Multi-element sensor for monitoring composite structure
AssigneeHexagon Technology AS
InventorsBrian Burks, ZACK PRATHER, JOHN EIHUSEN, JOEL R. JOHNSON, TYLER PERKINS
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Abstract
Disclosed is a sensor for monitoring a composite structure. The sensor includes multiple sensing elements of different sizes, each configured for different respective monitoring tasks. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating the sensor, designing and manufacturing the sensor, and attaching the sensor to the composite structure.
Claims24
A sensor for monitoring a composite structure, the sensor comprising:
- a first sensor element having a first size and configured to detect data associated with a first monitoring task;
- and
- a second sensor element having a second size and configured to detect data associated with a second monitoring task.
A method for fabricating a sensor, the method comprising:
- fabricating a first positive electrode having a first size and a second positive electrode having a second size;
- fabricating a ground electrode having a size larger than a combination of the first size and the second size;
- and
- disposing a piezoelectric material between a layer having the first positive electrode and the second positive electrode and the ground electrode.
A method of monitoring a composite structure, the method comprising:
- determining a plurality of monitoring tasks for a sensor having a plurality of sensor elements;
- determining a respective plurality of sensor element sizes for the plurality of sensor elements based on the respective plurality of monitoring tasks;
- fabricating the sensor based on the determined plurality of sensor element sizes;
- and
- coupling the sensor to the composite structure.
A method for fabricating a sensor for a composite structure, the method comprising:
- fabricating a positive electrode;
- fabricating a ground electrode;
- fabricating a piezoelectric element by dicing a piezoelectric material in a first direction and dicing the piezoelectric material in a second direction to form channels, and filling the channels with a resin;
- disposing the piezoelectric material between the positive electrode and the ground electrode;
- and
- heating the piezoelectric material to a temperature exceeding a transition temperature of the resin to conform the sensor to a surface of the composite structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.