Sensor-Enabled Geogrid for Subgrade Deformation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting subgrade deformation in roadways are inefficient, relying on subjective visual assessments and surface analysis, which fail to detect underlying defects, and require costly and time-consuming specialized equipment, leading to delayed maintenance and increased repair costs.

Innovation Solution

A sensor-enabled geogrid system equipped with inertial measurement units (IMUs), flex sensors, strain gauges, and other sensors that transmit data to a gateway device and backend computing system for real-time monitoring and alerting of deformation, providing proactive maintenance and predictive analytics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ground penetrating radar is used for below ground detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical ground penetrating radar systems with simple inertial measurement units (IMUs) that detect deformation through gravitational and accelerometric measurements. This substitution maintains detection capability while dramatically reducing equipment complexity, cost, and deployment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural gravitational field and inertial properties of the Earth to detect deformation, eliminating the need for external radar equipment. The IMUs self-measure deformation through their inherent ability to detect acceleration and orientation changes relative to gravity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If ground penetrating radar is used for below ground detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive ground penetrating radar equipment with low-cost inertial measurement units. The IMUs leverage natural gravitational and inertial forces, eliminating the need for costly radar hardware while maintaining effective deformation detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs inexpensive IMU sensors that can be easily deployed and replaced if needed. These low-cost sensors provide sufficient detection capability for infrastructure monitoring without the high investment required for traditional radar systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If subjective visual assessments are used for road quality assessment, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective inertial measurements from IMUs. The sensors automatically detect deformation through gravitational and accelerometric data, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated monitoring and alerting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback through monitoring and alerting when deformation thresholds are exceeded. This replaces subjective human judgment with objective, consistent automated assessment that maintains both ease of operation and measurement precision.

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

Enables early detection of subgrade deformation, reducing the need for major reconditioning projects, lowering maintenance costs, and extending the lifespan of roadways while improving safety and reducing vehicle maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor-enabled geogrid system equipped with inertial measurement units (IMUs), flex sensors, strain gauges, and other sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial measurement:

Implementation Method 2

A sensor-enabled geogrid system equipped with inertial measurement units (IMUs), flex sensors, strain gauges, and other sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250102284A1System and method for detecting subgrade deformation

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 TENSAR INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments for a sensor enabled geogrid for the monitoring and detection of subgrade deformation in infrastructure such as roadways, railways, working platforms, and marine applications. The system and methods contain a sensor enabled geogrid, inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more sensors, a data collection apparatus such as a sensor pod, an information transmission apparatus such as a gateway device, a communications network, and a computing device capable of performing analytics on information from the IMU's and other sensors. The disclosure further includes methods of processing information received from a sensor enabled geogrid by a sensor pod. In the example, the sensor pod transmits received information to a gateway device for transmitting to a backend computing system. The backend computing system then performs an analysis on the information to determine variance from an initial sensor position, and alerts of possible infrastructure failure.