Abstract
The present invention comprises a system for monitoring the angular movement of a structure's foundation, wall, beam and/or column with one or more monitoring devices in communication with either a local computing device (a hub) that displays the current angular deviation and direction from an initialized state, a remote server capable of generating a web page display of the current angular deviation and direction from an initialized state, or both. Additionally, the hub can be connected to the internet where data from the monitoring devices it is in communication with can be shared with a remote monitoring service, off-site server or both.
Claims
1. A system for periodically measuring the angular state of a point on a structure's foundation, the system comprising: At least one sensing device attached to a structure, said sensing device containing a 1-, 2- or 3-dimensional angle sensor connected to a CPU, RAM, non-volatile storage and indicator; said sensing device being powered by a power source; the sensing device's indicator being configured to periodically compare prior readings to a current reading and activate an indicator when certain criteria are met.
2. A system for periodically measuring the angle and bending of a structure's foundation, the system comprising: At least two sensing devices attached to a structure, said sensing device containing a 1-, 2- or 3-dimensional angle sensor connected to a CPU, wired or wireless interface, RAM, non-volatile storage and indicator; said sensing device being powered by a power source; the sensing devices being configured to periodically compare and share prior angle readings with each other and activate various indicators [GUI or different color LED lights] depending on how much the foundation bends and how much it tilts.
3. A system for periodically measuring the angle, bending, and shifting of a structure's cracked foundation, the system comprising: At least two sensing devices attached to a structure, said measuring device containing a 1-, 2- or 3-dimensional angle sensor and targeting sensor (CCD camera) connected to a CPU, wired or wireless interface, RAM, non-volatile storage and indicator; said measuring device being in the view of the other devices targeting sensor and powered by a power source; the sensing devices being configured to periodically compare and share prior readings and targeting data with each other, and activate various indicators [GUI or different color LED lights] depending on how much the foundation bends, how much it tilts, and how much sections shift.
4. The system of claims 2 where the indicator is a separate computing device shared by all the sensing devices thru a communication interface; said communication interface being wired, wireless or both to provide communicating between the computing device and sensing devices; said computing device being a computer system (server), tablet, router or other device; and consisting of a display screen, CPU, random access memory [RAM], non-volatile storage, a communication interface; and being powered by a power source; the sensing device's communication interface being configured to periodically transmit data from at lease one of the sensing devices to the computing device, said data containing at least one axis of sensor's angle vector data, targeting data (derived from claim Z only), and the measuring device's identifier or address [such as a device name or the Media Access Control (MAC) address]; the computing device's communication interface being configured to receive data from at least one sensing device via its communication interface; wherein data received by the computing device's communication interface is used to create a record consisting of data received from the sensing device with additional data from the computing device, all said data being a record that is stored in a file resident in the computing device's random-access memory [RAM], non-volatile storage or both,
5. The system of claim 4 where the computing device further consists of a user input device such as a keyboard, touch display screen, mouse, stylus or any combination thereof.
6. The system of claim 4 where the computing device is further being capable displaying on its display screen various representations of the records found in the data file in a way that illustrates the angular rotation of the measured points on a structure's foundation, the bending between those points, the translation or shifting (derived from claim Z only) of various parts of the foundation, or any combination thereof.
7. The system of claim 2 where the sensing device's power source is by a battery with a solar power charger with said solar power charger and said battery being connected to the sensing device with a circuit to optimize charging of said battery by said solar power charger.
8. The system of claim 6 with a program on the computing device to compensate for the effects on the measurements caused by any combination of some or all of the forces due to the earth's rotation, sun and moon.
9. The system of claim 2 with the measuring device further consisting of a timer that controls the sleep period of the sensing device's internal components, said timer able to be configured for a desired sleep period length.
10. The system of claim 4 further consisting of a network connection between the computing device, and an offsite computer system, said network connection capable of transferring data between the sensing device and the offsite computer system.
11. The system of claim 9 displaying a representation of the data transferred on one or more display screens.
12. The system of claim 9 further consisting of a means to recognize an authorized off-site computer system before allowing data transfer.
13. The system of claim 4 where the computing device's user input device is used to configure the measuring device by a user.
14. The system of claim 2 where the sensing device takes a series of readings to determine the validity of the data in order to provide a valid steady-state angular position.
15. The system of claim 12 where the valid steady-state angular position is transferred to the computing device.
16. The system of claim 4 where the computing device triggers the sensing device to wake-up, if asleep, and then read its angular state and transmit the result to the computing device.
17. The system of claim 9 where the sensing device can be triggered remotely over the network through the computing device to wake-up, if asleep, and then read its angular state and transmit the result through the computing device to the remote computer system.
18. A mounting apparatus for a Foundation Monitoring Device consisting of a Mounting Bracket, Frame and at least one fastener; said Bracket being make of a strong material having a similar thermal coefficient of expansion as the Foundation, with a plurality of protrusions on its foundation side creating a small surface contact area to the foundation and a gap between said bracket and foundation around the place where said Fastener comes thru; said frame shaped to seal against the bracket and having space to house a set of electronics and battery, with a feature to hold a solar panel, all together creating a drip proof container for the sensor, electronics, and battery of the Monitoring device; said Frame and Bracket also having a beveled edge to deflect strikes from other equipment that might otherwise shift the mounting position.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 with the electronics mounted to the bracket using self-aligning hardware, and 3 pins to repeatably set the position of the electronics on the Bracket without mechanical stress induced onto the electronics.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 with a measuring sensor embedded into the foundation underneath the Mounting Bracket and connected to supporting electronics housed inside the frame.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a hub's display showing an arial view of a multi-faceted house which has been equipped with 10 Monitoring Devices attached around various edges of the foundation. The tilt amount of each edge of the foundation is shown by the Badge 114 displayed for that edge with tick lines showing the direction of movement. The number in the Badge indicates the magnitude of tilt. The color of the badge indicates the alarm status. More detail 105 is displayed for each of the Monitoring Devices, for example its identifier, location, and output after pressing the “Health” button 107.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a hubs display showing an arial view of a four-sided house that is equipped with either 8 single access Monitoring Devices 203 attached near the end of each side, or four 2-axis Monitoring Devices attached near each corner (not shown). The amount of tilting or bending of each edge of the foundation is shown by the Badges 204 displayed at the locations between each pair of Monitoring Devices 203. The tick lines show the direction of movement or bending of the foundations edge, relative to the XY-Plane.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a Home Foundation Monitoring System in the local configuration (i.e., without a connection to a remote database or other remote service on the internet.), which is only viewable to someone onsite.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a remote home foundation Monitoring System in the global configuration (i.e., with a connection to a remote database or other remote service on the internet.), which is viewable to those on-site, to credentialed users over the internet, or both.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an Internet of Things (IoT) home foundation Monitoring System which uses Monitoring Devices 302 that connect directly to a remote database or other remote service on the internet and is viewable to credentialed users through an App or Web Browser.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates the functional blocks of a monitoring device that would communicate with a Local-Hub 301. Not shown is the mounting frame. In this example the PCB 601 shown represents an M-Board 1204 that is equipped with an interface 604 to a Local-Hub 301. The DC Power Supply 608 is optional or would be temporarily connected for initial charging of the battery 609. On this M-board, there is a sleep timer 605 that will shutdown the MCU 603, Radio 604, and S-Chip 606. In that state the power drain is negligible compared to charging 611 of the battery 609 during sunlight hours. The period of the sleep timer 605 is either preset, or set by a parameter provided by the Local-Hub 301. When the sleep timer 605 wakes up the components on the M-Board, the S-Chip 606 sends readings for each of its measuring axes to the COMM/MCU 603, which transmits that information to the Local-HUB 301 via the Radio 604. Once the data is transmitted, the MCU 603 triggers the sleep timer to activate and put the M-Board back to sleep. This conserves energy, particularly if a low energy radio is used. This allows the battery 609 to contain a long reserve of power that spans any anticipated lack of charging via solar panel 610 due to long periods of adverse weather. An optional indicator 602 could be part of the monitoring device. In this case the MCU 603 would process the data received from its S-Chip 606, compare it to data stored in the non-volatile memory of the MCU 603, and then activate the indicator 602 with the correct color depending an the alarm status.
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a Computing Device configured as a Local-Hub 301. In this example, it contains a database 702 to store all the initial parameters, and measurement data. A communication device 704 is used to communicate with each Monitoring Device. The SoC 705 will process the information in the Database and display the results FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 on the Display 707 to represent the foundations condition (using Badges), shape or movement at each location. Optional human interfaces 706 can be connected to it for configuration and for inputting or requesting the parameters or data from the database 702. Alternatively the display 707 could be a touch screen.
[0047] FIG. 8 Illustrates the process of configuring a system to monitor a foundation. In this case the System is one that uses a Local-Hub 301 (Computing Device FIG. 7).
[0048] FIG. 9 Illustrates the actual operation of the monitoring system after it is configured.
[0049] FIG. 10 Illustrates an example of the database structure of a Remote Database. A local database stored on a Local-Hub would be similar but without a Systems Table as shown in FIG. 10a.
[0050] FIG. 11 Illustrates an example of the database structure of a Local-Hub Database.
[0051] FIG. 12 Illustrates an exploded view of a Monitoring Device using an M-Board 1204. An M-Board 1204 contains all the components shown on the PCB 601 in FIG. 6. The Bracket 1205 would first be attached to the foundation using a nail or tapcon screw through the center hole. The ridges along two edges of the Bracket 1204 allow for the bracket to strain a small amount in order to maintain a preload against the foundation to prevent rotating or movement after install. Then the M-Board 1204 would be attached to the Bracket 1205, with the battery 1203 connected to it. The battery 1203 may be loose in the frame 1202, and screws threaded into the bracket 1205 would hold the frame 1202 and Solar Panel 1201 in place creating a drip proof seal that protects the M-Board 1204 and Battery 1203. Alternatively, the Solar Panel 1201 could be held in place with a snap-in feature on the frame 1202. Not shown until FIG. 16 is an optional feature on the bracket 1205 that provides three pins 1603 to which two of the edges of the M-Board 1204 can be seated as a means to ensure a repeatable assembly that produces repeatable references when replacing the M-Board 1204.
[0052] FIG. 13 Illustrates an exploded view of another Monitoring Device 302 that can use either an M-Board 1204 or E-Board. This bracket 1302 has three ping pins (shown in FIG. 16) to which two of the edges of an M-Board can be seated as a means to ensure a repeatable assembly that produces repeatable references when replacing an M-Board. The bracket 1302 and frame 1202 are beveled on its sides to deflect any strikes during yard work. For added strength, two tapcon screws are used (shown in FIG. 15). When an E-Board is used, this Bracket could be glued. When an M-Board is used, the ridges along two sides allow for strain that pre-loads the mounting force and protects the assembly from rotation. In the Case of an E-Board, because the S-Chip would be embedded into the foundation making the mounting of the Frame 1202 and Bracket 1302 less critical.
[0053] FIG. 14 illustrates how both types of monitoring devices would appear after assembly. The different types of Brackets (1205 and 1302) are interchangable.
[0054] FIG. 15 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of how a Monitoring Device 302 is equipped with an E-Board 1301 and Sensor Cartridge connected with a flat cable 1502 is assembled and mounted
[0055] FIG. 16 Illustrates how an M-Board 1204 is attached to a Bracket 1205, and seated against reference pines 1603 described above.
[0056] FIG. 17 Illustrates the end view of a Sensor Cartridge.
[0057] FIG. 18 Illustrates the installation of an S-Board installed in a foundation without a cartridge.
[0058] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 Illustrates a different type and installation for an S-Board 1901 whereby connection to the E-Board 1301 would be by spring fingers rather than a cable 1502. The exposed side of the S-Board would have concentric circular copper pads, and the spring finger connectors would be added to the bottom of the E-Board 1301.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] In the following discussion, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. Additionally, for the most part, specific details and the like have been omitted since such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are within the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.
I. Introduction
[0060] The present invention comprises a system for monitoring the angular movement of a structure's foundation, wall, beam and/or column with one or more monitoring devices 302 in communication with either a local computing device (a hub) 301 that displays FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the current angular deviation and direction from an initialized state, a remote server 502 capable of generating a web page display of the current angular deviation and direction from an initialized state, or both. Additionally, the hub 301 can be connected to the internet where data from its monitoring devices 302 can be shared with a remote monitoring service.
[0061] Each monitoring device 302 is a small circuit board containing a MEMS sensor 606 to detect tilt and optional indicator 602 to alert when limits are reached. When more than one monitoring device 302 is attached to the foundation the data transmitted is used to determine and/or indicate the bending of the foundation. With an optional targeting device, such as a camera or directional radio, is integrated with the monitoring devices, and the devices are in each other's view, then relative movement in translation between sections of the foundation can also be detected. Each monitoring device 302 would be attached to the foundation, typically around the perimeter. When the monitoring devices are in communication with a hub 301 or off-site server 502, a representation of the foundations change in shape can be displayed FIGS. 1 & 2 on the hub 301 or via a web page generated by the hub 301 or off-site server 502. Additionally, historical data may be logged at the hub 301, off-site server 502, or both. When configured, this data can be remotely accessed by credentialed individuals, such as a foundation repair provider or homeowner, via a web page or a smart phone or tablet app. Testing showed that a battery 1203 the size of a US quarter provides enough reserve charge to measure and transmit the data for up to 4 days with no charging. The addition of a 5 square inch solar panel 1201 provides more than enough charge to maintain the battery 1203, even in the shade. Larger batteries would provide more power reserve.
II. Monitoring Device Configurations
[0062] FIGS. 12 thru 15 depict various configurations of the Monitoring Device. The differences between them are the types of mounting that offer different types of protection for the S-Chip and means to maintain the integrity of the setup. FIG. 12 is a Monitoring Device utilizing an M-Board 1204 where the S-Chip 606 is mounted on the M-Board 1204 and with all the electronics completely contained inside the monitoring device. FIG. 13 depict a configuration where the sensitive S-Chip 606 is embedded into the foundation offering protection in the event that the Monitoring Device is struck by some external force. The Monitoring Device for this configuration would use an E-Board 1301 to communicate with the S-Chip 606. Being embedded, the S-Chip 606 setup is not disturbed so there is no change in the initial measurement reference. The S-Chip 606 is mounted on a S-Board 1703/1903 which could be directly inserted into the foundation, or part of a sensor cartridge 1501. FIG. 13 depicts a Monitoring Device configuration incorporating a Mounting Bracket 1302 that is compatible with either an M-Board 1204 or E-Board 1301. The unique features offered by these configurations are: [0063] 1) Protection of a delicate S-Chip 606 by embedding it into the foundation. A flexible cable 1502 connecting it to the E-Board 1301 will prevent damage to this critical component after it installed and its reference for future readings remain intact. [0064] 2) Finger connectors on supporting circuit (not shown) contact pads on solar panel for ease of assembly. [0065] 3) The Battery 1203 does not have to be secured, allow various different battery configurations for simple replacement and installation. [0066] 4) Solar panel 1201 clips or screws onto the bracket, creating a drip proof seal for the protection of the electronics. [0067] 5) The S-Chip 606 can be either part of the M-Board 1204 or separately inserted into the foundation 1501 and connected to an E-Board 1301 allowing for multiple cost benefit properties. [0068] 6) As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the bevel of the Mounting Bracket 1205/1302 and Frame 1202 deflect external strikes preventing damage the Monitoring or moving the S-Chip 606 from its initial reference position. [0069] 7) With a sensor cartridge 1501, the datum reference is unchanged if plate is completely knocked off the foundation. The cable 1502 between the E-Board 1301 and Cartridge 1501 would slip from the connecters at either end avoid stress that could change the initial reference of the S-Board 1703. [0070] 8) The mounting spacers 1604 and pins 1603 locating the M-Board 1204, as shown in FIG. 16, ensures repeatable referencing in the event of replacement or exchange of said M-Board. The features shown in FIG. 16 show how the spacers 1604 and pins 1603 prevent bending stress to the M-Board PCB 601 which could otherwise affect the accuracy of the S-Chip 606. For example the holes in the PCB 601 of the M-Board are countersunk to receive conical end of spacers 1604 allowing each spacer to find its natural position without straining the board. The extra clearance in spacers 1604 allow them to move with respect to the screws 1602 which are fixed in place with threaded holes in the Mounting Bracket 1205. The pins 1603 are used to set the position of the M-Board 1204 on the Mounting Bracket 1205 in a repeatable way that does not induce stress. Two pins 1603 contact one edge of the M-Board 1204 and a third optional pin contacts another edge normal to the first edge.
III. Monitoring Devices
[0071] Each monitoring device regardless of configuration, incorporates a MEMS sensor (S-Chip) 606 to detect tilt, angular deviation and direction from an initialized state, and optionally an indicator 602 to alert when limits are reached. The circuitry could be either be on one PCB 601 known as an M-Board 1204, or an E-Board 1301 with a separate S-Board 1703/1903 containing the S-Chip 606. Each Monitoring Device 302 may be programmed to sleep until it is time to wake and take a reading and transmit it. Each device is programmed to read a burst of measurements from each axis, and optionally analyze the set of readings to determine the integrating of the readings and final value for each axis before sending to the Local-Hub 301 and or the off-site server 502. If the Monitoring Device does not do the optional analysis of the data burst, all the data is sent to the Local-Hub 301 or remote server 502 for analysis. At the Local-Hub or remote server, the initial settings of the measurement axes of the S-Chip 606 associated with the Monitoring Device 302 are known and translated into the projections on the X,Y and Z axes when representing the point of interest on the foundation. After the data is sent from the Monitoring Device 302, it puts itself to sleep until its programmed time to measure and send more data. For the system results shown in FIG. 2, the data received was used to determine and/or indicate the bending of the foundation as reflected in the Badges displayed near the middle each wall. With an optional targeting system between adjacent Monitoring Device that are in line of site, the relative movement in translation between their sections of the foundation can also be detected.
IV. Mounting the Monitoring Device
[0072] As shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 20 the Monitoring Device 302 may configured for different means of mounting. Each monitoring device is normally attached to the foundation, typically around the perimeter as shown in FIG. 2. When the monitoring devices are in communication with a hub 301, or off-site server 502, a representation of the foundations change in shape can be displayed on the hub or via a web page generated by the hub 302 or off-site server 502 as shown as examples in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Additionally, historical data may be logged at the hub 301, off-site server 502, or both. When configured, this data can be remotely accessed by credentialed individuals, such as a foundation repair provider or homeowner, via a web page or a smart phone or tablet app. Testing showed that a battery 1203 the size of a US quarter provides enough charge to measure and transmit the data for up to 4 days. The addition of a 5 square inch solar panel 1201 provides more than enough charge to maintain the battery, even in the shade. Larger batteries would provide more power reserve.
V. Monitoring System Configuration
[0073] FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of how the Monitoring System gets configured after its monitoring devices 302 are mounted to the foundation as described above.
VI. Monitoring System Operation
[0074] FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of the Monitoring System in operation after the monitoring system is configured. Each monitoring device is programmed to send a short burst of tilt data to either the hub 301, offsite server 502 or both and then go to sleep.
VII. Remote & Local Database Structure
[0075] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the preferred embodiment database structures, for the capture and storage of historical data. This structure may be implemented in a traditional relation database, name & value pairs, or in text file or xml files.
