Structure Evaluation System Using Dual Sensor Elastic Wave Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structure evaluation systems face challenges in accurately estimating the number of vehicles passing over a structure without relying on damage within the structure, leading to decreased measurement accuracy when damage is intense, which affects the evaluation of the structure's deterioration state.
Innovation Solution
A structure evaluation system comprising multiple first sensors to detect elastic waves generated by vehicles, a second sensor to detect vehicle passage independently of structural damage, a vehicle information estimator to estimate vehicle information, and an evaluator to assess the structure's deterioration based on both elastic wave data and vehicle information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elastic wave detection is used to estimate the number of vehicles, then vehicle counting can be performed without additional sensors, but measurement accuracy decreases when structural damage is intense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second sensor as an intermediary device that detects vehicle passage through alternative physical quantities (such as acceleration or strain) independent of elastic wave propagation. This mediator sensor provides reliable vehicle counting data even when structural damage blocks elastic wave paths, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple sensor configuration and accurate measurement under damage conditions.
2Measurement precision
If correction values based on elastic wave detection are used to improve evaluation accuracy, then deterioration assessment can be enhanced, but accuracy decreases when damage is intense because vehicle number estimation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The second sensor serves as a reliable intermediary for vehicle passage detection that does not depend on elastic wave propagation through the structure. By using this independent detection method to establish accurate vehicle counts, the system can generate reliable correction values even when structural damage is present, thereby maintaining both evaluation accuracy and correction value reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic wave-based detection mechanism with an alternative sensing mechanism (such as acceleration sensors detecting vehicle-induced vibrations or strain sensors detecting load changes). This substitution eliminates the dependency on elastic wave propagation through the damaged structure, ensuring that vehicle counting and subsequent correction value generation remain reliable regardless of structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If only elastic wave sensors are used, then the system remains simple, but accuracy of vehicle estimation and damage evaluation decreases when damage is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two independent parts: elastic wave sensors for structural response measurement and second sensors for direct vehicle passage detection. This segmentation allows each sensor type to perform its specialized function optimally, with the second sensors providing accurate vehicle counting independent of structural damage, thereby improving overall measurement precision without excessive system complexity.
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
This system enables accurate estimation of vehicle numbers and improves the evaluation of structural deterioration by isolating damage effects, ensuring reliable assessment even with intense structural damage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first sensors 20-1 to 20-n that detect elastic waves 11 generated from the inside of a structure 50
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of first sensors, one or more second sensors, a vehicle information estimator, and an evaluator. The plurality of first sensors detect elastic waves generated from the inside of a structure on which a vehicle travels. The one or more second sensors detect passage of the vehicle without depending on damage in the structure. The vehicle information estimator estimates vehicle information including at least information of the number of vehicles passing on the structure on the basis of detection results from the one or more second sensors. The evaluator evaluates a deterioration state of the structure on the basis of a plurality of elastic waves detected by the plurality of first sensors and the vehicle information estimated by the vehicle information estimator.