Mass Accumulation Degradation Sensor for Real-Time Material Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining material degradation in hard-to-reach locations are time-consuming and costly, often requiring aircraft downtime and advanced analytical techniques, with delayed assessments leading to potential catastrophic failures due to incomplete fluid sampling.
Innovation Solution
A Mass Accumulation Degradation Sensor (MADS) system using a customizable material with a piezoelectric sensor to detect mass changes via force measurement, allowing real-time monitoring of material degradation without disassembly or downtime, by embedding the sensor in materials like aerogel that absorb particles from the unit under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual fluid sampling and chemical analysis are performed to assess material degradation, then degradation level can be determined, but the system requires downtime and advanced analytical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fluid sampling and chemical analysis with an automated mass accumulation sensor system. The sensor continuously measures mass changes on a substrate, eliminating the need for manual intervention, system downtime, and advanced analytical equipment while providing continuous degradation monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-monitoring of material degradation through continuous mass measurement. The substrate automatically accumulates degraded material particles and the sensor continuously measures the mass change, providing autonomous degradation assessment without requiring external intervention or system shutdown.
2Productivity
If fluid sampling is performed at longer intervals, then operational continuity is maintained, but degradation occurs long before assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The mass accumulation sensor provides continuous real-time monitoring of material degradation through uninterrupted mass measurement. The sensor continuously detects mass changes as degraded material accumulates on the substrate, eliminating detection gaps and providing immediate awareness of degradation progression without interrupting system operation.
3Measurement precision
If manual fluid sampling is performed, then degradation can be assessed, but the process is costly and requires advanced analytical techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, low-cost substrate that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive advanced analytical equipment. The mass measurement sensor uses straightforward piezoelectric or capacitive sensing technology rather than complex chromatography or mass spectrometry, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining measurement capability.
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 accurate, real-time detection of material degradation with reduced costs and downtime, preventing catastrophic failures by providing continuous monitoring and high-resolution mass sensing without the need for chemical testing.
Implementation Method 1
the mass loss or gain may be sensed via a force sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor, as one example, embedded in a material such as aerogel
Implementation Method 2
a material such as aerogel (or equivalents) that absorbs particles of material lost by the unit under test
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatus and methods for sensing material degradation through sensing of mass accumulation. In some aspects, the apparatus and methods employ a material such as aerogel in conjunction with a force-sensing device such as a piezoelectric sensor placed in contact with or in proximity to a material under test. Degradation of the material under test is sensed by sensing a change in mass of the aerogel absorbing parts or particles of material lost by the unit under test that, in turn, acts to further place force on or deform the piezoelectric sensor enabling real time measurement of degradation by sensing changes in the output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor. These changes in output voltage may then be correlated to the mass degradation of the unit under test.