Balloon Expandable Sensors for Infrastructure Monitoring

A novel system and method for monitoring infrastructure health using balloon expandable sensors, leveraging the core technology of balloon expandable endoprostheses to detect changes in water quality, pipeline corrosion, structural integrity, soil contamination, and air quality.

The original patent disclosed a balloon expandable endoprosthesis for treating vasculature. However, the limitations of this technology lie in its narrow application to medical devices. The new inventive concept addresses the need for a monitoring system that can detect changes in infrastructure health, providing early warnings for potential failures and enabling proactive maintenance.

The balloon expandable sensor device consists of a plurality of ringed sensors disposed along a longitudinal axis, releasably secured over a balloon assembly in a constrained diameter. Upon deployment, the sensors detect changes in infrastructure health and transmit data to a remote monitoring station. The system can be adapted for various infrastructure applications, including water pipelines, building support columns, soil samples, and air ducts.

The new claims introduce a novel application of the balloon expandable technology, transitioning from medical devices to infrastructure monitoring. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to accommodate various sensor types and infrastructure environments, enabling a broad range of monitoring capabilities.

Alternative embodiments may include modifying the sensor materials for specific infrastructure environments, incorporating additional sensors for multi-parameter monitoring, or integrating the system with existing infrastructure management software. Variations may also include using different balloon materials or shapes to accommodate unique infrastructure geometries.

The balloon expandable sensor system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including water management, construction, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. The target market includes infrastructure owners, operators, and maintenance providers seeking proactive monitoring solutions to reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency.