Structural Integrity Monitoring Systems for Industrial Infrastructure

The inventive concept leverages the core technology of optical shape sensing devices to monitor structural integrity in various industrial infrastructure, such as wind turbine blades, oil pipelines, and bridges, enabling early detection of anomalies and leaks, thereby reducing downtime and increasing safety.

The original patent disclosed an optical shape sensing device for minimally invasive medical procedures, but its core technology has limitations in terms of adaptability to other industries. This inventive concept addresses the need for a reliable and accurate monitoring system in industrial infrastructure, where structural integrity is critical to prevent catastrophic failures and environmental hazards.

The system comprises an elongated outer body conforming to the shape of the industrial infrastructure, a multicore optical fiber extending through the outer body, and a force sensing region integrated with the outer body to detect axial force exerted on the infrastructure. The system can be deployed on wind turbine blades to detect anomalies, on oil pipelines to detect leaks, and on bridges to monitor structural integrity. The force sensing region measures axial force, and an alert is generated when the measured force exceeds a predetermined threshold or indicates a leak.

The new claims introduce a novel application of the optical shape sensing technology to industrial infrastructure, which is non-obvious compared to the original patent's medical application. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to detect axial force and monitor structural integrity in diverse industrial settings.

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of optical fibers, modifying the force sensing region to detect other types of forces, or integrating the system with existing monitoring systems. Variations may include adapting the system for use in other industrial infrastructure, such as aerospace or construction.

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the industrial infrastructure monitoring market, which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Target industries include wind energy, oil and gas, and construction, where the system can provide a competitive edge in terms of safety, efficiency, and cost savings.