Sensor assembly and a method of sensing
AssigneeRTL Materials Ltd.
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.
Claims20
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 elongate member engages with and grips said structure along at least part of the length of the elongate member, wherein a longitudinal extent of the elongate member is at least 5 times a transverse extent of the elongate member when in the structure-engaging form;
- and,
- at least one fibre optic sensor fixed to the elongate member and extending longitudinally along the elongate member, wherein the sensor assembly grips and follows a length of the structure as the structure bends or deforms and so allows the fibre optic sensor to sense a property associated with that length of the structure.
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 elongate member engages with and grips the structure along at least part of a length of the elongate member, wherein a longitudinal extent of the elongate member is at least 5 times a transverse extent of the elongate member when in the structure-engaging form;
- and,
- sensing a property associated with the structure with at least one fibre optic sensor fixed to the elongate member and extending longitudinally along the elongate member, wherein the sensor assembly grips and follows a length of the structure as the structure bends or deforms and so allows the fibre optic sensor to sense a property associated with that length of the structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.