Wireless Strain Sensor for Rotary Machinery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wired strain sensors for rotary machinery are complex, expensive, and unreliable due to temperature limitations, making them impractical for continuous monitoring during operation.

Innovation Solution

A wireless strain sensor system comprising a transmitting element, a receiving element, and a modulating element on a rotating component, which modulates the wireless coupling to indicate strain, allowing for accurate strain measurement over a wide temperature range without active electronics or p/n junctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wired strain sensors are used for strain measurement in rotary machinery, then strain measurement capability is achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and unreliable due to temperature limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor reliability at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical/electrical strain sensors with a wireless sensing system that uses electromagnetic coupling. The modulating element on the rotating component modulates the wireless coupling between transmitting and receiving elements, eliminating the need for physical wiring and electronic components that are sensitive to high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a modulating element as an intermediary between the rotating component and the wireless sensing system. This modulating element, which can be a passive structure without active electronics, transfers strain information by modulating the electromagnetic coupling, serving as a mediator that operates reliably at high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If wired strain sensors are used during operation, then continuous strain monitoring is possible, but the wiring becomes impractical due to high temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpracticality of wiring at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless electromagnetic coupling system. This substitution eliminates the practical difficulties of maintaining physical connections in high-temperature environments while enabling continuous strain monitoring throughout the machinery's operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If wireless coupling is used for strain sensing, then temperature range is extended to 1200° F, but the system requires modulating element to bridge transmitting and receiving elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoidmodulating element configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the sensing system by using electromagnetic coupling instead of wired connections, enabling operation at temperatures up to 1200° F. The modulating element is designed as a passive structure that exploits changes in electromagnetic coupling parameters in response to strain, rather than requiring active electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 and continuous strain monitoring of rotary machinery over its lifespan, even at high temperatures up to 1200° F, improving maintenance scheduling and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a modulating element located on a rotating component, wherein the modulating element modulates the wireless coupling between the transmitting element and the receiving element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8601880B2Wireless strain sensors, detection methods, and systems

Publication Date: 2013.12.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A strain sensor comprises a transmitting element; a receiving element wirelessly coupled to the transmitting element; and a modulating element located on a rotating component, wherein the modulating element modulates the wireless coupling between the transmitting element and the receiving element, wherein the modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of strain on the rotating component. A method of detecting strain in a rotating component of a rotary machine comprises wirelessly coupling a transmitting element and a receiving element; modulating the coupling with a modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the strain in the rotating component based on the modulation of the coupling.