Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method for monitoring a health status of one or of a plurality of bridges (10) under normal traffic condition. The method comprises: a) providing at least one sensing device (12) per bridge configured to measure a physical quantity variation related to the integrity of said one or said plurality of bridges; b) providing a fleet of heavy vehicles (14), wherein an estimation of the weight of each heavy vehicle is known with a deviation of no more than 10% of the actual weight of each heavy vehicle; c) acquiring a set of physical data related to the integrity of said one or said plurality of bridges (10) from said at least one sensing device (12) when at least one heavy vehicle of the fleet crosses one bridge (10); d) determining the configuration of other vehicles (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e) on the bridge, if any, when said at least one heavy vehicle (14) crosses said one bridge; e) repeating steps c) and d) in order to acquire multiple sets of physical data related to the integrity of said one or said plurality of bridges (10) so that the number of sets of integrity data associated with one bridge (10) permits to measure or observe a deviation, and c) obtaining a health status of said one or said plurality of bridges based on the deviation between said multiple sets of physical data associated with one bridge.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G08G 1/01 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotatable inspection device (10) for inspection of the integrity of an axisymmetric portion (210) of parts (200), for example a threaded tube (200). The rotatable inspection device (10) includes a measuring unit (20) configured to be rotated about the symmetry axis of the axisymmetric portion (210). The measuring unit (20) comprises: i) a radially movable measuring structure (22) comprising a defect detection sensor (30), wherein said measuring structure (22) is configured to urge the defect detection sensor (30) against said portion (210) to be inspected; ii) an electronic device (43) for processing and transmitting the signal measured by the defect detection sensor (30) along said portion (210), and iii) a measuring unit support (50) supporting the radially movable measuring structure (22). The electronic device (43) is configured to wirelessly transmit the processed signal to a remote monitoring unit (300).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
• G01B 11/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces
• G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
• G01D 21/00 - Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method for monitoring a health status of one or of a plurality of bridges (10) under normal traffic condition. The method comprises: a) providing at least one sensing device (12) per bridge configured to measure a physical quantity variation related to the integrity of said one or said plurality of bridges; b) providing a fleet of heavy vehicles (14), wherein an estimation of the weight of each heavy vehicle is known with a deviation of no more than 10% of the actual weight of each heavy vehicle; c) acquiring a set of physical data related to the integrity of said one or said plurality of bridges (10) from said at least one sensing device (12) when at least one heavy vehicle of the fleet crosses one bridge (10); d) determining the configuration of other vehicles (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e) on the bridge, if any, when said at least one heavy vehicle (14) crosses said one bridge; e) repeating steps c) and d) in order to acquire multiple sets of physical data related to the integrity of said one or said plurality of bridges (10) so that the number of sets of integrity data associated with one bridge (10) permits to measure or observe a deviation, and c) obtaining a health status of said one or said plurality of bridges based on the deviation between said multiple sets of physical data associated with one bridge.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• E01D 19/00 - Details of bridges
• G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for additive manufacturing a component by repetitively superposing and solidifying material layers according to a 3D model of the component. The method comprises the steps of scan, by means of an eddy current sensing unit (20), of a new solidified cross section (15) obtained by selectively solidifying a material layer so as to provide an integrity data (VMM) of a sensed portion (23). A difference between the sensed integrity data (VMM) and an expected integrity data (VEE) is then executed for detecting a manufacturing anomaly within this portion. The expected integrity data (VEE) is determined based on collected integrity data of a solid basic structure likely matching or being identical to a geometrical structure (41) obtained from the 3D model (40) of a portion corresponding to said sensed portion (23), said solid basic structure being manufactured or simulated according to another 3D model.

IPC Classes  ?

• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
• B22F 10/38 - Process control to achieve specific product aspects, e.g. surface smoothness, density, porosity or hollow structures
• B22F 10/80 - Data acquisition or data processing
• B22F 12/90 - Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
• B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
• B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
• B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• G01N 27/9013 - Arrangements for scanning

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotatable inspection device (10) for inspection of the integrity of an axisymmetric portion (210) of parts (200), for example a threaded tube (200). The rotatable inspection device (10) includes a measuring unit (20) configured to be rotated about the symmetry axis of the axisymmetric portion (210). The measuring unit (20) comprises: i) a radially movable measuring structure (22) comprising a defect detection sensor (30), wherein said measuring structure (22) is configured to urge the defect detection sensor (30) against said portion (210) to be inspected; ii) an electronic device (43) for processing and transmitting the signal measured by the defect detection sensor (30) along said portion (210), and iii) a measuring unit support (50) supporting the radially movable measuring structure (22). The electronic device (43) is configured to wirelessly transmit the processed signal to a remote monitoring unit (300).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G01B 3/48 - Plug gauges for internal dimensions with engaging surfaces which are at a fixed distance, although they may be preadjustable for internal screw threads
• G01B 7/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
• G01B 7/28 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
• G01M 13/00 - Testing of machine parts

Abstract

The invention concerns a system (1) for additive manufacturing, comprising a support (10), a dispenser (110,111, 112) configured to provide an additive material (3, 33, 34) on the support (10) and/or close to a component (2) supported by said support (10). The system (1) also comprises a head controller (13) configured to control a relative movement (122) between an head (12) and the support (10) for selectively providing an energy (121) for joining additive material (3) and/or a binding agent for dunking additive material so as to permit a solidification by curing. The system further comprises a detecting device (14) mechanically fixed to the head (12) and configured to provide a given material property by sensing a target portion (31) of the additive material, and/or a target portion (22) of the joined and/or dunked additive material.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
• B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
• B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
• B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for additive manufacturing a component by repetitively superposing and solidifying material layers according to a 3D model of the component. The method comprises the steps of scan, by means of an eddy current sensing unit (20), of a new solidified cross section (15) obtained by selectively solidifying a material layer so as to provide an integrity data (VMM) of a sensed portion (23). A difference between the sensed integrity data (VMM) and an expected integrity data (VEE) is then executed for detecting a manufacturing anomaly within this portion. The expected integrity data (VEE) is determined based on collected integrity data of a solid basic structure likely matching or being identical to a geometrical structure (41) obtained from the 3D model (40) of a portion corresponding to said sensed portion (23), said solid basic structure being manufactured or simulated according to another 3D model.

IPC Classes  ?

• B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
• B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes

Goods & Services

Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic recording media, sound recording disks; compact disks, DVDs and other digital recording media; mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment, computers; software; extinguishers; acoustic conduits; acoustic couplers; apparatus and instruments for physics; bags designed for laptop computers; electric cables; integrated circuits; electric coils; computer peripheral devices; recorded computer programs; software (recorded programs); computers; data processing apparatus; detectors; diagnostic apparatus not for medical use; distance measuring apparatus; distance measuring apparatus; distance recording apparatus; electrical and electronic control apparatus and instruments; electro-dynamic apparatus for the remote control of signals; electromagnetic coils; electronic pens (visual display units); high-frequency apparatus; inductors (electricity); memory cards or integrated circuit cards; interfaces (for computers); junction boxes (electricity); junction boxes; portable computers; magnetic encoders; magnets; material testing instruments and machines; mathematical instruments; measuring apparatus; electric measuring apparatus; measuring instruments; metal detectors for industrial or military use; microprocessors; electric monitoring apparatus; optical apparatus and instruments; precision measuring apparatus; printed circuit boards; printed circuits; probes for scientific use; radiological apparatus for industrial use; electronic card readers; scanners (data processing equipment); scanners (data processing equipment); sonars; sound locating instruments; sound recording apparatus; sound recording media; sound reproduction apparatus; sound transmitting apparatus; teaching apparatus; school apparatus; testing apparatus not for medical use; voltmeters; wavemeters; X-ray tubes not for medical purposes; X-ray producing apparatus and installations not for medical use. Construction; repair; installation services; airplane maintenance and repair; burner maintenance and repair; machinery installation, maintenance and repair; pipeline construction and maintenance; motor vehicle maintenance and repair; installation and repair of electric apparatus. Scientific and technological services as well as research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computers and software; testing of materials; quality control; technical research services; oil-well testing; mechanical research services; technical project study.

Goods & Services

Acoustic conduits; acoustic couplers; apparatus and instruments for physics; bags designed for laptop computers; electric cables; integrated circuits; electric coils; computer peripherals; recorded computer programs; software (recorded programs); computers; data processing apparatus; detectors; diagnostic apparatus not for medical use; distance measuring apparatus (diastimeters); distance recording apparatus; electric installations for remote control of operations; electro-dynamic apparatus for the remote control of signals; electromagnetic coils; electronic pens [visual display units]; high-frequency apparatus; inductors (electricity); memory cards or integrated circuit cards; interfaces (for computers); junction boxes (electricity); junction boxes; laptop computers; magnetic encoders; magnets; material testing instruments and machines; mathematical instruments; measuring apparatus; electric measuring apparatus; measuring instruments; metal detectors for industrial or military use; microprocessors; electric monitoring apparatus; optical apparatus and instruments; precision measuring apparatus; printed circuit boards; printed circuits; probes for scientific use; radiological apparatus for industrial use; readers (data processing equipment); scanners (data processing equipment); scanners (computer equipment); sonars; sound locating instruments; sound recording apparatus; sound recording media; sound reproduction apparatus; sound transmitting apparatus; teaching apparatus; school apparatus; testing apparatus not for medical use; voltmeters; wavemeters; x-ray tubes not for medical purposes; x-ray producing apparatus and installations not for medical use. Airplane maintenance and repair; burner maintenance and repair; installation, maintenance and repair of machinery; pipeline construction and maintenance; motor vehicle maintenance and repair; installation and repair of electric apparatus. Testing of materials; quality control; technical research; oil-well testing; mechanical research; technical project study.

Goods & Services

[ Acoustic conduits; acoustic couplers; ] Apparatus and instruments for physics, namely, electromagnetic apparatus to electrically drive an exciter and for the measurement of the response of a sensor for the characterization of materials with the objective of measuring the properties of materials, the presence and the characteristics of a defect in a part; [ bags designed for laptop computers; electric cables; integrated circuits; electric coils; computer peripherals; Recorded computer programs and software, namely, software for the control and data visualization of flaws in materials and for the control of material characterization instruments, and software for the processing of the measured data obtained from the material characterization instruments through visualization, filtering, aggregation, and another transformation of the raw data; computers; ] data processing apparatus; Electronic apparatus, namely, electromagnetic detectors for the detection and characterizing of flaws in material and for the characterization of materials; Electromagnetic diagnostic apparatus not for medical use for the detection and characterization of flaws in materials with a non-zero electromagnetic response; distance measuring apparatus based on electromagnetic response of eddy currents or dc magnetic field for the power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, aerospace and machining tool industries; [ electric installations for remote control of industrial operations and manufacturing system; electro-dynamic apparatus for the remote control of signals; ] electromagnetic coils; [ high-frequency apparatus for the electrical detection of the in phase and out phase response of a sensor to an excitation; electrical inductors; blank memory cards and blank integrated circuit cards; interfaces for computers; electric junction boxes junction boxes; laptop computers; magnetic encoders; ] magnets; Electromagnetic material testing instruments and electromagnetic electronic equipment for the detection of flaws in material and the characterization of materials; measuring apparatus for the detection and characterization of flaws in materials and the characterization of materials. measuring instruments for the detection and characterization of flaws in materials and the characterization of materials; metal detectors for industrial or military use; [ microprocessors; ]electric monitoring apparatus for the detection and characterization of flaws in materials and the characterization of materials; precision measuring apparatus for the detection and characterization of flaws in materials and the characterization of materials; [ printed circuit boards; printed circuits; sonars; sound recording apparatus; sound reproduction apparatus; sound transmitting apparatus; ] Electronic teaching simulators in the nature of software-based teaching apparatus and training equipment in the nature of computer hardware, all for the training of engineers and non-destructive testing and quality control inspectors; testing apparatus not for medical use for the detection and characterization of flaws in materials and the characterization of materials; voltmeters [; wave meters; x-ray tubes not for medical purposes; x-ray producing apparatus and installations not for medical use ] *; none of the aforesaid goods comprising integrated circuits as an independent product, as an independent component, as an independent characteristic or as an independent attribute * [ Airplane maintenance and repair; * machinery installation, maintenance and repair; * [ burner maintenance and repair; installation, maintenance and repair of machinery; pipeline construction and maintenance; ] motor vehicle maintenance and repair; installation and repair of electric apparatus, namely, electrical generators for the power generation industry * ; all the aforesaid services excluding those related to components comprising integrated circuits as an independent product, as an independent component, as an independent characteristic or as an independent attribute; burner maintenance and repair; pipeline construction and maintenance * ] Testing of materials for the non-destructive testing, quality control, power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, and aerospace industries; [ quality control for others; technical research for the characterization of materials in the field of non-destructive testing, quality control, power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, and aerospace industries; ] * technical project study for the characterization of materials in the field of non-destructive testing, quality control, power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, and aerospace industries; all the aforesaid services excluding those related to integrated circuits as an independent product, as an independent component, as an independent characteristic or as an independent attribute * [ ; oil-well testing; mechanical research ; technical project study for the characterization of materials in the field of non-destructive testing, quality control, power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, and aerospace industries ]