A Non-Contact Sensor for Advanced Warning of Structural Collapse

Summit Safety will develop an ultrasonic, non-contact sensor and system capable of detecting small displacements of structure - such as roof sagging and structural bending - and the acoustic sounds and fire-induced vibrations of structures that are precursors of structural collapse. The system will provide advanced warning to the Incident Commander of potential or imminent structure collapse. In Phase 1, the basic sensor was built, with the capability of measuring displacements under a thousandth of an inch at a distance of up to 12 feet from the structure. Velocity and acceleration signals provide additional motion sensing. For acceleration measurements, the sensor's performance is comparable to commercial accelerometers. By being non-contact, the sensor can measure motion at otherwise inaccessible locations. The sensor can be set up and aligned in a matter of seconds. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The total U.S. market for this product includes the over 1 million firefighters in over 26,000 fire departments and 40,000 fire stations, potential monitoring and tactical military and law enforcement applications, as well as Search and Rescue (such as FEMA USAR teams). The total U.S. market is estimated to be in excess of $200 million.