Bolt-Shaped Sensor for Utility Pole Deterioration Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deterioration diagnosis methods for prestressed concrete utility poles, such as non-destructive moisture estimation and velocity tomography, face challenges like high inspection burden and difficulty in accurately attaching and removing sensors, as well as determining excitation and attachment positions, which affect analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing sensors shaped like bolts attached to predetermined holes on the utility pole, where an impact is applied to generate elastic waves, and the propagation velocity is detected to diagnose deterioration, with precise positioning and easy attachment/removal of sensors improving analysis accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesion is used to attach sensors for velocity tomography, then sensor attachment is achieved, but it is difficult to attach and remove a plurality of sensors in a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor attachment system is segmented into modular components: the sensor unit with magnetic attachment mechanism can be independently attached and removed from the utility pole without affecting other sensors. This modular approach enables rapid attachment and removal of multiple sensors by simply bringing each sensor unit close to its target position on the pole surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional adhesion-based mechanical attachment system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic attachment mechanism uses magnetic force to hold the sensor unit to the utility pole, eliminating the time-consuming processes of applying and removing adhesive, and enabling quick sensor deployment and removal.
2Reliability
If binding is used to fix the measurement target, then attachment is achieved, but the pressure-bonding force has dispersion and elastic waves cannot be suitably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical binding with magnetic attachment, which provides uniform and controllable magnetic force distribution across the sensor contact area. This eliminates the pressure-bonding force dispersion inherent in binding methods, ensuring consistent coupling between the sensor and the utility pole surface for accurate elastic wave detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment force application method from mechanical compression (binding) to magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows for more uniform force distribution and better control of the contact pressure between the sensor and the pole surface, improving the reliability of elastic wave detection without complicating the attachment process.
3Measurement precision
If velocity tomography method is used, then elastic wave velocity distribution can be estimated, but excitation position and sensor attachment position cannot be correctly determined since target position is not previously determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position detection means as an intermediary system that automatically determines the attachment position of each sensor unit on the utility pole. This position information is then used by the excitation means to accurately determine where to apply impacts, ensuring correct correspondence between sensor locations and excitation points without requiring manual measurement or complex calculation.
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
This approach allows for efficient and accurate diagnosis of utility pole deterioration by simplifying sensor placement and improving analysis precision, reducing the burden of inspection and enhancing detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic waves generated due to the impact are detected by a sensor shaped like a bolt
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method is used for diagnosing a deterioration of a utility pole having at least one bolt and a plurality of holes provided for attaching the bolt. In the method, an impact is applied to the bolt. Elastic waves generated due to the impact are detected by a sensor shaped like a bolt. The sensor is attached to at least one of the holes. A propagation situation of the elastic waves in the utility pole is derived, based on the elastic waves detected, and each position of the bolt and the sensor.