Automated Sensor Cluster for Concealed Wood-Destroying Organism Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for detecting and treating wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) in buildings are inefficient, as they require physical inspections and cannot assess conditions concealed by flooring and walls, leading to delayed detection of structural degradation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using experiential sensors and controllers to monitor elevated heat and moisture levels, detect WDOs, and trigger remedial actions such as ultraviolet light exposure or insecticide application, while guiding agents to affected areas through orienteering techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical inspection methods are used to detect WDOs, then detection can be performed with simple equipment, but detection precision is insufficient for concealed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple monitored zones with separate sensors (heat sensors, moisture sensors, motion detectors) that each detect specific parameters. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of concealed conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces automated sensors and controllers as intermediaries between the concealed WDO conditions and the detection process. These intermediaries (sensors embedded in walls/floors, automated analysis systems) enable detection of hidden conditions without requiring direct physical inspection, thereby improving detection precision for concealed areas.
2Productivity
If physical inspection and manual treatment methods are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to delayed detection and manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection actions by continuously monitoring heat, moisture, and motion parameters before WDO infestation becomes visible or causes significant damage. This preliminary detection enables early intervention, improving productivity by preventing delayed detection while the automated sensor network manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service detection and monitoring through automated sensors that continuously assess building conditions without requiring manual inspection. The automated analysis and alert systems allow the building to self-monitor for WDO conditions, improving detection speed while the standardized sensor units keep system complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If concealed areas are not monitored, then system complexity remains low, but detection precision is insufficient for hidden WDO conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system embeds sensors within the building structure (within walls, under flooring, in ceiling cavities) like nested dolls. This nesting allows monitoring of concealed areas where WDOs hide while keeping the external system appearance simple. The sensors are integrated into existing building components, improving detection precision for hidden conditions without significantly increasing visible system complexity.
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 early detection and remediation of WDOs, preventing structural damage and reducing the $1 billion annual property damage in the US by continuously monitoring conditions conducive to degradation and executing automated responses.
Implementation Method 1
automated treatment of the structure for detected WDOs or conditions conducive to WDOs, such as by killing or neutralizing the WDOs with exposure to ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for smart construction with automated detection of adverse structure conditions and remediation. A sensor cluster may be inserted into the walls of a smart structure (during construction or afterwards) to detect an array of conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of undesirable insects (which may be accomplished through, for example, vibration sensors). The sensor cluster may also have a remedial action device capable of resolving any undesirable conditions. For example, upon detection of wood-destroying organisms via vibration sensors, the remedial action device may deploy ultraviolet light or insecticide to automatically exterminate the wood-destroying organisms. In some embodiments, data from the sensor cluster may be displayed on a graphical user interface.