Wireless Thermo-Electrical Sensor for Concrete Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current concrete testing methods are inefficient and time-consuming, requiring manual sampling and laboratory analysis, which hinders real-time monitoring and decision-making in the construction industry, and existing temperature sensors are limited by environmental factors and inability to differentiate between voids and concrete.
Innovation Solution
A thermo-electrical wireless sensor system utilizing high-frequency electrical impedance measurements and solar recharge capability, embedded in concrete, soil, or other materials, to provide real-time data on temperature, resistivity, and structural integrity, including compressive strength predictions and water-to-cement ratio analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling and laboratory analysis are used for concrete testing, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but productivity is reduced and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling and laboratory testing with an automated wireless sensor system that uses electrical impedance measurement technology. The sensor probe automatically inserts into concrete and transmits data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical sample collection and laboratory analysis, thus dramatically improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy through high-frequency electrical impedance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless sensor system that acts as a bridge between the concrete structure and the monitoring system. The sensor probe, equipped with electrical impedance measurement capabilities, serves as an intermediary device that continuously measures concrete properties and transmits data to external systems, replacing the traditional direct manual sampling approach.
2Temperature
If traditional temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the ability to differentiate between voids and concrete is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges temperature measurement functionality with electrical impedance measurement capabilities into a single integrated sensor probe. The sensor simultaneously measures both temperature and electrical impedance, allowing the system to differentiate between voids and concrete based on the combined data from both measurement types, thereby maintaining material differentiation capability while providing temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor probe is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a temperature sensor and an electrical impedance measurement device. This universal sensor can perform multiple measurement tasks, including temperature monitoring and material differentiation, eliminating the need for separate sensors and enhancing the overall measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then real-time data availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement and wireless data transmission cycles, allowing the sensor to operate in continuous monitoring mode while managing energy consumption. The sensor performs electrical impedance measurements at specified intervals and transmits data periodically, balancing real-time data availability with power conservation for extended battery operation.
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 continuous, accurate monitoring of concrete properties, reducing the need for manual sampling and laboratory tests, providing timely data for informed decision-making and improving construction efficiency by predicting strength and quality in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel positioned on a surface of the sensor enclosure... The solar panel may be configured to provide power to the sensor node for autonomous operation
Implementation Method 2
a thermocouple positioned within the probe enclosure for temperature measurement
Implementation Method 3
Monitoring temperature and electrical resistivity, especially using high-frequency electrical impedance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a sensor system comprising a sensor node and a detachably attachable sensor probe. The sensor node includes a sensor enclosure, a solar panel, at least one probe connection port, and processing circuitry. The sensor probe includes a probe enclosure, a thermocouple for temperature measurement, at least two conductive contact points for electrical measurements, and a cable connecting to the sensor node. The processing circuitry receives temperature data from the thermocouple and electrical measurement data from the conductive contact points, processes the received data, and wirelessly transmits the processed data to an external device. The solar panel powers the sensor node for autonomous operation. The system enables long-term monitoring of materials such as concrete, soil, wood, and polymers, providing real-time data on temperature, electrical properties, and material characteristics.