SMART COMPOSITES AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
First Claim
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1. A device for detecting faults and weaknesses in a component, the device comprising:
- a non-conductive material shaped to form the component; and
a monitoring module including;
a conductive material in contact with the non-conductive material;
an input for inputting one of an electrical and an optical signal into the conductive material; and
a detector that detects at least one transmission parameter of the conductive material based on a received signal after the signal has been conducted through the conductive material and determines whether a weakness exists in the component based on the at least one transmission parameter.
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Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring the condition of components, such as components of airframes, and in particular devices, methods, and systems for detecting faults and warning of faults in components using transmission mechanisms, such as optically or electrically conductive material incorporated in the construction of the components, added to a laminate material.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device for detecting faults and weaknesses in a component, the device comprising:
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a non-conductive material shaped to form the component; and a monitoring module including; a conductive material in contact with the non-conductive material; an input for inputting one of an electrical and an optical signal into the conductive material; and a detector that detects at least one transmission parameter of the conductive material based on a received signal after the signal has been conducted through the conductive material and determines whether a weakness exists in the component based on the at least one transmission parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of monitoring a composite laminate component, the method comprising:
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providing a laminate composite component having a conductive layer sandwiched between at least two non-conductive layers; inputting one of an electrical and an optical signal to the conductive layer; receiving the signal after transmission through the conductive layer; and analyzing the received signal to determine whether the component comprises a weakness. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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12. The method of claim 12, wherein determining whether the component comprises a weakness includes:
determining whether there has been a change in one of the inductance and the resistance of the conductive material. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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19. A method of manufacturing a composite laminate airplane component having a monitoring feature, the method comprising:
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providing a non-conductive first laminate layer; providing a conductive material adjacent the first non-conductive laminate layer; providing a second non-conductive laminate layer adjacent the conductive material, and located on the side opposite the first non-conductive laminate layer; attaching an input to the conductive material, wherein the input is configured to input one of an electrical and an optical signal to the conductive material;
attaching a detector to the conductive material, wherein the detector is configured to detect at least one transmission parameter of the conductive material based on a receipt of the input signal; andwherein the first and second non-conductive layers are shaped to form the airplane component; - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification