This invention relates to Suspension Bridge Health Monitoring and Alert System.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
US9014415B2 discloses Spatially Integrated Small-Format Aerial Photography (SFAP) and deck condition rating technique, a low-cost solution for bridge surface imaging and is proposed as a remote bridge inspection technique to supplement current bridge visual inspection. Providing top-down views, the airplanes with GPS flying at about 1000 feet can allow visualization of sub-inch (large) cracks and joint openings on bridge decks or highway pavements. Research Gap: This disclosure, instead of using aerial photography technique which is less accurate, relies on sensors to provide accurate data of the bridge health parameters. The collected data is also sent to the server which stores the condition of the bridge on a daily basis.
US8290718B2 provides a method for long-term bridge structure monitoring and safety evaluation as well as judgment and evaluation of rail structure abnormality. This invention relates bridge structure safety evaluation technology by means of combining vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques for bridge erosion evaluation and pre-warning monitoring applications. This disclosure instead of incorporating vibration measuring and structural model analysis techniques, relies on sensors with higher accuracy to monitor the health of suspension bridges and also alerting and warning the general public in case of any danger.
US10521098B2 provides a system for monitoring the condition of a bridge with the help of a video camera, a video camera, data processing system to analyze the output of the video camera, a GUI, an area selector and a processor. Research Gap: This disclosure provides a system for monitoring the health of a suspension bridge with the help of a camera, strain gauges, force transducers, tiltmeter and GPS.
CN106442720B provides a kind of acoustic shock type track bridge health monitoring device. The bridge health monitoring device includes sound collection equipment and communication processing equipment. The signals collected is sent to the cloud computing server in real time. Cloud computing server is used to store and analyze sound spectrum.
Research Gap: This disclosure does not focus on only one aspect of bridge health but also on others including extreme loading conditions, speed of the vehicle and foundation settlement & rotation.
CN102162773B provides a clustered-type bridge health real-time monitoring system based on wireless communication technology. The system comprises of bridge heath state data collecting and processing subsystems arranged on all bridges and a bridge heath real-time monitoring center which is arranged at a background and receives data uploaded by the bridge heath state data collecting and processing subsystems.
Research Gap: This disclosure not only monitors the health of all the suspension bridges of a particular hilly area but also alerts the residents or the commuters of any danger, if detected with the help of alert system.
CN101916507B discloses a bridge health monitoring system, which comprises a sensor, a sub-workstation, a server and a client. The sensor is used for acquiring structured data of each part of a bridge; the sub-workstation is used for preprocessing the data acquired by the sensor; the server is used for receiving the data transmitted by the sub-workstation and stores the data in a database.
Research Gap: This disclosure apart from real-time monitoring of the suspension bridges also alerts the commuters of any danger in the bridge.
None of the prior art indicate above either alone or in combination with one another disclose what the present invention has disclosed. Present invention is Suspension Bridge Health Monitoring and Alert System.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention provides a real-time health monitoring system, safety evaluation, alert system as well as judgement and evaluation of health abnormality for suspension bridges in the hilly areas. The invention monitors the health of suspension bridges in the hilly areas with the help of edge device, gateway and server. The health of the bridge is assessed in context to the extreme loading conditions, speed of the vehicle and foundation settlement & rotation with the help of camera, strain gauges, force transducers, tiltmeters and GPS; the data of which is sent to the computing unit. The computing unit, as per the threshold limits and received data, then activates the alarm system consisting of display, red LED and hooter. The edge device also sends the data to the Gateway which in turns sends it to the server which collects, analyze and displays the data in the database.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
Fig. 1 General Architecture
Fig. 2 Edge Device
Fig. 3. Gateway
Fig. 4 Flowchart
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
A cost-effective technique of monitoring and analyzing the condition of our nation's infrastructure is desperately needed. With the availability of a swarm of bridge health monitoring systems, there comes an overwhelming need for an effective system, in terms of both cost and working. With the commuters daily commuting through the suspension bridges of hilly areas with extreme weather and topographical conditions, it becomes necessary to daily collect, assess and monitor the health of the suspension bridges as well as to alert the commuters of any upcoming danger.
The present invention proposes a real-time monitoring and alert system for the suspension bridges of the hilly areas. The monitoring system comprises of
a) An edge device (200) (fig. 2) comprising of camera for assessing speed of the vehicle (100), strain gauges for displacement measurement (101), force transducers for determination of tension in the cables (102), Global Positioning System (GPS) (103) for coordinates of the suspension bridge, tiltmeters (104) for determining rotation of the foundation, computing unit (105) for comparing and analyzing the data received, alarm system to alert the commuters (106) and LoRa (107) to communicate the data to the Gateway (108).
b) A Gateway (108) (fig. 3) comprising of LoRa (109) and computing unit (110) for receiving data from the edge device and a Wi-Fi module (111) to upload the data to the server.
c) A Server (112) to collect, analyze and display the data.
The health of the suspension bridge is assessed in terms of the following parameters:
a) Extreme loading conditions to ensure that the load on the suspension bridges and tension in the main cable and suspender cable does not exceed the threshold values.
b) Foundation settlement to ensure settlement and additional stresses are within permissible limits.
c) Foundation rotation to ensure minimal scouring action near the abutments and its rotation.
Each monitoring system attached to a suspension bridge assess the real-time health of the suspension bridges in context to the aforementioned parameters with the help of the edge device. The edge device on account of any extreme condition also warns the commuters of any danger on the suspension bridge with the help of alarm system consisting of display, red LED and hooter. The edge devices of all the connected suspension bridges, with the help of Gateway, sends the data to the server which facilitates the collection, analysis and display of data to the concerned user (Fig. 1). This facilitates monitoring of all the suspension bridges of a particular hilly region. Based on the health status of the suspension bridges, the authorities then can take suitable action.
Detailed Working of the Monitoring System:
The strain gauges (101) connected to various parts of the suspension bridge such as suspender cables, main cable, towers and abutments at the two ends, collects the displacement data of the aforementioned parts. Force transducers (102) connected to the suspender cable and main cable evaluates the value of tension in the cables. Tiltimeters (104) connected to the deck of the suspension bridge reflects the degree of rotation of the bridge. The camera (100) stably positioned at two ends of the suspension bridge and having an unobstructed view of a selected portion of the suspension bridge records the video of the vehicular movements. GPS (103) connected to the suspension bridge collects the exact coordinates of the suspension bridge.
The data from the strain gauges, force transducers, tiltimeters, GPS and camera is then sent to the Computing Unit (105) of the edge device (200). The computing unit (105) compares the values of displacements, tension and rotation and compares with the threshold values. In case of any value exceeding the threshold value, the computing unit (105) will instruct the alarm system (106) to alert the commuter by displaying the alert in the display with red LEDs and turning on the hooter. The computing unit (105) also collects the coordinates of the suspension bridge from the GPS and determines the speed of the vehicle from the data from the camera (100). In case of speed exceeding the permissible value of speed of vehicle on the bridge, the computing unit (105) will instruct the alarm system (106) to display a warning message to the commuter.
The edge device (200) sends the collected data to the Gateway (108) through LoRa (107). The Gateway (108) then with the help of Wi-Fi module (111) uploads the data to the server (112) which collects, analyze and display the data in the database and to the concerned user.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:
Following are the advantages of the invention:
1. The present invention will monitor the health of the suspension bridges in real-time in the hilly areas.
2. The present invention is capable of detecting and alerting the commuters and authorities before the events of extreme loading conditions, foundation settlement and rotation.
3. The present invention will collect assess, collect and monitor the health status of all the suspension bridges of a particular hilly area and upload it to a central server so as to make it available to the concerned authorities for further action.
4. The present invention will alert the commuters of any danger posed due to bad health of the suspension bridge and will help in preventing any extreme events.
5. The data collected can be analyzed to detect future health problems of a particular suspension bridge.
6. The monitoring and alert system will also alert the commuter in the event of exceeding permissible speed limits on the bridge and thus preventing accidents.
Novel Features of the Invention:
1. Smart edge device for monitoring real-time health of the suspension bridges.
2. Smart edge device with alert system for warning the commuters of any danger posed due to bad health of the suspension bridge.
3. A network of connected suspension bridges in hilly areas for better monitoring of all the connected bridges.

WE CLAIM:

1. A suspension bridge health monitoring and alert system An edge device (200) comprising of camera for assessing speed of the vehicle (100), strain gauges for displacement measurement (101), force transducers for determination of tension in the cables (102), Global Positioning System (GPS) (103) for coordinates of the suspension bridge, tiltmeters (104) for determining rotation of the foundation, computing unit (105) for comparing and analyzing the data received, alarm system to alert the commuters (106) and LoRa (107) to communicate the data to the Gateway (108).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Gateway (108) comprising of LoRa (109) and computing unit (110) for receiving data from the edge device and a Wi-Fi module (111) to upload the data to the server; wherein a Server (112) to collect, analyze and display the data.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strain gauges (101) connected to various parts of the suspension bridge such as suspender cables, main cable, towers and abutments at the two ends, collects the displacement data of the aforementioned parts. Force transducers (102) connected to the suspender cable and main cable evaluates the value of tension in the cables.
4.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein Tiltimeters (104) are connected to the deck of the suspension bridge reflects the degree of rotation of the bridge; and the camera (100) stably positioned at two ends of the suspension bridge and having an unobstructed view of a selected portion of the suspension bridge records the video of the vehicular movements; GPS (103) is connected to the suspension bridge collects the exact coordinates of the suspension bridge.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data from the strain gauges, force transducers, tiltimeters, GPS and camera then sent to the Computing Unit (105) of the edge device (200); and the computing unit (105) compares the values of displacements, tension and rotation and compares with the threshold values. In case of any value exceeding the threshold value, the computing unit (105) will instruct the alarm system (106) to alert the commuter by displaying the alert in the display with red LEDs and turning on the hooter.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computing unit (105) also collects the coordinates of the suspension bridge from the GPS and determines the speed of the vehicle from the data from the camera (100); wherein in case of speed exceeding the permissible value of speed of vehicle on the bridge, the computing unit (105) will instruct the alarm system (106) to display a warning message to the commuter.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge device (200) sends the collected data to the Gateway (108) through LoRa (107); and the Gateway (108) then with the help of Wi-Fi module (111) uploads the data to the server (112) which collects, analyze and display the data in the database and to the concerned user.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each monitoring system attached to a suspension bridge assess the real-time health of the suspension bridges in context to the aforementioned parameters with the help of the edge device.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge device on account of any extreme condition also warns the commuters of any danger on the suspension bridge with the help of alarm system consisting of display, red LED and hooter.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge devices of all the connected suspension bridges, with the help of Gateway, sends the data to the server which facilitates the collection, analysis and display of data to the concerned user; and this facilitates monitoring of all the suspension bridges of a particular hilly region; based on the health status of the suspension bridges, the authorities then can take suitable action.