Non-contact Strain Measurement via Optical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional strain sensors require direct mechanical contact with structural objects, which is costly, time-consuming, and prone to damage, especially in harsh environments, and lacks accuracy due to the need for adhesives and bolted attachments, limiting their reusability and effectiveness in dynamic strain measurements.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact strain and displacement sensor system utilizing optics, including high-speed cameras and marked images on the structural object, allowing for dynamic and static measurements without mechanical coupling, enabling reusable and cost-effective monitoring of strain and displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional strain sensors are mechanically attached to structural objects, then strain measurement capability is achieved, but installation time and cost increase, and sensor damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain measurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment systems (adhesives, bolts) with an optical measurement system. The sensor captures images of marked patterns on the structural object and calculates strain through image analysis, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and associated installation complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary marking pattern (such as stripes or grids) applied to the structural object surface. This marking serves as an intermediary that the optical sensor detects to measure deformation, replacing the direct mechanical contact between sensor and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If adhesives are used to attach strain sensors, then sensor attachment is achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor attachmentVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the adhesive attachment mechanism entirely by using optical detection. The sensor measures strain by analyzing changes in marked patterns on the structure surface through image capture and processing, removing the source of accuracy problems associated with adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If bolted attachment is used for strain sensors, then secure mounting is achieved, but structural damage risk increases and reusability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidstructural damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening (bolting) with non-contact optical measurement. The sensor system captures deformation information through image analysis of marked patterns, eliminating mechanical penetration and fastening that cause structural damage and limit reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are deployed to test different locations, then comprehensive structural testing is achieved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical sensor system universal by enabling it to measure strain at multiple locations through a single device. The sensor captures images of marked patterns at different positions on the structure, allowing comprehensive testing without deploying multiple separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system provides accurate, reusable, and cost-effective strain and displacement measurements without mechanical contact, reducing the risk of damage and improving efficiency in dynamic strain monitoring, especially for structural objects like piles and columns.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing an image receiving device, such as a high-speed camera, or other device for recording visual images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS10451519B2Non-contact strain measurement system and method for using the same

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 PILE DYNAMICS

AI summary

A non-contact strain and/or displacement measurement system for use with structural objects having an optical device, a data store and an image arrangement that is fixed relative to the structural object to be tested, the optical device including an image receiving device for receiving visual images and the data store being configured to record the received visual images, the image receiving device being spaced from the image arrangement by an optical spacing such that the image receiving device has a visual range that includes a portion of the structural object and the image arrangement being within the portion, the image arrangement having at least one image element wherein movement of the at least one image element during a measurement period provides image data to calculate structural object strain and/or structural object displacement.