Sensor assembly and a method of sensing
AssigneeRwr Systems Limited
InventorAndrew James Daton-Lovett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.
Claims25
A sensor assembly for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest, the assembly comprising:
- an elongate member constructed and arranged to have a structure-engaging form, wherein, in the structure-engaging form, the elongate member is resiliently biased such that the member engages with and grips said structure along at least part of the length of the member;
- and,
- at least one sensor supported by the elongate member, wherein the member is constructed and arranged to be progressively flattenable and windable about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the member to form a coil so as to be reversibly configurable between a coiled form and an extended form, wherein the extended form is the structure-engaging form.
In combination, deployment apparatus and a sensor assembly for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest,
- the sensor assembly comprising:
- an elongate member constructed and arranged to have a structure-engaging form, wherein, in the structure-engaging form, the elongate member is resiliently biased such that the member engages with and grips said structure along at least part of the length of the member;
- and
- at least one sensor supported by the elongate member, the deployment apparatus comprising:
- a gripper for gripping said structure of interest;
- a holder for holding the sensor assembly when coiled;
- actuating means for in use advancing the deployment apparatus relative to the structure;
- and,
- a guide member for progressively guiding the sensor assembly from being coiled to being engaged to the structure as the deployment apparatus advances.
A method of sensing a property associated with a structure of interest using a sensor assembly, the method comprising:
- engaging an elongate member of the sensor assembly with the structure of interest, the elongate member being resiliently biased such that the member engages with and grips the structure along at least part of the length of the member, wherein the member is constructed and arranged so that the member is progressively flattenable and windable about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the member to form a coil so as to be reversibly configurable between a coiled form and an extended form;
- wherein engaging the elongate member with the structure of interest includes progressively unwinding the sensor assembly from its coiled form and engaging the extended portion with the structure;
- and,
- sensing a property associated with the structure with at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.
A method of sensing a property associated with a structure of interest using a sensor assembly, the method comprising:
- engaging an elongate member of the sensor assembly with the structure of interest, the elongate member being resiliently biased such that the member engages with and grips the structure along at least part of the length of the member, wherein the member is formed from a sheet-like material having first and second longitudinal edges and when engaged with the structure the member forms a tube or a longitudinal section of a tube, wherein engaging the member with the structure comprises:
- separating the longitudinal edges of the member;
- moving the sensor assembly into position next to the structure;
- and,
- allowing the resiliency of the member to cause the member to engage with and grip the outside surface of the structure;
- and,
- sensing a property associated with the structure with at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.