location where the RFID characteristics are most sensitive.
[0052] In one embodiment, when the first tag element and the second tag element are decoupled at a predetermined distance threshold, the electrical coupling is an irreversible open circuit.
[0053] In one embodiment, the identification tag includes one or more pre-fabricated breakpoints between a first tag element and a second tag element.
[0054] In one embodiment, the sensor module includes a coupled first portion and a second portion such that when an object segment expands along a first axial direction, the first portion and the second portion are displaced and separated from each other, wherein the first portion includes one of a first tag element or a second tag element.
[0055] In one embodiment, the sensor module includes one or more pre-fabricated breakpoints between the first portion and the second portion.
[0056] In this application, a pre-designed fracture point refers to an intentionally designed weak point in the identification tag or module. This can manifest as a weak joint, reduced wall thickness, material composition differences, or other built-in weak structures, causing the module to fracture under stress or external force. By designing specific fracture points, predictable behavioral characteristics of the module can be ensured.
[0057] In one aspect, the power supply unit may be included in the second part, while the first part includes at least the wireless data communication portion for identifying the tag. This ensures that data communication is interrupted when the first part is decoupled from the second part.
[0058] In one aspect, the second part may be merely a power supply unit, and the coupling may be a wired connection that breaks due to elongation.
[0059] In one embodiment, when the first part is coupled to the second part, at least part of the identification tag communicates with the power supply unit via a wired connection.
[0060] In one embodiment, the portion is made of a non-conductive material, such as a polymer.
[0061] In one embodiment, the sensor module has a non-conductive surface.
[0062] Using non-conductive materials or non-conductive surfaces helps protect identification tags from external electrical pulses (such as lightning strikes).
[0063] In one embodiment, at least the first portion is made of a polymer material, and the identification tag is embedded in the first portion.
[0064] In one embodiment, the first and second portions of the sensor module are manufactured by injection molding and / or 3D printing.
[0065] Injection-molded sensor modules have advantages when large-scale manufacturing is required.
[0066] On the other hand, if only a small number or a single sensor module is needed, 3D printing may be a lower-cost option.
[0067] In addition, appropriate manufacturing methods and / or materials should be used depending on the type of pre-fabricated or built-in fracture points required for the sensor module.
[0068] In one embodiment, the sensor module is a rivet, blind rivet, bolt, or blind bolt.
[0069] In one aspect, a blind rivet includes a sleeve having a sleeve body and a sleeve head, and a rivet head positioned within the sleeve body by means of the rivet tail.
[0070] The advantage of blind rivets or blind bolts is that they can be installed by drilling holes and inserting the rivets / bolts from one side of the product, without having to touch the other side of the product.
[0071] In one embodiment, the predetermined distance threshold is set as a linear expansion of 10% to 50% of the initial length of the object segment along the first axis direction, preferably 15% to 30%.
[0072] In one aspect, the predetermined distance threshold may be set as a linear expansion of 5%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the initial length of the object segment along the first axis direction. Alternatively, depending on the characteristics of the product to be monitored, the predetermined distance threshold may be set as a higher percentage.
[0073] In one embodiment, the module is configured to be adapted into an existing object through holes in or through the object segment.
[0074] In one embodiment, the module can be installed in a hole with a diameter of 10 mm or less.
[0075] The described embodiment is particularly advantageous for application scenarios where it is necessary to avoid affecting the strength of the product by installing a sensor module within it. Depending on the characteristics of the product to be monitored, the module size should be matched to the product to avoid significantly weakening its strength.
[0076] One object of this invention is achieved by a method for detecting localized delamination failure in laminated products (such as wind turbine blades). The method includes the following steps: - A sensor module according to any embodiment of this document is arranged in a laminated product, wherein the module is arranged across multiple fiber layers in a coupled state, and a first label element and a second label element are coupled; and - Communicating with the identification tag without a response indicates a stratification failure.
[0077] The embodiments described are particularly advantageous (not excluding other advantages) for providing a method for continuous monitoring of product layering defects.
[0078] The significant advantage of the method (excluding other advantages) is that it is only in active communication mode when the first part is coupled with the second part.
[0079] One object of the present invention is achieved by a method for mounting a sensor module into a laminated product, wherein the sensor module is the sensor module described in any of the foregoing embodiments. The method includes the steps of: - Forming holes that penetrate multiple layers of sections, the holes being substantially perpendicular to the layered structure of the sections; - Arrange the sensor module in the hole; and - Install the sensor module in the hole as an embedded part of the laminated product or modify it as a blind-mount module.
[0080] The embodiments described are particularly advantageous (not excluding other advantages) for providing a method for adding sensor modules to existing products.
[0081] One object of the present invention is achieved by using a sensor module in a wind turbine blade, the sensor module being the sensor module according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sensor module is arranged across multiple layers in the wind turbine blade in a manner substantially perpendicular to the multilayer structure.
[0082] One object of the present invention is achieved by a wind turbine blade comprising one or more sensor modules according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sensor modules are arranged across multiple layers in the wind turbine blade in a manner substantially perpendicular to the multilayer structure.
[0083] One object of the present invention is achieved by a system for detecting localized delamination failure in laminated products (such as wind turbine blades). The system includes one or more sensor modules according to any of the foregoing embodiments, and at least one receiver. The receiver is configured for tower mounting or hub mounting.
[0084] The system can preferably be implemented with the receiver arranged in an optimal configuration relative to the sensor module to achieve optimal monitoring of the wind turbine blades. The identification tags are preferably matched with the blade location and failure mode analysis so that the turbine controller can design response mechanisms based on potential system risks.
[0085] One object of the present invention is achieved by a method for detecting linear expansion of an object segment along a first axis. The method includes the following steps: - A sensor module according to any of the foregoing embodiments is arranged in the object as a module extending along a first axis into the object and traversing a segment of the object, wherein the sensor module is arranged in a coupled state, wherein at least a first tag element and a second tag element are coupled; and - Communicating with the identification tag without a response indicates that there is inflation exceeding a predetermined distance threshold.
[0086] Various embodiments of the sensor module, method, application, and system of the present invention can be combined with each other.
[0087] Embodiments from the system and sensor modules should be considered applicable to the method, while embodiments from the method should be considered applicable to the system, sensor modules, and wind turbine blades.
[0088] The methods, uses, systems, and wind turbine blades disclosed above can also achieve the effects and advantages of the various embodiments of the sensor module. Attached Figure Description
[0089] Several examples will be described below with reference to the figures. Throughout the text, approximate reference numerals refer to approximate elements. Therefore, approximate elements will not be described in detail again in the descriptions of the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to provide an exhaustive description of the claimed invention, nor to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, the illustrated examples need not possess all of the foregoing aspects or advantages. Aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular example are not necessarily limited to that example and may also be implemented in other examples not illustrated or explicitly described.
[0090] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following figures, wherein: Figure 1A and Figure 1B An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.
[0091] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Another embodiment of the sensor module is shown.
[0092] Figure 3 This illustrates a blind rivet in the prior art.
[0093] Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensor module made in the form of a blind rivet is shown.
[0094] Figure 5 An embodiment of a method for detecting linear expansion of an object segment is shown.
[0095] Figure 6 An embodiment of a method for installing a sensor module in a product is shown.
[0096] Figure 7 A wind turbine is shown as an embodiment of a partial layering failure detection system. Detailed Implementation
[0097] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these examples may take different forms and should not be construed as limiting to the specific descriptions herein. Therefore, the following descriptions are merely illustrative of aspects with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0098] Throughout the specification, when an element is described as being “connected” to another element, the element may be “directly connected” to the other element, or, in the presence of one or more intermediate elements between them, be “electrically connected,” “fluidly connected,” or “communicationally connected” to the other element.
[0099] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” as used in this specification indicate the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0100] Unless otherwise stated, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It should be further understood that even terms defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the relevant technical context and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense, unless expressly defined in this specification.
[0101] Number refers to content 1. Sensor Module 2. Object segment 4 First Axis 10 Part 1 20 Part Two 30 Identification Labels 32 First label element 34 Second label element 40 power supply units 50 receivers 60 Distance threshold 70 Fault Point 100 wind turbine blades 200 methods 202 Arrangement 204 Communication 206 Formation 208 Installation Figure 1A and Figure 1B An embodiment of a sensor module 1 for detecting linear expansion of object segment 2 along a first axis 4 is shown. The sensor module is shown arranged within the object as a module extending along the first axis into the object and traversing object segment 2. The module includes an identification tag 30 for wireless data communication. The identification tag includes a first tag element 32 electrically coupled to a second tag element 34. The electrical coupling is shown here via a wire. Figure 1A This shows that the first tag element 32 and the second tag element 34 are in an electrically coupled state. Figure 1B The module implemented in object segment 2 is shown after linear expansion exceeding a predetermined distance threshold of 60.
[0102] As the object segment expands along the first axis, the first tag element 32 and the second tag element 34 displace and separate from each other, and are electrically decoupled when a predetermined distance threshold 60 is reached. The identification tag 30 can only perform wireless data communication while the first tag element 32 and the second tag element 34 are electrically coupled. Once decoupled, wireless data communication ceases.
[0103] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An embodiment of sensor module 1 is shown, wherein a first tag element 32 is included in a second portion 20, and a second tag element 34 is included in a first portion 10. The first tag element and the second tag element are electrically coupled through the first and second portions. Figure 2A The first part and the second part are shown to be in a coupled state, so the first tag element 32 and the second tag element 34 are electrically coupled.
[0104] Figure 2B The first part and the second part are shown to be in a decoupled state. Since the displacement separation of the first part and the second part exceeds a predetermined distance, the first tag element 32 and the second tag element 34 are electrically decoupled.
[0105] To achieve irreversible coupling, when the first and second parts are coupled, a preload in opposite directions can be applied, causing them to displace and separate along a direction perpendicular to the first axis 4 once decoupled. Thus, even if the linear expansion decreases below a predetermined threshold, coupling cannot be re-established. Alternatively, even if the linear expansion decreases below the predetermined threshold, electrical contact may not be re-established. Figure 3 This invention illustrates a prior art blind rivet. The blind rivet comprises a sleeve having a rivet body and a rivet head, and a rivet head positioned within the rivet body by a rivet tail.
[0106] Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensor module implemented as a blind rivet is shown. The rivet is manufactured with a break point 70 such that when the object segment expands along the first axis 4, the rivet breaks at the break point. An identification tag is arranged across the break point, thus decoupling the identification tag into a first tag element 32 and a second tag element 34. The second tag element shown includes a power supply unit 40. Figure 5 An embodiment of a method for detecting linear dilation of an object segment is shown. The method includes the steps of: - (202) The sensor module is arranged in the object as a module extending into the object along a first axis and traversing a segment of the object, such that it is in a coupled state, and at least the first tag element is electrically coupled to the second tag element; and - (204) Communicate with the identification tag. No response indicates that there is an expansion exceeding the predetermined distance threshold.
[0107] Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment also shows an embodiment of a method for detecting localized delamination failure in laminated products (such as wind turbine blades). The method includes the steps of: - (202) The sensor module is arranged in a coupled state in the laminated product and spans multiple fiber layers, wherein the first label element and the second label element are coupled; and - (204) Communicate with the identification tag; no response indicates a hierarchical failure.
[0108] Figure 6 An embodiment of a method for installing a sensor module in a product is shown, preferably in a layered product. The method includes the steps of: - (206) Forming holes in sections of the product, preferably in sections containing multiple layers, wherein the holes are arranged substantially perpendicular to the layered structure of the section; - (202) Arrange the sensor module in the hole; and - (208) Install the sensor module in the hole as an embedded part of the product or modify it as a blind-mount module.
[0109] Figure 7 A wind turbine incorporating an embodiment of a partial hierarchical failure detection system is illustrated. The wind turbine includes multiple sensor modules 1 arranged in the turbine blades and two receivers 50 respectively arranged in the hub and tower. The receivers can be strategically arranged relative to the sensor modules to enable wireless communication with one or more sensor modules.
Claims
1. A sensor module (1) for detecting linear expansion of an object segment (2) along a first axis (4), the sensor module (1) being configured as a module extending into the object and traversing the object segment along the first axis, wherein the module includes an identification tag (30) for wireless data communication, the identification tag including a first tag element (32) electrically coupled to a second tag element (34). in, When the object segment expands along the first axis, the first tag element (32) and the second tag element (34) are displaced and separated from each other, and are electrically decoupled when a predetermined distance threshold (60) is reached. The identification tag (30) can only perform wireless data communication when the first tag element (32) and the second tag element (34) are in an electrically coupled state.
2. The sensor module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a power supply unit (40) for the identification tag (30).
3. The sensor module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power supply unit (40) is an antenna, a battery, or an energy harvesting unit.
4. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The identification tags are selected from the following groups: UWB, Bluetooth, RFID, such as passive RFID tags.
5. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the first tag element and the second tag element are decoupled at a predetermined distance threshold, the electrical coupling becomes an irreversible open circuit.
6. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The identification tag includes one or more pre-fabricated breakpoints (70) between the first tag element and the second tag element.
7. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first part (10) and the second part (20) are coupled such that when the object segment expands along the first axis, the first part and the second part are displaced and separated from each other, wherein the first part (10) includes one of the first tag element or the second tag element.
8. The sensor module (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The releasable coupling between the first part and the second part is an irreversible coupling.
9. The sensor module (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Includes one or more prefabricated fracture points (70) between the first part and the second part.
10. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The first part (10) and the second part (20) are made of non-conductive materials, such as polymers.
11. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, At least the first part (10) is made of polymer material, and the identification tag (30) is embedded in the first part (10).
12. The sensor module (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first part and the second part are manufactured by injection molding and / or 3D printing.
13. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 7-12, characterized in that, It has a non-conductive surface.
14. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 7-13, characterized in that, The sensor module is made as a rivet, blind rivet, bolt, or blind bolt.
15. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The predetermined distance threshold is set as a linear expansion of 10% to 50% of the initial length of the object segment along the first axis direction, preferably 15% to 30%.
16. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The sensor module is configured to be adapted into an existing object through a hole in or through the object segment.
17. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The sensor module can be installed in a hole with a diameter of 10 mm or smaller.
18. A method (200) for detecting local delamination failure in laminated products (e.g., wind turbine blades), comprising the steps of: - (202) The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-17 is arranged in a coupled state in the laminated product and spans multiple fiber layers, wherein the first label element is coupled to the second label element; and - (204) Communicate with the identification tag; no response indicates a layering failure.
19. A method for installing a sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-17 into a laminated product, comprising the steps of: - (206) Forming a hole through a section having a multi-layered structure, the hole being substantially perpendicular to the multi-layered structure of the section; - (202) Arrange the sensor module in the hole; and - (208) Install the sensor module in the hole as an embedded part of the laminated product or modify it as a blind-mounted module.
20. Use of the sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-17 in a wind turbine blade (100), wherein the sensor module is arranged across multiple layers in the wind turbine blade in a multilayered structure substantially perpendicular to the wind turbine blade.
21. A wind turbine blade (100) comprising one or more sensor modules according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the sensor modules are arranged across multiple layers in the wind turbine blade in a multilayered structure substantially perpendicular to the wind turbine blade.
22. A system (300) for detecting partial delamination failure in laminated products (e.g., wind turbine blades), comprising one or more sensor modules (1) according to any one of claims 1-17, and at least one receiver (50), wherein the receiver is configured to be mounted on a tower or hub.
23. A method (200) for detecting linear expansion of an object segment (2) along a first axis (4), comprising the steps of: - (202) Arranging the sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1-17 as a module extending along the first axis into and across the object segment in the object, wherein the sensor module is arranged in a coupled state, wherein at least the first tag element and the second tag element are coupled; and - (204) Communicate with the identification tag; if there is no response, it indicates that there is an expansion exceeding the predetermined distance threshold.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
In-situ structural health monitoring (SHM) system for laminated composites
IN201741029460A
Method and system for detection of delamination in a layered structure
IN202241067170A
Fastener apparatus and method of fastening non-metallic structures
US6499926B2
Solid rivet for joining composite structural parts
WO2009121670A1