Load Pin Adhesion Weakening Detection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to reliably detect separation or weakening of adhesion strength between structural elements, especially in dynamic environments like moving vehicles, as they either measure indirect loads or require invasive sensors that can weaken the adhesion or are limited by size and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A system using Load Pins (LPs) with sensors inserted perpendicular to the joint surfaces, which sense shear loads only when adhesion weakens, triggering alerts for potential failure, allowing for real-time monitoring and proactive measures in vehicles like UAVs or race cars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded in the adhesion layer to directly sense changes in loads, then measurement precision of adhesion strength is improved, but the adhesion strength itself is weakened by inserting an alien body into the adhesion layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces load pins as intermediary elements that transfer loads from the structural elements to sensors. Instead of placing sensors directly in the adhesion layer, the load pins act as mediators that carry the load information to external sensors, thus avoiding contamination of the adhesion layer while still enabling measurement of adhesion strength changes
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into separate functional components: load pins that transfer loads and sensors that measure the loads. This segmentation allows the sensing function to be separated from the adhesion layer, enabling measurement without direct sensor insertion into the adhesive bond
2Reliability
If acoustic sensors are placed at various areas in the structural elements, then detection capability is improved, but the size of sensors and equipment limits application in structures having limited spacing and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from large acoustic sensor equipment and concentrates it into compact load pin assemblies with integrated sensors. By taking out only the essential sensing capability and combining it with load transfer pins, the system achieves reliable detection in spaces with limited spacing and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the load pin housing, creating a compact integrated assembly. This nesting allows the sensing elements to be contained within the structural elements themselves, eliminating the need for external acoustic sensor equipment and enabling installation in confined spaces
3Measurement precision
If acoustic methods are used to detect separation, then detection capability is improved, but the method can only be used when the assembly (the vehicle) is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic measurement methods with direct mechanical load measurement using load pins and force sensors. This substitution enables the system to function in dynamic environments because it directly measures mechanical loads rather than relying on acoustic signals that require stationary conditions for accurate detection
4Reliability
If load pins are inserted perpendicular to joint surfaces to sense shear loads only when adhesion weakens, then reliability of adhesion monitoring is improved, but the insertion process may affect the adhesion layer
Solution Approach 1:
Load pins serve as intermediary elements that transfer loads between structural elements without requiring direct sensor insertion into the adhesion layer. The pins are inserted through both elements and carry load information to external sensors, enabling reliable adhesion monitoring while minimizing intrusion into the adhesive bond
Solution Approach 2:
The load pins are installed during the assembly process before the structure enters service. This preliminary installation ensures that the pins are properly positioned and the adhesion layer is not subjected to repeated insertion/removal operations that could compromise bond strength during the structure's operational life
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 early detection of adhesion weakening before complete failure, allowing for timely interventions such as emergency stops or parameter adjustments to prevent structural damage during service life, even in dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the LP indicates a shear load acting on the LP when a weakening in the adhesion strength occurs
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Aspects of the invention are directed to a method and a system for detecting weakening of the adhesion strength between two or more joint surfaces of two or more structural elements. The system includes one or more Load Pins (LPs) and a controller. The one or more LPs may be inserted through the two or more structural elements such, perpendicular to the two or joint surfaces, such that no shear load is initially sensed by the LP. The system further includes a controller be configured to: upon receiving from the one or more LPs a shear load value, detect the weakening of the adhesion strength between the two or more joint surfaces.