Concrete Sensor Waterproof Breathable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding sensors in concrete mixtures face challenges in protecting electronic components from humidity damage, necessitating improved systems for exposing humidity sensors while safeguarding other sensors and electronics.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a housing that includes a humidity sensor protected by a waterproof and breathable material layer, allowing water vapor to pass while preventing liquid and concrete from reaching the electronic components, and a method to activate additional sensors based on humidity or sonic signal changes within the concrete mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the humidity sensor is exposed to the concrete mixture environment, then humidity measurement is enabled, but electronic components are damaged by moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is divided into separate functional zones: a humidity sensor chamber that is exposed to the concrete environment through permeable material, and an electronics chamber that is sealed and protected. This segmentation allows the humidity sensor to contact moisture while electronic components remain protected, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A permeable membrane or breathable waterproof material serves as an intermediary between the concrete environment and the humidity sensor. This intermediary allows water vapor to pass through for measurement while blocking liquid water and concrete particles, enabling humidity measurement without exposing electronic components to damaging moisture.
2Reliability
If sensors are protected from concrete mixture, then electronic components are safeguarded, but humidity sensors cannot obtain accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the sensor device have different protective qualities: the humidity sensor chamber uses permeable material that allows vapor transmission, while the electronics chamber uses impermeable sealing. This local differentiation of protective properties enables accurate humidity measurement in the exposed zone while maintaining component protection in the sealed zone.
3Productivity
If multiple sensors are activated immediately upon embedding, then data collection begins, but sensors may be damaged by premature exposure to concrete mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is prepared in advance with selective activation capabilities. The humidity sensor is positioned to be exposed to the concrete environment from the moment of embedding, while other sensors remain protected and are activated only when conditions are appropriate. This preliminary arrangement enables immediate humidity data collection while protecting other sensors from premature damage.
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 measurement of concrete mixture characteristics by protecting electronic components from humidity and activating sensors at the appropriate time within the concrete mixture, enhancing data collection for predicting strength and maturity.
Implementation Method 1
a material layer disposed between the second end of the tube and the hole, wherein the material layer comprises a waterproof and breathable material
Implementation Method 2
The hole and the material layer allow water vapor to pass from the exterior to the humidity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a sensor device having a sensor adapted to generate measurement data relating to a characteristic of a concrete mixture, a transmitter adapted to transmit a first signal based on the measurement data, and a conductive wire forming a coil having a plurality of loops around the sensor device and a wire antenna. The coil is adapted to generate an electric current in response to the first signal. The antenna is adapted to transmit a second signal based on the electric current. The system is embedded in a concrete mixture and a portion of the antenna is exposed above the surface of the concrete mixture. A current is induced in the coil due to electromagnetic induction. A second signal is transmitted via the wire antenna. The second signal is received and transmitted to a processor. The processor may analyze and/or store the signal.