Embedded Split-Ring Resonators for Airborne Component Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor technologies in airborne vehicles lack accuracy and reliability for monitoring component performance and safety, particularly in autonomous systems where traditional methods fail to provide precise feedback on material property changes and wear, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating split-ring resonators made from 3D monolithic carbonaceous growth within structural members of airborne vehicles, which respond to electromagnetic stimuli to detect changes in material properties by shifting resonance frequencies, indicating deformation or wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor technologies are used in airborne vehicles, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical sensors with electromagnetic resonance-based detection. Split-ring resonators embedded in structural members detect material changes through electromagnetic field interactions, eliminating complex mechanical sensor assemblies while achieving superior measurement precision for deformation and wear detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonance-based sensor system serves multiple detection functions simultaneously - monitoring structural deformation, material wear, and environmental conditions through a single electromagnetic detection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision across diverse parameters.
2Reliability
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function directly into the structural members themselves by embedding split-ring resonators within the material matrix. This integration ensures the sensor moves with and deforms with the structure, maintaining reliable contact and measurement under dynamic conditions while eliminating separate mounting systems and complex sensor-structure interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonance frequency provides continuous real-time feedback on material condition changes. By monitoring shifts in resonant frequency, the system reliably detects deformation and wear as they occur, enabling proactive safety monitoring and control decisions in dynamic flight environments.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for material property changes
Solution Approach 1:
The split-ring resonators are embedded within the structural members during the manufacturing process itself, rather than being installed afterward. This preliminary integration ensures optimal positioning and mechanical coupling for maximum measurement precision, while the resonators are designed to be compatible with standard composite material fabrication techniques.
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 solution enables precise and reliable monitoring of material conditions, enhancing safety and maneuverability by accurately detecting even minor changes in vehicle components, such as tire wear or environmental conditions, without requiring human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one SRR may be configured to resonate at a first frequency in response to an electromagnetic stimulus when the material is in a first state and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic stimulus when the material is in a second state
Implementation Method 2
the at least one SRR, in combination with the material of the airborne vehicle component that is at a position proximate to the at least one SRR, may modulate the electromagnetic stimulus to form an electromagnetic return signal
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed airborne vehicle includes split-ring resonators (split ring resonators), which may be embedded within a material. Each split ring resonator may be formed from a three-dimensional (3D) monolithic carbonaceous growth and may detect an electromagnetic ping emitted from a user device. Each split ring resonator may generate an electromagnetic return signal in response to the electromagnetic ping. The electromagnetic return signal may indicate a state of the material in a position proximate to a respective split ring resonator. In some aspects, each may resonate at a first frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the 3D monolithic carbonaceous growth may be based on physical characteristics of the material.