Self-Sufficient Structural Health Monitoring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural health monitoring systems require external electrical power sources, which can be impractical for remote applications such as aviation and combat vehicles, limiting their use.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient structural health monitoring system with a rechargeable battery and an integrated energy harvesting device, such as a solar, thermoelectric, or piezoelectric generator, that provides continuous power to the system, allowing it to operate independently of external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electrical power sources are used for structural health monitoring systems, then the system can operate with reliable power supply, but the system becomes impractical for remote applications such as aviation and combat vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs energy harvesting devices (such as piezoelectric, thermoelectric, or solar generators) that automatically convert environmental energy into electrical power to recharge the battery, enabling the system to sustain itself without external power sources or manual intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable (continuous power through automatic recharging) and adaptable (portable and suitable for remote applications).
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting devices are designed to convert multiple forms of environmental energy (mechanical vibration, temperature differential, solar radiation) into electrical power, making the system universally applicable to various remote environments and applications. This multi-functionality allows the same system architecture to serve different remote applications including aviation, combat vehicles, and other portable structural health monitoring needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is made self-sufficient with integrated power supply, then the system becomes portable and suitable for remote applications, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting device, battery, and structural health monitoring system are merged into a single integrated portable unit. This consolidation combines multiple functions (energy harvesting, power storage, and structural monitoring) into one cohesive system, reducing the number of separate components and connections needed. This merging approach maintains portability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing elements serve dual functions: they detect structural health parameters and simultaneously generate electrical power through energy harvesting mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power generation components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining portability and self-sufficiency.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If energy harvesting devices are integrated into the system, then continuous power is provided without external sources, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting devices operate periodically to recharge the battery during system operation, converting ambient energy (vibrations, temperature differences, solar exposure) into electrical power in periodic cycles. This periodic energy replenishment extends the continuous operation duration without requiring a continuously running heavy power generation system, thus managing weight while achieving extended operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses lightweight, compact energy harvesting components and rechargeable batteries that can be periodically replaced or recharged, rather than relying on heavy-duty permanent power generation systems. This approach accepts that energy storage components have limited lifespans but compensates through periodic replacement, achieving continuous operation with minimal weight penalty.
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
Enables continuous monitoring of structures without the need for external power, providing a self-contained and self-sufficient solution for structural health assessment, suitable for remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
a generator operable to recharge the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
a rechargeable battery, and a generator in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A self-sufficient structural health monitoring system that can monitor a structure without need for external power input. Embodiments of the invention provide a structural health monitoring system with a power supply integrated within, so that the system relies on itself for operational power. Systems with such an on-board electrical power source, independent of an external power source (and in particular, independent of the power system(s) of the structure being monitored), are much more self-contained and self-sufficient.