Pile Sensing Device Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pile monitoring systems are ineffective in ensuring the structural integrity of poured piles during the curing process and are costly, particularly in detecting inclusions and monitoring temperature changes accurately.

Innovation Solution

A sensing system with temperature sensors embedded within the pile cavity, connected via a communication line that extends through the pile, allowing real-time temperature monitoring and data transmission to determine the integrity of the pile, which can include multiple sensors for various physical characteristics during and after the pouring process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensing devices are used for pile monitoring, then basic temperature sensing is possible, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for detecting inclusions and monitoring curing process accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidstructural integrity detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system is divided into multiple discrete temperature sensors positioned at different locations within the pile cavity. Each sensor independently monitors temperature at its specific location, allowing detection of localized anomalies such as inclusions or improper curing zones. The segmented sensor array provides comprehensive coverage of the three-dimensional space, improving both measurement precision and reliability of structural integrity assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional single-point or linear temperature monitoring to three-dimensional temperature field monitoring by distributing sensors throughout the pile cavity volume. This dimensional expansion enables creation of detailed temperature matrices that reveal spatial variations in curing progress, allowing detection of inclusions and curing defects that would be invisible with conventional monitoring approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement coverage and detection capability improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring process monitoring precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple temperature sensors are merged into a single integrated monitoring system that collects, processes, and analyzes temperature data from all sensor locations centrally. The system combines individual sensor readings into comprehensive temperature profiles and matrices, reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of physical sensors. Data fusion techniques integrate information from multiple sources to provide unified structural integrity assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality to monitor various physical characteristics including temperature, curing progress, and potential inclusions. The same sensor array and data processing system serve multiple purposes: tracking temperature evolution during curing, detecting abnormal temperature patterns that indicate inclusions, assessing overall structural integrity, and providing early warning of potential failures. This universal approach reduces the need for separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional monitoring methods are used, then basic pile installation monitoring is possible, but productivity and early detection capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity assuranceVSAvoidcuring process monitoring efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensors continuously monitor the curing process from the moment concrete is poured through the entire curing period, providing uninterrupted temperature data. This continuous monitoring enables real-time detection of curing anomalies and inclusions without requiring intermittent manual inspections. The system maintains constant surveillance of temperature evolution, ensuring early detection of problems and continuous assessment of structural integrity development throughout the curing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system provides immediate feedback on temperature conditions and curing progress by analyzing sensor data in real-time. When abnormal temperature patterns are detected that may indicate inclusions or curing defects, the system generates alerts and notifications to enable prompt corrective action. This feedback mechanism accelerates the detection and response process, improving both reliability of structural integrity assurance and productivity by reducing inspection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides accurate, cost-effective monitoring of the curing process, reducing human error and enabling the creation of detailed three-dimensional temperature matrices, ensuring the structural integrity of poured piles and detecting abnormalities early.

Implementation Method 1

sensors positioned within the cavity that is to be poured... temperature sensors... monitor the temperature of the poured pile... real time temperature monitoring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2537012B1Pile sensing device and method of using the same
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 PILE DYNAMICS
  • EP2537012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2537012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2537012B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.