MEMS Sensor Monitoring Structural Health of Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the structural health of columns, such as lighting and telecom masts, are inadequate as they do not allow for real-time remote analysis of accelerations, angular velocities, and magnetic field strengths, leading to incomplete testing, potential catastrophic failures, and increased risk to operatives due to site visits, especially in hazardous locations.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller with a MEMS device, including accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer functions, is mounted on columns to measure and transmit structural health data in real-time to a remote server via a wireless transmitter, enabling continuous monitoring and analysis of structural and electrical parameters, including wind velocity and direction, to identify potential issues before they become critical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional structural testing methods are used to monitor column health, then structural integrity can be assessed, but real-time remote monitoring is not achieved and site visits are required exposing operatives to risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing methods with electronic sensing systems. MEMS devices (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) are mounted on columns to automatically measure structural responses, substituting the need for operatives to physically visit and manually test each column. This electronic substitution enables remote monitoring while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless transmitters and a central server as intermediaries between the columns and the monitoring system operators. The MEMS devices transmit data wirelessly to a central server, which processes and stores the information. This intermediary system eliminates the need for direct human contact with columns while ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive structural testing is conducted on all columns, then complete data is obtained, but time and resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by leaving MEMS devices permanently mounted on columns. These devices continuously measure accelerations, angular velocities, and magnetic field strengths, capturing structural responses whenever events occur. This eliminates the need for periodic manual testing while ensuring no structural events are missed, providing complete data over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary installation of MEMS devices and wireless transmitters on columns during routine maintenance or installation phases. This preliminary action ensures sensors are already in place and operational before monitoring is needed, eliminating setup time during actual monitoring events and enabling immediate data collection.
3Reliability
If manual inspection and testing of columns is performed, then structural health can be evaluated, but operatives are exposed to safety risks in hazardous locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection procedures with automated electronic sensing systems. MEMS devices and wireless transmitters perform all measurements and data transmission automatically, eliminating the need for operatives to physically access columns in hazardous locations such as live roadways or difficult-to-reach areas, thereby removing human exposure to safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to be self-sufficient, with MEMS devices autonomously measuring structural parameters and wireless transmitters automatically transmitting data without human intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and reporting column health status, eliminating the need for human operatives to expose themselves to hazards.
4Loss of information
If real-time monitoring equipment is installed on columns, then continuous data is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (acceleration measurement, angular velocity measurement, magnetic field measurement) into a single integrated MEMS device package. By merging these separate measurement capabilities into one compact unit, the system reduces overall equipment complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities. The wireless transmitter and processing electronics are also integrated with the sensor package.
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 solution allows for immediate detection and remediation of structural and electrical faults in column stocks, reducing the risk of failures, enhancing safety, and optimizing maintenance by providing real-time data analysis and predictive alerts, thus improving the operational safety and extending the serviceable life of columns.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes
Implementation Method 2
an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes
Implementation Method 3
an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for monitoring the structural health of a column or a stock of columns or a column or columns within that stock is disclosed in the application. The apparatus comprises a microcontroller located on the or each column which includes an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus includes means for connecting said microcontroller to a source of power, and means operable to transmit said measured data to a central data hub and from there to a remote server for analysis using bespoke software.