Embedded sensor having an identifiable orientation

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2002

OSTI ID:874589

Bennett, Thomas E ^[1]; Nelson, Drew V ^[2]

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1. 31 Portola Ct., Danville, CA 94506
2. 840 Cabot Ct., San Carlos, CA 94070

An apparatus and method is described wherein a sensor, such as a mechanical strain sensor, embedded in a fiber core, is "flagged" to identify a preferred orientation of the sensor. The identifying "flag" is a composite material, comprising a plurality of non-woven filaments distributed in a resin matrix, forming a small planar tab. The fiber is first subjected to a stimulus to identify the orientation providing the desired signal response, and then sandwiched between first and second layers of the composite material. The fiber, and therefore, the sensor orientation is thereby captured and fixed in place. The process for achieving the oriented fiber includes, after identifying the fiber orientation, carefully laying the oriented fiber onto the first layer of composite, moderately heating the assembled layer for a short period in order to bring the composite resin to a "tacky" state, heating the second composite layer as the first, and assembling the two layers together such that they merge to form a single consolidated block. The consolidated block achieving a roughly uniform distribution of composite filaments near the embedded fiber such that excess resin is prevented from "pooling" around the periphery of the fiber.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: Bennett; Thomas E. (31 Portola Ct., Danville, CA 94506); Nelson; Drew V. (840 Cabot Ct., San Carlos, CA 94070)
• Patent Number(s): US 6420696
• OSTI ID: 874589
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

embedded
sensor
identifiable
orientation
apparatus
method
described
mechanical
strain
fiber
core
flagged
identify
identifying
flag
composite
material
comprising
plurality
non-woven
filaments
distributed
resin
matrix
forming
planar
subjected
stimulus
providing
signal
response
sandwiched
layers
captured
fixed
process
achieving
oriented
carefully
laying
layer
moderately
heating
assembled
period
bring
tacky
assembling
merge
form
single
consolidated
block
roughly
uniform
distribution
near
excess
prevented
pooling
periphery
composite material
uniform distribution
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