Ground-Anchored Mast Strength Testing via Force-Time Curve Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the strength of masts anchored to the ground are complex and fail to accurately differentiate between errors, particularly in determining damage and the type of error when it occurs, due to the requirement for both force and displacement sensors and the inability to account for movement of the measurement transducer and surrounding soil.
Innovation Solution
A method where the mast is deflected at a constant speed above its anchoring point and then relieved at the same speed in the opposite direction, with force recorded over time to compare loading and unloading curves for detailed evaluation of mast strength and anchoring, allowing for the detection of plastic deformation and movement without the need for a displacement sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If both force sensor and displacement sensor are used to test mast strength, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the displacement sensor from the measurement system. Instead of measuring displacement directly, the method uses force measurements during controlled loading and unloading cycles to infer damage and deformation characteristics. This removes the complex displacement measurement apparatus while maintaining diagnostic capability through force-time curve analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a controlled loading-unloading process as an intermediary mechanism. By applying cyclic loads and analyzing the force-time characteristics, the system indirectly detects damage and plastic deformation without requiring direct displacement measurement. The loading process serves as a mediator that transforms the measurement task from direct geometric measurement to force-based inference.
2Measurement precision
If displacement transducer is used to measure mast deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to soil and foundation movement affecting the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the measurement system self-referential by using the mast's own mechanical response to loading as the measurement basis. The force-time curves during loading and unloading provide intrinsic information about the mast's condition and its interaction with the foundation, eliminating the need for external reference frames that could be affected by soil movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled loading process acts as an intermediary that decouples the measurement from the foundation movement. By analyzing how the mast responds to applied forces rather than measuring absolute position, the system separates the measurement from the problematic soil-foundation-mast interaction that affects displacement transducers.
3Device complexity
If only force sensor is used without displacement sensor, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases as displacement differences during mast reset cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from static displacement measurement to dynamic force measurement during cyclic loading. By analyzing the time-dependent force characteristics during loading and unloading phases, the system captures information about plastic deformation and damage that would be invisible in static measurements. The dynamic loading process reveals information that static measurements cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic loading-unloading cycles to extract diagnostic information. The repeated application and removal of load creates characteristic force-time patterns that reveal the mast's structural condition, damage state, and plastic deformation. This periodic action transforms a single static measurement into a rich temporal signal that contains multiple diagnostic parameters.
4Ease of operation
If mast is loaded and then relieved using passive restoring forces, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision decreases as active control at constant speed during relief is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces feedback control to the unloading process. The loading-unloading device actively monitors the mast's response and adjusts the unloading speed to maintain constant velocity, ensuring that the force-time curve accurately reflects the mast's structural condition. This feedback mechanism transforms passive unloading into an actively controlled measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the unloading process dynamic and controlled rather than passive. By actively controlling the unloading speed and comparing the force-time characteristics of loading and unloading phases, the system extracts precise information about plastic deformation and damage. The dynamic control transforms the unloading phase from a simple restoration into a diagnostic measurement opportunity.
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 approach enables more precise fault diagnosis and differentiation of damage, reducing the complexity of measurement efforts while providing detailed insights into mast strength and anchoring, including the detection of crack formation and service life estimation.
Implementation Method 1
the mast is deflected above its anchoring point at a constant speed in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis by means of a linear drive
Implementation Method 2
the force is registered as a function of time, ie recorded and stored
Implementation Method 3
The force as a function of time is used to evaluate the strength of the mast
Implementation Method 4
the displacement differences that may occur when the mast is reset, ie when the load is relieved, cannot be detected
Data Source
Figure 1~10
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for strength testing of ground-anchored masts, in which the mast is deflected above its anchoring point at a constant speed in a transverse direction to its longitudinal axis, and the force is recorded as a function of time and used to evaluate the strength of the mast. During the unloading phase, the mast is deflected back in the opposite direction at a constant speed, and the force is recorded as a function of time. A comparison of the loading forces with the unloading forces, each as a function of time, is used to evaluate the strength of the mast. (Fig. 1)