Making materials sensitive to physical interactions is the function of Structural Health Monitoring, the technology developed by Touch Sensity. Unlike complex instrumentation solutions based on the integration of sensors, the use of ultrasound or infrared, the start-up’s innovation consists of sending an electrical signal into a material, receiving it and to analyze the difference between the two.
The result is translated by mathematical models which reveal, in 2D or 3D, the mechanical stresses (damage, cracks, pressures, etc.) linked, for example, to the impact of hail or an overtightened nut. “Our solution monitors all parts in real time and remotely, whatever their size, shape and topology,” explains Mehdi El Hafed, the general director of the company, located in Pessac (Gironde).
The solution responds to the challenges of predictive maintenance and optimization of manufacturing processes. “The user can check the condition of an airplane wing on each flight or inspect the quality of a part after production to ensure it is compliant.” Composites, metals and polymers are currently supported. Offered in an on-board version to provide real-time readings, the device is also designed to be mobile. All you need to do is connect a small box to the material. “We sell the software, not the hardwarespecifies the man who is also co-founder of the SME. But we support our customers so that they develop the latter with their suppliers. The company raised 3 million euros in May to accelerate its growth. “We have 25 pilot clients and as many confidential projects,” indicates the engineer, citing ArianeGroup, KNDS (ex-Nexter), Dassault Aviation, Lisi Aerospace, Safran, RATP.
Monitor hydrogen tanks
“The market for structural integrity monitoring is booming. It should increase from 2.2 billion dollars in 2022 to 5 billion in 2028. indicates Mehdi El Hafed. In addition to its role as a technological integrator, Touch Sensity has developed its own solution. Currently being industrialized by a European automotive supplier, the product, Sensity Smart tank, will be used from 2025 to monitor hydrogen tanks. “Maintenance constraints are high due to the absence of data on the resistance of the material”, underlines the company, which hopes to participate in the growth of future vehicles. Created in 2019, Touch Sensity employs 15 people and boasts an order book of 1 million euros.
Features
Sensorless solution
Capture without shadow zone
Low power consumption of the embedded system
Damage monitoring from 5 mm
Monitoring of deformations and swellings from 0.05%
You are reading an article from L’Usine Nouvelle 3734 – September 2024
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