System and method for evaluating a structure
First Claim
1. A system for evaluating a structure, the system comprising:
- a) a structure to be evaluated, the structure having a predetermined baseline thermal signature and formed from a web of interwoven fibers including at least one electrically conductive fiber;
b) a thermal source comprising a power-supply and the at least one electrically conductive fiber, the power supply operable to supply power to the at least one electrically conductive fiber to heat the structure;
c) a detection device operable to detect a thermal energy at various points of the structure; and
d) a computer coupled to the detection device, the computer operable to generate a thermal signature of the structure based on the thermal energy at the various points; and
e) wherein the generated thermal signature of the structure is compared to the baseline thermal signature of the structure to determine whether anomalies exist in the structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a system (10) for evaluating a structure (20), the structure (20) has a predetermined baseline thermal signature. The system (10) includes a thermal source (30) located at least partially inside the structure (20). The thermal source (30) is operable to generate a predetermined amount of heat, which heats the structure (20). The system (10) also includes a detection device (40) that is operable to determine the temperature at various points of the structure (20). The system (10) further includes a computer (50) that is coupled to the detection device (40). The computer (50) is operable to generate a thermal signature of the structure (20) based on the temperature at the various points. The generated thermal signature of the structure (20) is compared to the baseline thermal signature of the structure (20) to determine whether anomalies exist in the structure (20).
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for evaluating a structure, the system comprising:
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a) a structure to be evaluated, the structure having a predetermined baseline thermal signature and formed from a web of interwoven fibers including at least one electrically conductive fiber;
b) a thermal source comprising a power-supply and the at least one electrically conductive fiber, the power supply operable to supply power to the at least one electrically conductive fiber to heat the structure;
c) a detection device operable to detect a thermal energy at various points of the structure; and
d) a computer coupled to the detection device, the computer operable to generate a thermal signature of the structure based on the thermal energy at the various points; and
e) wherein the generated thermal signature of the structure is compared to the baseline thermal signature of the structure to determine whether anomalies exist in the structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for evaluating a structure, the method comprising:
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determining an amount of heat to be transferred to the structure;
generating the amount of heat within the structure by directing, by a computer, a power source to deliver a corresponding amount of power to an electrically conductive fiber located at least partially inside the structure;
detecting the thermal energy at various points of the structure;
generating a thermal signature of the structure based on the thermal energy at the various points; and
comparing the generated thermal signature of the structure to a predetermined baseline thermal signature of the structure. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
varying the amount of heat within the structure over time; and
generating the thermal signature of the structure that varies with time.
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22. A system for evaluating a structure, the system comprising:
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a structure to be evaluated, the structure formed from a web of interwoven fibers coupled together by a resin;
at least one electrically conductive fiber associated with the web of interwoven fibers;
a power supply coupled to the at least one electrically conductive fiber, the power supply operable to supply power to the at least one electrically conductive fiber to heat the structure;
a detection device operable to detect a thermal energy at various points of the structure; and
a computer coupled to the detection device, the computer operable to generate a thermal signature of the structure based on the thermal energy at the various points.
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Specification