Repair Strap with Embedded Sensors for Structural Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repair methods for structural defects in concrete structures, such as cracks and fractures, often provide temporary solutions and are prone to failure due to ongoing structural stresses and settling, which can lead to undetected further deterioration and potential catastrophic events, as they require frequent and costly visual inspections for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a repair strap made of high-strength materials like metal or carbon fiber, embedded with sensors and communication devices for remote monitoring, allowing for continuous detection of stresses and strains, and alerting remote locations for timely interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon fiber strap or sheet is used to cover and bond the crack, then the crack containment and minimization of further erosion is improved, but the temporary nature of the solution and susceptibility to dislodgement under stress worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the repair strap with monitoring devices (strain gauges, sensors) to create an integrated system that both repairs and monitors the structural defect continuously, allowing for early detection of repair failure and timely intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring devices provide continuous feedback on the structural condition and repair integrity, enabling real-time detection of stress, strain, or displacement that could indicate repair failure, thus extending the effective duration of the repair
2Measurement precision
If regular visual inspections are conducted to monitor the repaired structure, then detection of further deterioration is improved, but the time consumption and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The repaired structure performs self-monitoring through embedded sensors and strain gauges that automatically detect and report structural changes, eliminating the need for manual visual inspections while maintaining continuous surveillance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated electronic sensing and communication systems that continuously monitor structural parameters and transmit alerts remotely, saving time and resources
3Force
If the repair system is subjected to continuous external forces, then the structure remains functional under load, but the tendency for further deterioration and undetected damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring devices continuously measure stress, strain, and displacement under load conditions, providing real-time feedback on the structural health and repair integrity, enabling detection of deterioration while the structure remains in service
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects early signs of deterioration or repair failure before they lead to catastrophic failure, allowing for preliminary corrective actions to be taken while the structure is still under normal operational loads
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for being affixed to a portion of a construction structure that has sustained a fracture. The system can provide a repair strap, sensor and communication interface. The repair strap can be securable to the structure to span at least a portion of the fracture. The sensor can be carried on the repair strap and be configured to detect at least one condition representative of additional fracture of the structure. An electrical signal can be generated in response to said detection. The communication interface can be electrically coupled to the sensor and can receive the electrical signal generated by the sensor. The communication interface can be configured to transmit information to a remote electronic device via a public or private communication network.