Fused strain gauge and monitored pipe system

摘要

Pipes 11 and 12 are attached to a connector sleeve 10 by passing electric current through helical wire coils 19, 20 on the inner surfaces of the sleeve ends to heat the wires 19, 20 to cause the plastics of the pipes and connector to melt. The wires 19, 20 are then each used as a strain gauge to monitor forces acting on the pipes and connector.