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US 2025/0224291 A1Published application
Multi-element sensor for monitoring composite structure
AssigneeHexagon Technology AS
InventorsBrian Burks, Zack Prather, John Eihusen, Joel R. Johnson, Tyler Perkins
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
A method for fabricating a sensor, the method comprising:
- coupling a bottom surface of a first positive electrode to a top surface of a first conductive layer configured to conduct electricity in only a vertical axis, the first positive electrode having a first size;
- coupling a bottom surface of a second positive electrode to the top surface of the first conductive layer, the second positive electrode having a second size;
- and
- coupling a top surface of an active sensing element to a bottom surface of the first conductive layer, the active sensing element configured to produce an electric current when placed under mechanical stress and having a size larger than a combination of the first size and the second size.
1 more element
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.
2 more elements
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.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.