International business machines corporation (20240202386). STRUCTURAL MONITORING WITH EMBEDDED SENSORS IN 3D AND 4D PRINTED STRUCTURES simplified abstract

STRUCTURAL MONITORING WITH EMBEDDED SENSORS IN 3D AND 4D PRINTED STRUCTURES

Organization Name

international business machines corporation

Inventor(s)

Jeremy R. Fox of Georgetown TX (US)

Martin G. Keen of Cary NC (US)

Alexander Reznicek of Troy NY (US)

Bahman Hekmatshoartabari of White Plains NY (US)

STRUCTURAL MONITORING WITH EMBEDDED SENSORS IN 3D AND 4D PRINTED STRUCTURES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240202386 titled 'STRUCTURAL MONITORING WITH EMBEDDED SENSORS IN 3D AND 4D PRINTED STRUCTURES

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method, computer program, and computer system for monitoring the health of structures using embedded sensors. An interrogator transmits a signal to the sensors, receives backscattered response signals containing sensor data, compares the data to a safety threshold, and schedules maintenance or inspection based on the results.

• Structural health monitoring method using embedded sensors
• Interrogator transmits signal to sensors and receives backscattered response signals
• Sensor data compared to safety threshold for scheduling maintenance or inspection

Key Features and Innovation

• Utilizes embedded sensors for structural health monitoring
• Automated comparison of sensor data to safety threshold for maintenance scheduling
• Efficient method for monitoring structural components using handheld or vehicle-mounted interrogators

Potential Applications

• Civil engineering for monitoring bridges, buildings, and other structures
• Aerospace industry for aircraft structural health monitoring
• Automotive industry for monitoring vehicle components

Problems Solved

• Ensures timely maintenance of structures based on sensor data
• Improves safety by detecting potential structural issues early
• Reduces the need for manual inspection through automated monitoring

Benefits

• Increases structural safety and longevity
• Saves time and resources by automating monitoring processes
• Enhances overall efficiency of maintenance scheduling

Commercial Applications

Structural health monitoring technology can be applied in various industries such as civil engineering, aerospace, and automotive for ensuring the safety and longevity of structures and components.

Questions about Structural Health Monitoring

How does structural health monitoring benefit different industries?

Structural health monitoring benefits industries by ensuring the safety and longevity of structures, reducing maintenance costs, and improving overall efficiency.

What are the key features of structural health monitoring technology?

The key features include the use of embedded sensors, automated comparison of sensor data to safety thresholds, and efficient maintenance scheduling based on monitoring results.

Original Abstract Submitted

a method, computer program, and computer system are provided for structural health monitoring. a signal corresponding to interrogation of sensors embedded within structural components associated with a structure is transmitted by a handheld or vehicle-mounted interrogator. a backscattered response signal including sensor data associated with the structure is received by the interrogator. the sensor data is compared to a threshold value corresponding to a safety factor of the structure. maintenance or manual inspection of the structure is scheduled based on the sensor data being above the threshold value.