METHODS AND APPARATUS RELATING TO SENSOR ASSEMBLIES AND FIBRE OPTIC ASSEMBLIES

摘要

The present application describes methods and apparatus relating to sensor assemblies and fibre optic assemblies. In one example, a method is described of deploying a sensor assembly (1) for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest (100). The sensor assembly (1) includes an elongate member (2) configurable between a coiled form and an extended form and at least one sensor (3) disposed along at least a part of the longitudinal extent of the member. The method comprises uncoiling the elongate member (2) and positioning the sensor assembly (1), and then forming the structure of interest around the sensor assembly (1) or introducing a filler material in the space between the sensor assembly (1) and the structure of interest such that the sensor assembly (1) is coupled to the structure and the property of the structure can be sensed by the sensor (3).

主权项

1. A method of deploying a sensor assembly for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest, the sensor assembly comprising:
an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be configurable between a coiled form and an extended form, wherein when coiled the member is wound about an axis extending transversely to a longitudinal extent of the member, and wherein when extended the member is resiliently biased in that form; and, at least one sensor disposed along at least a part of the longitudinal extent of the member, wherein at least a part of the sensor is fixed to the member such that the elongate member in its extended form controls at least one of the position and tension of that part of the sensor such that strains experienced by the member are transmitted to the sensor as required for sensing, the method comprising: uncoiling the elongate member and positioning the sensor assembly; and forming the structure of interest around the sensor assembly or introducing a filler material in the space between the sensor assembly and the structure of interest such that the sensor assembly is coupled to the structure and the property of the structure can be sensed by the sensor.