Sensing system based on multiple resonant electromagnetic cavities
First Claim
1. A method for measuring parameters experienced by a structure, the method comprising:
- a) coupling at least one sensor to the structure, the at least one sensor having at least one electromagnetic resonator;
b) transferring an interrogation signal wirelessly from a first antenna to at least one coupler, through the at least one coupler, and into the electromagnetic resonator to measure a select parameter and to evoke a first response signal associated with the select parameter;
c) transferring the response signal out of the electromagnetic resonator, through the same or a different coupler, and wirelessly to the first antenna;
d) measuring at least a second select parameter with the interrogation signal and to evoke at least a second response signal associated with the at least second select parameter; and
e) transferring the at least second response signal out of the electromagnetic resonator, through the same or a different coupler, and wirelessly to the first antenna.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and a method for measuring properties and health of structures are disclosed. The system comprises a number of sensors connected to a single antenna. Each sensor has a body that defines an electromagnetic resonator. The electromagnetic resonator produces a response signal in response to an interrogation signal. The body is coupled to the structure to so as to allow the parameters of interest alter the resonance properties of the electromagnetic resonators thereby altering the response signal. The sensor further includes a coupler that is coupled to the body. The coupler transfers the interrogation signal into the electromagnetic resonator and transfers the response signal from the electromagnetic resonator. The system further includes an interrogator that generates and transmits the interrogation signal to the sensor. The interrogator also receives the response signal.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method for measuring parameters experienced by a structure, the method comprising:
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a) coupling at least one sensor to the structure, the at least one sensor having at least one electromagnetic resonator; b) transferring an interrogation signal wirelessly from a first antenna to at least one coupler, through the at least one coupler, and into the electromagnetic resonator to measure a select parameter and to evoke a first response signal associated with the select parameter; c) transferring the response signal out of the electromagnetic resonator, through the same or a different coupler, and wirelessly to the first antenna; d) measuring at least a second select parameter with the interrogation signal and to evoke at least a second response signal associated with the at least second select parameter; and e) transferring the at least second response signal out of the electromagnetic resonator, through the same or a different coupler, and wirelessly to the first antenna. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A sensor for measuring parameters experienced by a structure, the sensor comprising:
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a) a body having an electromagnetic resonator for producing a wireless response signal in response to a wireless interrogation signal, the body being coupled to the structure to allow a selected parameter to alter the resonance properties of the electromagnetic resonator thereby altering the wireless response signal; and
,b) at least two couplers coupled to the sensor, the couplers adapted to transfer the wireless interrogation signal from a first antenna into the electromagnetic resonator to measure separate select parameters, and to transfer the respective wireless response signals of the select parameters measured out of the electromagnetic cavity to the first antenna. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A sensor for measuring parameters experienced by a structure, the sensor comprising:
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a) a body having an electromagnetic resonator for producing a wireless response signal in response to a wireless interrogation signal, the body being coupled to the structure to allow a selected parameter to alter the resonance properties of the electromagnetic resonator thereby altering the response signal, the electromagnetic resonator of the sensor having at least two rods therewithin, each rod to form within the electromagnetic resonator a resonator system, so that the resonator system associated with a first rod has a resonant frequency substantially separated from the resonant frequency of a second resonator system associated with a second rod; and
,b) a coupler coupled to the sensor, the coupler adapted to transfer the wireless interrogation signal from an antenna into the electromagnetic resonator to measure separate select parameters, and to transfer the respective wireless response signals of the select parameters measured out of the electromagnetic cavity to the same or a different antenna. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification