Vibration Sensor Fastening State Detection Looseness Index

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting the fastening state of structural elements, such as bolts in transmission towers, are inefficient and costly, requiring historical data and complex systems, and are not suitable for low-power applications or large-scale detection points, with potential safety issues due to manual inspection and high system resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A low-power, low-cost vibration sensor system that collects and processes data to determine the fastening state of structural elements by calculating a looseness index using vibration data from multiple sensors, allowing for efficient and autonomous detection with reduced calculation load and power consumption, suitable for applications with limited power supply and multiple detection points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If signal conversion from time domain to frequency domain is performed for bolt looseness detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system resource consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential feature needed for detection - the difference in vibration characteristics between fastened and loose states - without performing complete frequency domain transformation. By taking out only the necessary vibration frequency information rather than converting entire signals, the system achieves detection capability while avoiding high computational resource consumption associated with full FFT processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a model database covering non-looseness states is built for detection, then detection reliability is improved, but data collection time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddata collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the reference vibration characteristics of properly fastened bolts during system initialization or manufacturing. This baseline data is stored and used for comparison during operation, eliminating the need for continuous data collection and model building. The preliminary establishment of reference standards enables reliable detection without requiring extensive ongoing data accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If manual inspection methods are used to check bolt fastening state, then system cost is reduced, but inspection efficiency and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem costVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the bolt fastening system to automatically monitor its own state through integrated vibration sensors. The system performs self-diagnosis by comparing current vibration characteristics against reference data, eliminating the need for external manual inspection. This autonomous monitoring maintains low system cost while dramatically improving inspection efficiency and enabling continuous surveillance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Area of stationary object

If vibration sensors with high detection capability are deployed at multiple points, then monitoring coverage is improved, but power consumption and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by deploying vibration sensors at only the critical bolt locations that most significantly affect structural integrity, rather than installing sensors at every possible monitoring point. This selective placement achieves adequate monitoring coverage for safety-critical areas while minimizing the total number of sensors required, thereby reducing overall power consumption and system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 fast and steady detection of the fastening state with reduced costs and energy consumption, suitable for low-power applications, and provides comprehensive monitoring with multilevel alarm signals, ensuring timely detection of structural integrity issues.

Implementation Method 1

employ vibration sensors to collect vibration data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11353376B2Method and system for detecting fastening state of fastening structure
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 YANGTZE DELTA REGION INST OF TSINGHUA UNIV ZHEJIANG
  • US11353376B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting the fastening state of a fastening structure which fixes structural elements. At least a first vibration sensor is mounted on a first structural element for collecting vibration data of the first structural element. At least a second vibration sensor is mounted on a second structural element or on the fastening structure for collecting vibration data of the second structural element or the fastening structure. The fastening state of the fastening structure is determined using the vibration data collected. The method and system enable detection of the fastening state of a fastening structure with low-power consumption and low cost.