Structure Deterioration Evaluation via Elastic Wave Vehicle Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structure evaluation methods require locating the position of the elastic wave source, which increases processing load and may result in varying accuracy due to different calculation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A structure evaluation system that includes a plurality of sensors, a vehicle number estimator, and an evaluator, which detects elastic waves, estimates the number of passing vehicles, and evaluates the state of deterioration of the structure without locating the elastic wave source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the position of the elastic wave source is located to evaluate structure deterioration, then the evaluation can be performed, but the processing load increases and accuracy varies depending on calculation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential evaluation function from the complex source location process. Instead of calculating the precise position of elastic wave sources (which increases processing load and introduces variability), the system directly analyzes the arrival time differences and detection patterns across multiple sensors to evaluate structure deterioration. This extraction eliminates unnecessary computational steps while maintaining evaluation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not trying to locate the source first and then evaluate damage. Instead, it uses the detection patterns and arrival time differences across sensors as direct indicators of structure deterioration. This inversion bypasses the complex source location step and directly connects sensor data to evaluation results, reducing processing load and improving consistency.
2Measurement precision
If source location calculation is performed to detect elastic waves, then the position can be determined, but the processing time increases with more measurement data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information from the sensor data - the arrival time differences and detection patterns - without performing the full source location calculation. This extraction approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for deterioration evaluation while significantly reducing processing time compared to complete source location analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the minimal necessary processing to achieve evaluation goals. Instead of calculating precise source positions for all measurement data points, the system analyzes key temporal patterns and detection sequences that are sufficient for deterioration assessment, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining adequate precision.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to improve detection capability, then the evaluation accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by using the same array of sensors for both detecting elastic waves and evaluating structure deterioration simultaneously. The sensors serve dual purposes: their primary function of detecting waves and the additional function of providing data for deterioration assessment through arrival time analysis, thereby avoiding the need for separate evaluation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection function and evaluation function into a single integrated system. Instead of having separate systems for wave detection and deterioration assessment, the sensor array and processing system work together as one unified system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high detection and evaluation accuracy.
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 effective evaluation of the state of deterioration of a structure by analyzing the number of simultaneous sensor hits and vehicle information, thereby simplifying the evaluation process and improving accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
By installing a sensor on the surface of a structure such as a bridge, elastic waves generated inside the structure can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a vehicle number estimator, and an evaluator. The plurality of sensors detect elastic waves generated inside a structure. The vehicle number estimator estimates the number of vehicles passing through the structure on the basis of a plurality of elastic waves detected by each of the plurality of sensors. The evaluator evaluates a state of deterioration of the structure using vehicle information relating to the number of vehicles estimated by the vehicle number estimator.