Acoustic Load Measurement via Securing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining tension or compression in load-bearing members secured by securing assemblies are inefficient, as they often require direct measurement on the load-bearing member, which can be difficult to access and temperature-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a securing assembly with signal emitters that transmit signals orthogonally to the load direction, allowing for indirect measurement of load by analyzing the effect on these signals, which is independent of temperature changes and material properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement methods are used on load-bearing members, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficult access to load-bearing members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a securing assembly component as an intermediary element to transfer and transmit mechanical load information to a measurement device. The securing assembly, which naturally connects the load-bearing member to the formation, becomes a mediator that carries load information without requiring direct access to the load-bearing member itself. This resolves the contradiction by enabling indirect measurement through an accessible intermediate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement on load-bearing members with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. By using acoustic waves to detect changes in the securing assembly component, the system substitutes complex mechanical access requirements with a non-contact or minimal-contact measurement approach, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement capability.
2Reliability
If direct measurement on load-bearing members is performed, then temperature-dependent measurement errors may be reduced, but device complexity and measurement system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing assembly component serves as a temperature-invariant intermediary that transfers load information to the measurement device. By measuring properties of acoustic wave propagation through this intermediary rather than directly on the load-bearing member, the system achieves temperature independence because the measurement is based on mechanical wave propagation characteristics that are less sensitive to temperature variations than direct dimensional or strain measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a measurement copy of the load information through the securing assembly component. Instead of measuring the load-bearing member directly, the system measures an acoustic response that copies the load information through an intermediate pathway. This copied measurement pathway is designed to be less sensitive to temperature effects, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex temperature compensation systems.
3Ease of operation
If signal transmission is performed through securing assembly components, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic wave propagation measurements to substitute for direct mechanical load measurement. Acoustic waves provide a precise measurement mechanism that can detect subtle changes in the securing assembly component's mechanical state. This substitution enables indirect measurement while maintaining high precision through the sensitivity of acoustic wave propagation characteristics to mechanical stress and strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures changes in acoustic wave parameters (such as transit time, frequency, or amplitude) as the load on the securing assembly changes. By monitoring these parameter changes rather than attempting direct force measurement, the system achieves high precision indirect measurement. The acoustic parameters provide a sensitive proxy for load conditions, resolving the contradiction between indirect measurement and measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and accessible determination of tension or compression in load-bearing members by analyzing the securing assembly components, providing structural health assessment without the need for direct measurement on the load-bearing member and minimizing temperature-related errors.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a signal through a component of the securing assembly transverse to the direction at which the load is applied, and taking a measurement of an effect on the signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a load bearing member (12), comprises providing the load bearing member in a condition in which it is secured to a formation with a securing assembly (14). A predetermined load is applied to the load bearing member, thereby stressing the securing assembly. A signal is transmitted through a component (24, 108) of the securing assembly transverse to the direction at which the load is applied, and a measurement is taken of an effect on the signal to determine the aforesaid load.