Modular Optoelectronic Sensor Wire for Structural Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring installations for structural geometric evolution are complex, difficult to install and dismantle, and interfere with the structure's use, while providing limited precision in data collection.

Innovation Solution

A modular installation with a wire-based reference line connecting input and output modules, equipped with optoelectronic sensors and vibration isolation, allowing for precise measurement of relative displacement along a fixed direction, and enabling easy installation, data transmission, and adjustment for various measurement points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional monitoring installations are used, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric evolution measurementVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring installation is divided into multiple independent sensor modules that can be individually positioned and adjusted along the structure. Each module contains its own optoelectronic sensor, positioning means, and adjustment device, allowing modular deployment without requiring complex integrated systems. This segmentation enables simple temporary placement while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If traditional monitoring installations are used, then structural monitoring is achieved, but interference with structure use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric evolution measurementVSAvoidstructure usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement function is extracted from the structure itself and placed in separate sensor modules that can be positioned near the structure without being permanently attached. The optoelectronic sensors measure geometric evolution from a distance using optical fields, eliminating the need for embedded sensors that would interfere with structural integrity and usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If measurement modules are added to monitor geometric evolution, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative displacement measurementVSAvoidmodule configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensor module is equipped with local adjustment and positioning capabilities specific to its measurement location. The modules can be independently oriented and positioned to optimize measurement of local geometric changes, with each module containing its own adjustment device and positioning means tailored to its specific measurement point on the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If simple temporary installation is used, then ease of installation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidgeometric evolution measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor modules are pre-configured with adjustment devices and positioning means before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the modules to be quickly installed in temporary positions and then rapidly adjusted to precise measurement orientations without requiring complex on-site calibration procedures, achieving both installation simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates simple and effective monitoring of structural evolution with high precision, supporting extended measurement periods and resistance to vibrations, while maintaining minimal interference with the structure's use.

Implementation Method 1

an optoelectronic sensor with forks (Ci, CVi, CHi) comprising a transmitting branch (BVEi, BHEi) and a receiving branch (PVRi, BHVi) detecting the position of the taut wire (FT) passing through the sensor (Ci, CVi, CHi) according to the orientation of the detection line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

each module (Mi, Me, Ms) having a vibration isolation device (ISi, ISe, ISs) with respect to the infrastructure (IF)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3295121B1Facility for monitoring a structure
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 LYNXPLUS
  • EP3295121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295121B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3295121B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a facility for monitoring the geometric development of a structure, comprising a measuring path for the measurement of the relative movement of different points of measurement (PMi) of the infrastructure (IF), formed from a succession of modules of sensors (Mi) traversed by a reference line (FT) consisting of a wire stretched between an inlet module (Me) and an outlet module (Ms), and forming fixed points (PFe, PFs). The modules (Mi) supply relative movement signals. Each module (Mi) has an optoelectronic sensor (Ci) supplying a relative movement signal (Si), a position-adjusting device (Ri) and a device for fixing to the infrastructure (IF).