Fracture Detection Sensor for Structural Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting joint failures in structural members, such as those in buildings and bridges, are inefficient and cannot detect fractures before they occur, particularly failing to identify shear, bend, or torsional fractures, and require manual and time-consuming inspections.
Innovation Solution
A failure detection sensor system comprising a first member and a second member with fracturing characteristics, where the second member fractures during elastic or plastic deformation of the first member, allowing for automatic and timely detection of fractures through a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional examination methods (hammering test and visual inspection) are used to detect joint failures, then inspection can be performed, but the method requires inspector intuition and skill, is time-consuming, and cannot detect fractures before they occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of fracture risks before actual fractures occur. By continuously monitoring structural members and detecting changes in elastic modulus that indicate developing cracks, the system identifies potential failures in advance, allowing preventive action before the fracture becomes critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical inspection methods (hammering test and visual inspection) with an automated sensor system that uses electrical resistance measurements. The sensor detects changes in electrical resistance caused by crack formation, substituting human intuition and mechanical tools with an automated electrical measurement system that operates continuously without time constraints.
2Measurement precision
If conventional examination methods are used, then inspection can be performed, but it requires inspectors to access high or difficult-to-reach locations, increasing risk and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-service detection by being directly attached to the structural members at joint locations. The sensor automatically monitors its own environment for fracture risks without requiring external inspectors to physically access the structure. Data is collected and transmitted automatically, eliminating the need for human inspectors to reach high or difficult-to-access locations.
3Measurement precision
If axial force control bolts with axial force detecting materials are used, then tensile fracture can be detected, but shear fracture, bend fracture, and torsional fracture cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to detect all types of fractures (tensile, shear, bend, and torsional) through a single device. By measuring changes in electrical resistance that occur with any type of crack formation in the structural member, the sensor provides universal fracture detection capability, eliminating the need for different detection methods for different fracture types.
4Strength
If high strength bolts with elongated materials are used, then scattering prevention is improved, but the bolt cannot detect fracture risks before failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the structural member and the detection system. It is attached to the structural member and serves as a mediator that translates physical changes (crack formation) into detectable signals (electrical resistance changes). This intermediary device provides early warning of fracture risks without compromising the structural integrity or scattering prevention capabilities of the high strength bolts.
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 the early detection of fractures in structural members, preventing structural failures by automatically notifying risks before they occur, thus ensuring safety and reducing physical and human damage.
Implementation Method 1
the second member fractures during elastic deformation or plastic deformation of the first member
Implementation Method 2
the second member fractures during elastic deformation or plastic deformation of the first member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a failure detection sensor which, when attached to structural members of various structures such as buildings can easily detect the risk of the failure of the structural members, and thus the structure, before such failure occurs and has a simple structure, which leads to realization at a low price.The failure detection sensor comprises: the first member 10 and the second member 20 provided in parallel with the first member 10 such that one end of the second member 20 is fixed to or restricted by the first member 10 and the other end of the second member 20 is not fixed to or restricted by the first member 10, having fracturing characteristics such that the second member 20 fractures during elastic deformation or plastic deformation of the first member 10. The failure detection sensor may have a compression coil spring 40 which applies a tensile force to the other end of the second member 20 on the opposite side of the one end. The first member 10 and the second member 20 are constituted of, for example, a round rod or a square rod and the first member 10 is constituted of, for example, a hollow rod. The second member 20 has a notch 24 which is a stress concentration site between the one end and the other end. The second member 20 is made of brittle materials.