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A system utilizing a number of micro-strip antenna apparatus embedded in or mounted on the surface of a structure for enabling wireless communication of sensed and actuation signals. The micro-strip antenna apparatus may include smart materials or other substrates. If only a sensed operation is desi

A system utilizing a number of micro-strip antenna apparatus embedded in or mounted on the surface of a structure for enabling wireless communication of sensed and actuation signals. The micro-strip antenna apparatus may include smart materials or other substrates. If only a sensed operation is desired, the micro-strip antenna apparatus may be fabricated from only passive elements or materials. Furthermore, a micro-strip antenna apparatus is provided which enables simultaneous transmission/reception of sensing and actuation signals.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An element for use in a system for monitoring and/or deforming a structure in a desired manner, said element having a single antenna and being located on or within said structure and being adaptable to operate simultaneously as a sensor device and an actuator device, in w

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An element for use in a system for monitoring and/or deforming a structure in a desired manner, said element having a single antenna and being located on or within said structure and being adaptable to operate simultaneously as a sensor device and an actuator device, in which said element monitors at least one predetermined characteristic of said structure when operating as a sensor device and in which said element causes said structure to deform in said desired manner when operating as an actuator, and, in which a modulated signal is transmitted to said element in a wireless manner so as to activate the antenna thereof and enable said element to monitor the at least one predetermined characteristic of said structure when operating as a sensor device and enable said element to cause said structure to deform in said desired manner when operating as an actuator, wherein the antenna is a micro-strip type antenna and said element includes a grating layer, and wherein the micro-strip type antenna has an operating frequency associated therewith in the microwave frequency range and includes a micro-strip patch and a metal-strip line having a predetermined dimension, said metal-strip line coupling said micro-strip patch to said grating layer so as to provide a short circuit condition at low frequencies and an open circuit condition at micro-wave frequencies.