Smart Mechanical Component With Integrated LC Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical components such as screws, bolts, and hooks in critical industries lack internal damage detection sensors, making it inconvenient to monitor fatigue or damage, which can lead to unsafe conditions in environments like aircrafts and nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an inductor-capacitor (LC) circuit within the mechanical component, where the main body, secondary body, and connecting unit form a capacitor and inductor respectively, allowing for resonance frequency detection to assess deformation and potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are installed for damage detection, then damage detection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damage detection function with the mechanical component itself by integrating an LC circuit directly into the structure. The mechanical component's body parts (main body, secondary body, connecting units) serve as both structural elements and circuit components, eliminating the need for separate additional sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical component performs self-detection of damage through its integrated LC circuit. The component's own structural elements (main body, secondary body, connecting units) serve as the sensing mechanism, allowing it to monitor its own condition without requiring external detection devices or complex installation procedures.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are installed for damage detection, then damage detection capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged into the mechanical component's structure, so the component and sensor become a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate sensor installation and replacement operations, greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical component with integrated LC circuit performs self-detection and can be easily monitored through resonance frequency measurements. The component itself serves as the sensor, eliminating complex replacement procedures and simplifying operational maintenance.
3Reliability
If regular sensor replacement is performed, then detection reliability is maintained, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The LC circuit is pre-integrated into the mechanical component during manufacturing, establishing the detection capability before the component is put into service. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for periodic sensor replacement and maintenance, reducing time loss and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated LC circuit provides continuous self-detection capability without requiring periodic maintenance or replacement. The component's own structure serves as the sensing element, eliminating recurring time losses associated with sensor replacement while maintaining reliable detection throughout the component's service life.
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 real-time detection of mechanical component damage through resonance frequency changes, facilitating timely replacement and ensuring operational safety in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
capable of determining if the mechanical component needs to be replaced by the detection of a resonance effect from an inductor-capacitor (LC) circuit built inside the mechanical component
Data Source
AI summary
A smart mechanical component has a mechanical part main body; a mechanical part secondary body located inside of the mechanical part main body; a three dimensional three-dimensional (3-D) reserved space located between the mechanical part main body and the mechanical part secondary body; at least one connecting unit connecting the mechanical part main body and the mechanical part secondary body; wherein the mechanical part main body, the mechanical part secondary body and the three dimensional three-dimensional (3-D) reserved space form a capacitor; the connecting unit forms an inductor; the inductor and the capacitor forms an inductor-capacitor circuit.