Mechanical Structure Fatigue Detection via Force Signal Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the fatigue of mechanical structures, such as aircraft seats, are inadequate as they require manual inspection and functional tests, which can be time-consuming and may lead to late detection of faults, resulting in passenger dissatisfaction and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second force sensors and an electronic processing module that calculates a correlation coefficient between signals from these sensors to automatically detect fatigue in mechanical structures by analyzing the time evolution of the correlation coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and functional tests are used to monitor fatigue, then maintenance can be performed, but the detection process is time-consuming and faults are detected late
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring by continuously measuring forces on multiple mechanical parts and calculating correlation coefficients to detect fatigue signs before actual failure occurs. This allows maintenance to be scheduled proactively rather than reactively, reducing both detection time and maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection methods with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses force sensors and computational algorithms to detect fatigue. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual tests while providing continuous, precise fault detection through correlation analysis of sensor signals.
2Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used, then equipment can be monitored, but fault detection is delayed leading to passenger dissatisfaction and poor airline image
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where force sensors continuously monitor mechanical parts, the electronic processing module calculates correlation coefficients to detect changes in mechanical behavior, and alerts are generated when fatigue patterns are identified. This continuous feedback enables early fault detection and maintains high reliability by keeping safety information current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic processing module that acts as a mediator between the physical mechanical structure and the monitoring system. This module processes sensor signals, calculates correlation coefficients, and translates mechanical fatigue signs into actionable information, preventing loss of early fault detection data.
3Ease of manufacture
If replacement of parts is delayed due to late fault detection, then maintenance costs increase and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary identification of fatigue issues through continuous correlation analysis, allowing maintenance teams to schedule part replacements in advance during planned maintenance windows rather than performing urgent, time-consuming emergency replacements. This improves maintenance efficiency by preparing replacement parts and procedures beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for measuring the fatigue of a mechanical structure, comprising:a first force sensor capable of generating a first signal representative of a force applied to a first mechanical part of the mechanical structure;a second force sensor capable of generating a second signal representative of a force applied to a second mechanical part of the mechanical structure; andan electronic processing module configured to calculate a correlation coefficient between the first signal and the second signal, and to indicate a state of fatigue of the mechanical structure as a function of a temporal change in the previously calculated correlation coefficient.