Strain Sensor Monitoring via Electrical Field Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring component strain in turbomachines, such as turbine blades, face challenges in detecting small deformations due to creep, which require specialized equipment and often cannot perform in situ measurements on assembled apparatuses, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a strain sensor with a detection material of different conductivity from the component, an electrical field scanner, and a processor that analyzes electrical field values along orthogonal axes to create a field profile, allowing for selective placement over the sensor and measuring conductivity variations without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual imaging methods are used to measure strain sensor dimensions, then measurement capability is provided, but direct line of sight requirements and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual imaging methods with electrical field scanning. Instead of using cameras or optical systems that require line of sight, the invention uses an electrical field scanner that generates and detects electrical fields to measure strain sensor dimensions and position. This substitution of measurement methodology eliminates the need for direct line of sight while maintaining measurement precision, enabling in situ measurements on assembled turbomachine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary medium for measurement. The electrical field scanner generates electrical fields that interact with the strain sensor, and the resulting field interactions are detected and analyzed. This intermediary electrical field allows measurement without direct physical contact or line of sight requirements, bridging the gap between the measurement system and the strain sensor in difficult-to-access locations.
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used to detect small deformations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical field scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical fields, detects field interactions with the strain sensor, and measures both position and dimensions of the sensor. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices into a single system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the precision needed for detecting small deformations in strain sensors.
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 accurate, in situ monitoring of component strain with reduced space requirements, facilitating the detection of small deformations and creep in turbomachines, thereby improving maintenance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical field scanner for measuring the strain sensor... analyzing an electrical field value across the strain sensor along a X-axis and a Y-axis
Implementation Method 2
The turbine component is formed from a material having a first conductivity value, and the strain sensor comprises a detection material having a second conductivity value different from the first conductivity value
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for monitoring a component (10) is provided. The system may include a strain sensor (40) configured on the component (10), an electrical field scanner (60) for analyzing the strain sensor (40), and a processor (100) in operable communication with the electrical field scanner (60). The processor (100) may be operable for measuring an electrical field value across the strain sensor (40) along a mutually-orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis to obtain a data point set. The processor (100) may further be operable for assembling a field profile of the strain sensor (40) based on the data point set. Methods of using the system are also provided.