WO2023187236A1 - Measuring device for an architectural structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a measuring device for an architectural structure (1), which comprises a hollow case (2) joined to a hollow rod (21) outside the case (2), at least one first moisture and/or temperature sensor (31) on the joint (22) connecting the rod (21) to the case (2), and at least one second acceleration sensor (32), in order to provide a system which is economical and easy to use while carrying out works and which, once the works are complete, reduces the maintenance and conservation cost of the architectural structures (1) and extends the useful life thereof.

Description

MEASURING DEVICE FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present patent application is a measuring device for an architectural structure, which comprises a hollow casing attached to a hollow stem, according to claim 1, being capable of simultaneously acquiring data on temperature, humidity and vibrations, as the main variables. physical measurements of structural interest, incorporating notable advantages, especially in the monitoring of wooden structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently there are a large number of architectural constructions that are part of the cultural heritage. With respect to said real estate, its conservation and restoration is being promoted, after analysis and understanding of its morphological configuration and structural functioning. Furthermore, current regulations establish the obligations of owners and users to keep new buildings in good condition, through proper use and maintenance, in accordance with the instructions for use contained in the project documentation, as well as to receive, preserve and transmit documentation of the work executed. For this reason, it is necessary to schedule a series of periodic operations and inspections, as well as document all interventions and renovations carried out during its useful life, archiving everything in the so-called building book. Thus, the term "structure management system" appears, contemplating the establishment of periodic inspections, as well as the complete documentary archive of the original structure and the repair, reinforcement and extension projects that can be carried out.

The responsibility for the integrity of the constructions falls mainly on the structure of the property. And one of the biggest problems when it comes to conserving and maintaining the structure is that, due to its very design, it usually remains hidden, especially in new constructions. The technical inspections carried out on buildings for their maintenance are based, in a large percentage, on visual recognition. The structure is normally hidden behind other construction elements, making it difficult to detect possible pathologies that may be deteriorating it and, in the long term, causing its ruin. In general, the origin of many injuries is usually found in high humidity contents, which cause loss of performance in wooden structures, oxidation and corrosion in steel structures, and superficial detachments in reinforced concrete structures due to the oxidation of the interior reinforcements. .

In recent years, continuous monitoring systems for structures have begun to be implemented, especially in large civil infrastructures, such as bridges or dams. This type of monitoring is also gradually being incorporated into historic buildings. Said monitoring can be focused on the analysis of the dynamic behavior of the structure, in order to anticipate risks due to changes in the kinematic response of the structure itself. Other types of monitoring usually focus on monitoring deformations, displacements and alterations in moisture content in certain construction elements. Monitoring is usually based on data acquisition through measurement devices, also called sensors or transducers.

It is also known from the state of the art, what is described in patent US006192758, about a method to determine the location of structural damage in the structure of a bridge. The steps include providing a transient load imposition device, traveling the device over the bridge and then along the bridge, detecting the vibratory response of the bridge, including frequency changes during travel, and determining the position of the device relative to the bridge. with a frequency change below a selected value.

On the other hand, what is described in patent EP2112375, about a method for detecting the formation of ice on the blades of a wind turbine, is known from the state of the art. The wind turbine has at least one turbine blade mounted on a rotor and provided with at least a first voltage sensor for measuring the voltage. turbine blade mechanics. The method comprises detecting changes in a voltage sensor output signal due to changes in the mass of the turbine blade caused by the formation of ice on the turbine blade.

Thus, and in view of all the above, the need is still appreciated to find a system that is economical, easy to implement during the execution of the works, and once finished, that reduces the cost of maintenance and conservation of the structures, and prolong the useful life of architectural buildings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is framed in the building and rehabilitation sector, specifically in the field of monitoring the structural health of buildings to improve their maintenance. Its objective, in view of everything stated in the background section, is to create a small digital sensor device capable of acquiring temperature, humidity and acceleration data simultaneously.

Said sensor device must be able to be implemented in structural monitoring systems that detect humidity, an agent that excessively deteriorates structures made of any material very quickly, especially wooden structures. At the same time, it must allow correction of acceleration readings, a parameter influenced by moisture content, especially in wooden structures.

It is also intended that these devices be low cost, unlike analog accelerometers, which allows the number of monitoring units to be increased. The presence of more reading points facilitates early detection of pathologies in the structure, as well as obtaining more precise FRFs (Frequency Response Function).

More particularly, the measuring device for an architectural structure comprises a hollow casing joined to a hollow stem external to said casing, at least a first humidity and/or temperature sensor at the junction of the stem with the casing, and at least one a second acceleration sensor. In this way, the same measuring device has the ability to detect values of two different variables such as humidity and/or temperature, and acceleration, that is, vibrations, increasing the possibilities of diagnosing the state of the architectural structure.

Advantageously, the casing is attached to a hollow stem, preferably made of plastic, which is inserted into structural elements, which are frequently wood, guaranteeing the correct reading of the moisture content.

Preferably, the first sensor is humidity and temperature, so that the same measuring device has the capacity to detect values of three different variables, such as humidity, temperature, and acceleration, maximizing the possibilities of diagnosing the state of the architectural structure.

Optionally, the first humidity and temperature sensor, and/or the second acceleration sensor, are mounted on an electronic board inside the hollow housing, so that the humidity and temperature sensor has more placement possibilities, as said humidity and temperature can be transmitted through the interior cavity of the casing.

Additionally, the measuring device comprises an A/D converter in connection with the first humidity and temperature sensor and/or with the second acceleration sensor, said A/D converter being an analog to digital signal converter. In this way, signals can be transmitted more reliably and quickly, while at the same time they can be processed more accurately by a large number of electronic devices.

Mention at this point that analog sensors transform the readings into electrical signals and allow measurement, among other things, acceleration, humidity, temperature, tension or pressure. On the other hand, digital sensors, which transform the readings into bits. These devices, called MEMS (Micro Electromechanical Systems), can also acquire a wide variety of physical quantities, such as acceleration, air pressure, air quality or temperature. The Digital sensors can have more reliability and accuracy than analog sensors, and have a very small size, just a few millimeters.

One of the problems when monitoring a structure, and characterizing its dynamic behavior, is the large number of sensors required, visual impact and its high price. Through digital sensors, and specifically with MEMS-type capacitive accelerometers, the spectrum and range of monitoring is expanded, since many more control points can be implemented due to their low cost and minimal size.

Thus, and more specifically, the first humidity and temperature sensor, and/or the second acceleration sensor are a MEMS type digital sensor, which includes an integrated A/D converter, presenting a smaller size, greater precision and reliability. , at a lower cost.

Additionally, the electronic board comprises wired data transmission means, so that the transmission of information and data is carried out more reliably and quickly.

Alternatively, the electronic board comprises wireless data transmission means, so that no specific wiring is necessary for the transmission of information at a distance, therefore being a measurement device that can be more easily concealed in the architectural structure.

According to another aspect of the invention, the measuring device comprises a battery, so that it has greater energy autonomy.

On the other hand, the measurement device includes a data memory, so that an immediate and simultaneous transmission of the detected information is not essential, but rather it is possible to store it temporarily and send it in blocks.

It should be noted that the union of the hollow casing with the hollow stem is through, so that the air with humidity and temperature values present inside the hollow stem, it can be transmitted without physical impediment to other points of the measuring device.

In more detail, the first humidity and/or temperature sensor is located inside the hollow stem, and preferably, in the area adjacent to the joint of the hollow casing, for better transmission of the humidity and temperature values present. inside the hollow stem.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises means for fixing it to the architectural structure, for better fastening, and without the need for additional elements for the assembly operator. Alternatively, it can be fixed with nails or glue, without limiting its functional performance. Thus, it is observed that the casing is fixed to the monitored structure, simply with commonly used mechanical means.

Optionally, the measuring device has a casing that is made of plastic material, offering good features of robustness and flexibility, as well as price.

And specifically, said plastic material of the casing is obtained through recycling, helping to not harm the environment.

Thus, the casing will preferably be produced with recycled plastic, covering the needs for reuse and storage of plastics, since architectural constructions have a very long useful life, which results in the conservation of the environment.

Various types of plastics share the characteristic of not being biodegradable, nor being easy to recycle, which makes them an important source of pollution. The current problem of excessive use and accumulation of plastic, together with its long decomposition process, has made its recycling essential. In this way, plastic products that become waste can become raw materials for new use. This method is quite fruitful for the economy, in addition to preventing ecological pollution. He Plastic obtained through recycling is cheap compared to basic raw material and requires less energy during its production.

This proposal also tries to combine both problems, on the one hand, the reuse of disposable plastics that are difficult to destroy and, on the other, active storage in places that last over time, such as monitoring systems attached to buildings.

More particularly, the plastic material of the casing is obtained from at least one procedure from the group of blowing, extrusion, injection molding, compression, transfer and/or liquid pressure, being duly proven production processes that offer clear product quality guarantees.

The accompanying drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, a measuring device for an architectural structure, constituted in accordance with the invention. Other characteristics and advantages of said measuring device for an architectural structure, object of the present invention, will be evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the drawings that they accompany each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1: Schematic representation of a block diagram of a device for recording accelerations and humidity and temperature contents according to the present invention.

Figure 2: Perspective representation of an example of an embodiment in detail of the components of a device for recording accelerations and humidity and temperature contents according to the present invention.

Figure 3: Sectional representation of an example of an embodiment in detail of the components of a device for recording accelerations and moisture contents according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In view of the aforementioned figures and, in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed, comprising the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

In Figure 1 you can see a schematic view of a block diagram of a device for recording accelerations and humidity and temperature contents in an architectural structure (1), comprising a housing (2) that houses a first sensor (31), a second sensor (32), an electronic board (33) and transmission means (35), being illustrative of a basic embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 2 you can see a perspective view of an example of an embodiment in detail of the components of a device to record accelerations and humidity and temperature contents in an architectural structure (1), including a casing (2) attached to a stem (21) at one end (21a) thereof, fixing means (23) to said architectural structure (1), comprising in its basic embodiment a first sensor (31) and a second sensor (32) on the electronic board ( 33).

In Figure 3 you can see a section view of a device for recording accelerations and humidity contents in an architectural structure (1), comprising a casing (2) joined to a stem (21) at one end (21a), forming a connection (22) to each other, and to the architectural structure (1) through fixing means (23). Said embodiment includes at least a first sensor (31), a second sensor (32), both mounted on an electronic board (33), an A/D converter (34) and transmission means (35) of the collected data, to the time than a battery (36) and a memory (37).

More particularly, as seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the measuring device for an architectural structure (1) comprises a hollow casing (2) attached to a hollow stem (21) external to said casing (2). ), at least a first humidity and/or temperature sensor (31) at the junction (22) of the stem (21) with the housing (2), and at least a second acceleration sensor (32). Specify that the hollow stem (21) can have a circular or prismatic shape, its use being mainly aimed at wooden architectural structures (1).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the first sensor (31) is for humidity and temperature, simultaneously.

Additionally, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the first humidity and temperature sensor (31), and/or the second acceleration sensor (32), are mounted on an electronic board (33) inside. of the hollow casing (2).

According to another aspect of the invention, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the measurement device for an architectural structure (1) comprises an A/D converter (34) in connection with the first humidity sensor (31). and temperature and/or with the second acceleration sensor (32).

More specifically, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the first humidity and temperature sensor (31), and/or the second acceleration sensor (32) are a MEMS type digital sensor.

Optionally, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the electronic board (33) comprises wired data transmission means (35), specifically of the Ethernet and/or Ethercat type.

Alternatively, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the electronic board (33) comprises wireless data transmission means (35), in particular of the Bluetooth and/or Wi-F type.

It is worth mentioning that, as seen in Figure 3, the measurement device for an architectural structure (1) may comprise a battery (36).

And additionally, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, it comprises a data memory (37). It should be noted that, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the connection (22) of the hollow casing (2) with the hollow stem (21) is through.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the first humidity and/or temperature sensor (31) is located inside the hollow stem (21).

Additionally, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the housing (2) comprises fixing means (23) to the architectural structure (1).

Note on the other hand, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, that the housing (2) can be hollow and made of plastic material, preferably prismatic in shape.

Mention that there are different types of polymers depending on their origin, whether natural or artificial, depending on their reaction to heat, thermoplastic or thermostable, or according to their molecular structure: amorphous or transparent, crystallizable, semi-crystallizable and elastomers or rubbers. Most plastics are waterproof, resistant, and good acoustic, electrical and thermal insulators. In addition, they are not very dense, economical to manufacture, easy to work and mold, resistant to corrosion and many chemical elements.

Optionally, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the plastic material of the casing (2) is obtained through recycling.

According to another aspect of the invention, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the plastic material of the casing (2) is obtained from at least one procedure from the group of blowing, extrusion, injection molding, compression, transfer and/or by liquid pressure.

The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the implementation of the measuring device for an architectural structure, may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, and do not deviate from the essentiality of the invention nor the scope defined by the claims that follow the following list. List of numerical references:

1 architectural structure

2 casing

21 stem

21st end

22 union

23 fixing means

31 first sensor

32 second sensor

33 electronic board

34 A/D converter

35 streaming media

36 battery

37 memory

Claims

1- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1) that comprises a hollow casing (2) attached to a hollow stem (21) exterior to said casing (2), characterized in that it comprises at least a first humidity sensor (31). and/or temperature at the junction (22) of the stem (21) with the casing (2), and at least a second acceleration sensor (32). 2- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor (31) is humidity and temperature. 3- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to claim 2, characterized in that the first humidity and temperature sensor (31), and/or the second acceleration sensor (32), are mounted on a plate. electronics (33) inside the hollow casing (2). 4- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an A/D converter (34) in connection with the first humidity and temperature sensor (31) and/or with the second acceleration sensor (32). 5- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the first humidity and temperature sensor (31), and/or the second acceleration sensor (32) are a MEMS type digital sensor. 6- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the electronic board (33) comprises wired data transmission means (35). 7- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the electronic board (33) comprises wireless data transmission means (35). 8- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a battery (36). 9- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a data memory (37). 10- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the connection (22) of the hollow casing (2) with the hollow stem (21) is through. 11- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to claim 10, characterized in that the first humidity and/or temperature sensor (31) is located inside the hollow stem (21). 12- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises fixing means (23) to the architectural structure (1). 13- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is made of plastic material. 14- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that the plastic material of the casing (2) is obtained through recycling. 15- Measuring device for an architectural structure (1), according to any of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that the plastic material of the casing (2) is obtained from at least one procedure of the blowing, extrusion, molding group. injection, compression, transfer and/or liquid pressure.