A sensing system (10) for monitoring the integrity of a structure has first and second channels (12 and 14) arranged for sealing onto a surface (16) of the structure (18) to form respective spaced apart first and second galleries (20 and 22). A fluid (F1) is in the first gallery (20) and a fluid (F2) is in the second gallery (22). A measurement system (24) measures for a change in a pressure independent physical characteristic: a) in the first gallery (20); b) in the second gallery (22); c) between the first gallery (20) and the second gallery (22); or d) a combination of two or more of a), b) and c) where the change is dependent on a mass flow of fluid from one of, or between, the sealed galleries due to a crack in the structure. The pressure independent physical characteristic of the fluid can be the conductivity of the fluid or the optical properties of the fluid.
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01M 3/16 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means
2.
SENSING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE INTEGRITY OF A STRUCTURE
A sensing system (10) for monitoring the integrity of a structure has first and second channels (12 and 14) arranged for sealing onto a surface (16) of the structure (18) to form respective spaced apart first and second galleries (20 and 22). A fluid (F1) is in the first gallery (20) and a fluid (F2) is in the second gallery (22). A measurement system (24) measures for a change in a pressure independent physical characteristic: a) in the first gallery (20); b) in the second gallery (22); c) between the first gallery (20) and the second gallery (22); or d) a combination of two or more of a), b) and c) where the change is dependent on a mass flow of fluid from one of, or between, the sealed galleries due to a crack in the structure. The pressure independent physical characteristic of the fluid can be the conductivity of the fluid or the optical properties of the fluid.
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01M 3/02 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
A sensing system (10) for monitoring the integrity of a structure has first and second channels (12 and 14) arranged for sealing onto a surface (16) of the structure (18) to form respective spaced apart first and second galleries (20 and 22). A fluid (F1) is in the first gallery (20) and a fluid (F2) is in the second gallery (22). A measurement system (24) measures for a change in a pressure independent physical characteristic: a) in the first gallery (20); b) in the second gallery (22); c) between the first gallery (20) and the second gallery (22); or d) a combination of two or more of a), b) and c) where the change is dependent on a mass flow of fluid from one of, or between, the sealed galleries due to a crack in the structure. The pressure independent physical characteristic of the fluid can be the conductivity of the fluid or the optical properties of the fluid.
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01M 3/02 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
A continuous flow structural health monitoring system for detecting a crack in a component or structure comprises a pressure source, a fluidic circuit and a measurement system. The pressure source supplies fluid at a regulated pressure relative to ambient pressure. The fluidic circuit couples at one end to the pressure source and opens at an opposite end to ambient pressure. The pressure source produces a substantially constant and continuous flow of fluid through the fluidic circuit. The fluidic circuit has a first passage having a first surface portion of the component or structure. The measurement system monitors perturbations in the flow of fluid through the first passage to provide an indication of structural health of the component or structure.
A differential comparative pressure monitoring system (10) for monitoring the structural integrity of a structure (30) has a pressure source (12); a first fluidic circuit (14), and a reference fluidic circuit (16) which are connected in parallel to the pressure source (12); and a monitoring device (18). The first and reference fluidic circuits (14) and (16) have substantially matched characteristics. The first circuit (14) has a sensor element (20) which is sealed to a surface (28) on the structure (30). The reference circuit (16) is in fluidic isolation from the surface (28) of the structure (30). The monitoring device (18) takes simultaneous measurements of a common fluidic characteristic of the circuits (14) and (16), and produces a signal indicative the integrity of the structure based on a difference between the simultaneously measured common characteristic.
A comparative pressure monitoring instrument (10) houses a switch (14) having first and second ports (18) and (20), and a high flow impedance 16. The ports (18) and (20) are in fluidal communication with a first pressure source (72) and a second pressure source (82) respectively. The impedance (16) is coupled (i.e. shunted) across the switch ports (18) and (20) and the first and second pressure sources (72, 82). The switch (14) switches between a first state characterised by a pressure differential across the impedance (16) being less than a preset level and a second state characterised by the pressure differential across the impedance (16) being equal to or greater than the preset difference. Any difference in pressure between the sources (72) and (82) will cause an air/gas flow through the impedance (16) and thus a pressure drop across the impedance (16).
An apparatus (10) monitors the condition of a component (12) by measuring the conductivity to air flow of a sealed cavity (14) formed on the surface of the component (12). The apparatus (10) comprises an unregulated pressure source (16) that is coupled to the cavity (14) via a fluid flow restriction (17). A measurement system (19) provides a measurement of, or related to, the volumetric air flow through the restriction (17), and calculates a conductivity index CI to air flow of the cavity in accordance with the equation CI=flow/pressure difference. In this equation “flow” is the volumetric flow of air through the flow restriction and “pressure difference” is the difference in pressure across the cavity with reference to atmospheric or ambient pressure. In the event that a crack traverses the cavity and provides a flow path to the atmosphere, the conductivity index CI will be a non-zero value. The higher the conductivity index the larger the crack.
A laminated sensor comprises a base stratum and a terminal stratum. The base stratum has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum. A connector is attached to the terminal stratum. The base stratum is provided with first and second channels and that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum. The terminal stratum is provided with holes that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum. A first pair of the holes are positioned to register with the first channel, while a second pair of the holes are positioned to register with the second channel. A first conduit is formed by the first channel and the holes; while a second conduit is formed by the second channel and the holes. The connector connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits and a differential pressure monitoring system.
A sensor for detecting surface cracks in a component or structure. A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a flat body portion with a central hole through which a main structural bolt passes. The body portion has a throughway providing fluid communication between an exterior port and a substantially hermetically-sealed area on the structural surface being monitored. A crack which develops in the monitored area surrounding the bolt hole will cause venting of the hermetically-sealed area, in turn causing a change in fluid pressure that can be detected and/or measured to warn of the presence of the crack.
G01M 3/08 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing bubbles in a liquid pool for valves
10.
CONTINUOUS FLOW STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD
A continuous flow structural health monitoring (10) system for detecting a crack in a component or structure is described. The system (10) comprises a pressure source (12), a fluidic circuit (14) and a measurement system (22). The pressure source (12) provides a supply fluid at a regulated pressure difference relative to ambient pressure. The fluidic circuit (14) is coupled at one end (16) to the pressure source (12) and is open at an opposite end (18) to ambient pressure. The pressure source (12) produces a substantially constant and continuous flow of fluid through the fluidic circuit (14). The fluidic circuit has a first passage (20) constituted in part by a first surface portion of the component or structure. The measurement system (22) monitors for perturbations in the substantially constant flow of fluid through the first passage (20) to provide an indication of structural health of the component or structure.
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01N 19/08 - Detecting presence of flaws or irregularities
A method of detecting impact damage of a structure having a first surface exposed to potential impacts from an object comprises providing a sensor having a body portion that has a surface provided with an elongated channel. The sensor is fixed to a second surface of the structure such that a conduit is formed by the channel and the surface. The surface is on an opposite side of the structure to the first surface. A pressure differential is established between the conduit and a reference pressure adjacent the conduit. Monitoring is conducted for detecting any change in the differential pressure that may be indicative of a fracture or crack propagating in the second surface.
A differential comparative pressure monitoring system (10) for monitoring the structural integrity of a structure or component (30) comprises a pressure source (12); a first fluidic circuit (14), and a reference fluidic circuit (16) which are connected in parallel to the pressure source (12); and a monitoring device (18). The first and reference fluidic circuits (14) and (16) are formed to have substantially matched characteristics. These characteristics include volumetric capacity of each of the circuits, fluid flow rates through the circuits, their temperature characteristics, and diffusion characteristics. The first circuit (14) comprises a sensor element (20) which is sealed to a surface (28) on the structure or component (30) being monitored by the system (10). The reference circuit (16) is in fluidic isolation from the surface (28) of the structure or component (30). The monitoring device (18) is coupled to the first and reference circuits (14) and (16) and takes simultaneous measurements of a common fluidic characteristic of the circuits (14) and (16), and produces a signal indicative the integrity of the structure or component based on a difference between the simultaneously measured common characteristic of the circuits (14) and (16).
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01L 15/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring two or more fluid pressure values simultaneously
G01N 19/08 - Detecting presence of flaws or irregularities
G01L 13/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring differences of two or more fluid pressure values
G01M 3/02 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
A comparative pressure monitoring instrument (10) houses a switch (14) having first and second ports (18) and (20), and a high flow impedance 16. The ports (18) and (20) are in fluidal communication with a first pressure source (72) and a second pressure source (82) respectively. The impedance (16) is coupled (i.e. shunted) across the switch ports (18) and (20) and the first and second pressure sources (72, 82). The switch (14) switches between a first state characterised by a pressure differential across the impedance (16) being less than a preset level and a second state characterised by the pressure differential across the impedance (16) being equal to or greater than the preset difference. Any difference in pressure between the sources (72) and (82) will cause an air/gas flow through the impedance (16) and thus a pressure drop across the impedance (16).
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01L 13/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring differences of two or more fluid pressure values
G01L 15/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring two or more fluid pressure values simultaneously
A method for detecting separation in a structure that comprises at least two portions or layers affixed together comprises forming a cavity into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers.
G01N 19/08 - Detecting presence of flaws or irregularities
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
15.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONDITION MONITORING OF STRUCTURES
An apparatus (10) for the condition monitoring of structures comprises a sensor cavity (12) formed on or in the structure being monitored, a pressure storage vessel (14) and a monitoring device (16). The sensor cavity (12), vessel (14) and monitoring device (16) are connected in series with each other to form a closed circuit. High fluid flow impedance (22) is connected in series between one end of the cavity (12) and the vessel (14) with an adjustable flow device (24) coupled in series between the impedance (22) and the vessel (14). The device (24) enables matching of volume to impedance ratios between a portion of the circuit comprising the cavity (12) and a portion comprising the vessel (14). A pressure adjustment device (28) is coupled between impedance (22) and the adjustable flow device (24) enabling a recharging or discharging of the cavity (12) and vessel (14) in a proportional or balanced manner so that the monitoring device (16) does not provide false condition monitoring signals.
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01L 13/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring differences of two or more fluid pressure values
G01N 19/08 - Detecting presence of flaws or irregularities
16.
CONDITION MONITORING OF A COMPONENT OR STRUCTURE USING FLUID FLOW
An apparatus (10) monitors the condition of a component (12) by measuring the conductivity to air flow of a sealed cavity (14) formed on the surface of the component (12). The apparatus (10) comprises an unregulated pressure source (16) that is coupled to the cavity (14) via a fluid flow restriction (17). A measurement system (19) provides a measurement of, or related to, the volumetric air flow through the restriction (17), and calculates a conductivity index CI to air flow of the cavity in accordance with the equation CI = flow/pressure difference. In this equation 'flow' is the volumetric flow of air through the flow restriction and 'pressure difference' is the difference in pressure across the cavity with reference to atmospheric or ambient pressure. In the event that a crack traverses the cavity and provides a flow path to the atmosphere, the conductivity index CI will be a non-zero value. The higher the conductivity index the larger the crack.
A method of manufacturing a sensor (10) for use in a differential pressure monitoring system comprises forming a body portion (12) of the sensor (10) by delivering a molten material to a mould and forming one or more channels (16) in the body portion (12). The channels (16) open onto a first surface (14) of the body portion that, in use, is affixed to a surface of a component to be monitored. The method further comprises forming connectors with the body portion and providing the connectors with a throughway or passage to provide fluid communication with the channels. The connectors, channels and body portion may all be formed concurrently in the moulding process.
A sensor for detecting surface cracks in a component or structure such as (152). A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a flat body portion (12) with a central hole (14) through which a main structural bolt (162) passes. The body portion has a throughway (28) providing fluid communication between an exterior port (30) and a substantially hermetically-sealed area on the structural surface being monitored. A crack which develops in the monitored area surrounding the bolt hole will cause venting of the hermetically-sealed area, in turn causing a change in fluid pressure that can be detected and/or measured to warn of the presence of the crack.
G01M 3/02 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01N 19/08 - Detecting presence of flaws or irregularities
19.
A SENSOR FOR DETECTING SURFACE CRACKS IN AN ARTICLE
A laminated sensor (110) comprises a base stratum (112) and a terminal stratum (114). The base stratum (112) has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum (114) is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum (112) . Connector (116) is attached to the terminal stratum (114) . The base stratum (112) is provided with first and second channels (118) and (120) that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum (112) . The terminal stratum (114) is provided with holes (122a), (122b), (124a) and (124b) that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum (114) . A first pair of the holes (122a, 122b) are positioned to register with the first channel (118), while a second pair of the holes (124a, 124b ) are positioned to register with the second channel (120). A first conduit (126) is formed by the first channel 118 and the holes (122a, 122b); while a second conduit 128 is formed by the second channel (120) and the holes (124a) and (124b). The connector (116) connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits 12 (6) and (128) and a differential pressure monitoring system.
G01M 3/02 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01M 3/04 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
G01N 19/08 - Detecting presence of flaws or irregularities
A method of detecting impact damage of a structure (10) having a first surface (18) exposed to potential impacts from an object (16) comprises providing a sensor (50) having a body portion (54) that has a surface (52) provided with an elongated channel (56). The sensor (50) is fixed to a second surface (20) of the structure (10) such that a conduit (58) is formed by the channel (56) and the surface (20). The surface (20) is on an opposite side of the structure (10) to the first surface (18). A pressure differential is established between the conduit (58) and a reference pressure adjacent the conduit (58). Monitoring is conducted for detecting any change in the differential pressure that may be indicative of a fracture or crack propagating in the second surface.
A method (100) for detecting separation in a structure (10) that comprises at least two portions or layers (12, 14) affixed together comprises forming a cavity (16) into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions (12) and (14) and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure (10) is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers (12) and (14).
A method of monitoring cracking in a component comprises forming a component (10) with a simultaneously formed elongate hole (12) that is internal to the component (10). A connector (16) having a throughway is attached to the component (10) such that the throughway is in fluid communication with the elongate hole (12). The elongate hole is connected to a pressure measurement instrument via the connector (16). A monitoring system then monitors the elongate hole for a change in pressure level.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
capillary tubes, pressure gauges, pressure indicators, pressure transducers, vacuum gauges, vacuum indicators, vacuum transducers, sensor pads for use in pressure and vacuum monitoring devices namely, sensor pads made from polymers, natural or synthetic rubbers and adhesive materials provided with one or mores surface grooves; electronic pressure and vacuum monitors
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Capillary tubes, electronic signal processing devices, electric monitoring apparatus, pressure gauges, pressure indicators, pressure measuring apparatus, pressure transducers, vacuum gauges, vacuum indicators, vacuum measuring apparatus, vacuum transducers, sensor pads and tubes for use in pressure and vacuum monitoring devices including sensor pads and tubes made from polymers, natural or synthetic rubbers, and/or adhesive materials.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Automatic valves; solenoid valves; laboratory apparatus and apparatus for scientific purposes, namely, capillary tubes; pressure differential transducers, fluid flow impedance meters, pressure gauges; gas pressure transducers; air and gas pressure indictors; sensor pads and tubes for use in comparative vacuum monitoring devices Laboratory research in the field of structural integrity of materials; research and development of new products for others, in the field of pressure and vacuum monitoring and sensing in relation to sensor materials using polymers and adhesives; product development, namely, development of electronic signal processing devices and development of vacuum pumps, namely vacuum peristaltic pumps; design and testing for new product development; technical support services, namely, troubleshooting of comparative vacuum condition monitoring in person, and via e-mail and telephone; product development consultation; technical consultation in the field of structural engineering; mechanical research; material testing
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Pumps including vacuum pumps, and vacuum peristaltic pumps; pressure reducers; pressure regulators, pressure valves; pneumatic controls for machines, motors and engines; control mechanisms for machines, engines or motors. Capillary tubes, electronic signal processing devices, electric monitoring apparatus, pressure gauges, pressure indicators, pressure measuring apparatus, pressure transducers, sensor pads and tubes for use in pressure and vacuum monitoring devices including sensor pads and tubes made from polymers and/or adhesives materials. Research into structural integrity of materials; research and development in pressure and vacuum monitoring and sensing including in relation to sensor materials using polymers and adhesives; development of electronic signal processing devices; development of vacuum pumps including vacuum peristaltic pumps; non-destructive testing; technical support services in structural monitoring; professional consultancy; mechanical research; material testing.
