US 7,405,578 B2 · Device for monitoring the contact integrity of a joint

Abstract

The invention relates to a device that can be used to monitor the contact integrity of a joint that is of an impervious contact surface between two parts (4 and 5) including a set of conductive patterns (8) which are distributed over the two contact surfaces (1 and 2) and which are separated by insulating zones (9). When the aforementioned two parts (4 and 5) are brought into contact, the conductive patterns (8) also come into contact and form a conductor between the two measuring points (6 and 7), which is made by positioning the resistances of the patterns (8) in series. Any local change in the contact between the patterns causes the intensity and voltage between points (6) and (7) to vary and is measured with a measuring device (22). The invention is particularly suitable for the detection of an intrusion or a leak between two sealed contact parts.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A device for monitoring the contact integrity between two curvilinear surfaces by measuring variations in electric resistance between connection points, said device comprising:

a) three or more patterns distributed on each curvilinear surface;
and,
b) two or more electrical connection points,
wherein at least two of said patterns are linked to said electrical connection points, these patterns being more conductive than their surrounding and being distributed so that when the aforementioned surfaces are brought into contact, the superimposition of the patterns forms chains of conductors whose resistance increases when the contact integrity is damaged.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Device for monitoring the contact integrity of a joint

Life of this patent

Device for monitoring the contact integrity of a joint

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9