STRUCTURE EVALUATION SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE EVALUATION METHOD

Organization Name

Inventor(s)

Hidefumi Takamine of Shinagawa Tokyo (JP)

STRUCTURE EVALUATION SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE EVALUATION METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18456168 titled 'STRUCTURE EVALUATION SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE EVALUATION METHOD

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes a system that evaluates the structural integrity of a bridge or road by detecting elastic waves and vehicle information.

The system includes sensors that detect elastic waves within the structure and sensors that monitor vehicle passage.
A vehicle information estimator estimates the number of vehicles passing on the structure based on sensor data.
An evaluator assesses the structural deterioration using the elastic wave data and vehicle information.

Key Features and Innovation:

Utilizes a combination of sensors to monitor both structural integrity and vehicle traffic.
Provides a comprehensive evaluation of the structure's condition by analyzing multiple data sources.
Offers a proactive approach to maintenance by detecting deterioration early on.

Potential Applications: The technology can be applied in the monitoring and maintenance of bridges, roads, and other infrastructure to ensure safety and longevity.

Problems Solved:

Early detection of structural deterioration.
Efficient monitoring of vehicle traffic on structures.
Comprehensive evaluation of structural integrity.

Benefits:

Improved safety of infrastructure.
Cost-effective maintenance strategies.
Enhanced longevity of bridges and roads.

Commercial Applications: The system can be used by government agencies, transportation departments, and infrastructure maintenance companies to monitor and assess the condition of bridges and roads, leading to improved safety and reduced maintenance costs.

Questions about Structure Evaluation System: 1. How does the system differentiate between elastic waves generated from structural issues and those caused by vehicle passage? 2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this system on a large scale?

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are continuously exploring new sensor technologies and data analysis techniques to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of structural evaluation systems.

Original Abstract Submitted

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.