Wiring sheet, sheet-shaped system, and structure operation support system

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale concrete structures, such as tunnels and power transmission lines, the harsh environment and complex shapes pose challenges for maintaining reliable wiring systems for sensor networks, leading to high costs and difficulties in ensuring long-term reliability and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A sheet-shaped system incorporating carbon wires and insulation sheets, where carbon wires act as power and signal lines, and the insulation sheets provide protection and flexibility, allowing for the installation of sensors that can endure harsh environments and reduce initial and running costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic wirings are used for power supply and communication in harsh environments, then initial installation is straightforward, but long-term reliability deteriorates due to corrosion and deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term reliabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the wiring from metallic to carbon-based, which fundamentally alters the chemical properties and resistance to corrosion. Carbon wirings do not rust or deteriorate in harsh environments like metallic wirings do, thus achieving long-term reliability without requiring continuous maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure where carbon wirings are integrated with insulation sheets to form a unified wiring system. This composite approach combines the electrical conductivity of carbon with the protective insulating properties of the insulation sheet, creating a durable wiring solution suitable for harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If sensors are installed to enable frequent inspection, then measurement precision and anomaly detection improve, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wiring function and sensor mounting function into a single integrated structure. The wiring sheet serves both as the electrical conduit for power and communication and as the mounting substrate for sensors, eliminating the need for separate wiring and mounting systems, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring sheet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power, transmits communication signals, and serves as a mounting platform for sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall inspection system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wiring systems are used in large-scale structures, then installation is simple, but adaptability to complex shapes and harsh environments is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible sheet structure that can conform to complex surfaces and shapes of large-scale structures. The thin film nature of the wiring sheet allows it to be easily installed on curved surfaces, irregular geometries, and large areas without requiring rigid support structures or complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3489971B1Wiring sheet, sheet-shaped system, and structure operation support system
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 OSAKA UNIVERSITY
  • EP3489971B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3489971B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3489971B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wiring sheet (120) includes one or more carbon wires (102) each of which is one of a signal line and a power supply line, and which are conductors including carbon as a main material and have flexibility; and an insulation sheet (104) that encloses substantially an entirety of the one or more carbon wires (102), includes an electrical insulator as a main material, and has flexibility.