INTEGRATED FASTENER-SENSOR ARRANGEMENT
First Claim
1. An integrated in-situ sensor device for sensing characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof, the device comprising:
- a mechanical coupler to couple layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure; and
a sensor circuit toinsert into the opening with the mechanical coupler,induce an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening, the electrical response being indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, andsense the induced electrical response to provide a signal characterizing the multi-layer structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Characteristics of a multi-layer structure are detected, such as for detecting mechanical and/or corrosive damage of the multi-layer structure. In an example embodiment, an integrated in-situ sensor device senses characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof. The device includes a mechanical coupler and a sensor circuit. The mechanical coupler couples layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure. The sensor circuit inserts into the opening with the mechanical coupler, and induces an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening. This induced electrical response is indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and is sensed to provide a signal characterizing characteristics of the multi-layer structure.
27 Citations
35 Claims
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1. An integrated in-situ sensor device for sensing characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof, the device comprising:
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a mechanical coupler to couple layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure; and a sensor circuit to insert into the opening with the mechanical coupler, induce an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening, the electrical response being indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and sense the induced electrical response to provide a signal characterizing the multi-layer structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for detecting characteristics of a multi-layer structure, the system comprising:
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a fastener arrangement to insert into an opening traversing a multi-layer structure and to fasten layers in the multi-layer structure together, the fastener arrangement including an active electrical conductor to induce an electrical response by a target portion of the multi-layer structure that is at or below an exposed surface of the structure and along a sidewall defining the opening, and a passive electrical conductor to sense the induced electrical response from the target portion of the multi-layer structure; a controller coupled to control the active electrical conductor for applying the electric field; and a processor coupled to receive a signal corresponding to the sensed induced electrical response from the passive electrical conductor and to process the signal for detecting a characteristic of the target portion of the multi-layer structure. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for sensing characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof, the method comprising:
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coupling layers of the multi-layer structure together by inserting a fastener into an opening traversing the multi-layer structure; inserting, with the fastener, a sensor circuit into the opening; using the sensor circuit, inducing an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening, the electrical response being indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and sensing the induced electrical response and providing a signal characterizing characteristics of the multi-layer structure. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. An integrated in-situ sensor device for sensing characteristics of a fastener during operation thereof, the device comprising:
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a fastener to couple layers of a multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure; and a sensor circuit to insert into the opening with the fastener, induce an electrical response in a portion of the fastener, the electrical response being indicative of characteristics of the fastener, and sense the induced electrical response to provide a signal characterizing the fastener. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. An integrated in-situ sensor device for sensing characteristics of a fastener during operation thereof, the device comprising:
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a fastener to couple layers of a multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure; and a sensor circuit to insert into the opening with the fastener, and produce a measurable response characterizing a force provided by the fastener to couple layers of the multi-layer structure together. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33)
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34. A corrosion detection arrangement to detect a degree of corrosion in a battery, the arrangement comprising:
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an active electrical conductor to induce an electrical response by a target portion within the battery, and a passive electrical conductor to sense the induced electrical response from the target portion of the battery; a controller coupled to control the active electrical conductor for applying the electric field; and a processor coupled to receive a signal corresponding to the sensed induced electrical response from the passive electrical conductor and to process the signal for detecting a characteristic of the target portion of the battery. - View Dependent Claims (35)
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Specification