NL2018272B1

NL2018272B1 - SENSOR DEVICE

Info

Publication number: NL2018272B1
Application number: NL2018272A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Adrianus Albertus Huibers Dirk; Tara Sonneveld Sanne; Dijksma Marieke
Original assignee: Adrianus Albertus Huibers Dirk; Tara Sonneveld Sanne; Dijksma Marieke
Priority date: 2017-02-01
Filing date: 2017-02-01
Publication date: 2018-08-22

Abstract

Wooden structures may rot over time. To prevent wood rot, paint or impregnation is applied. This paint or impregnation needs to be inspected to ensure the paint or impregnation is still preventing wood rot. These inspections are time consuming, therefore sensors have been developed to measure the moisture of wood. These sensors have the problem of becoming inaccurate over time. Further, these sensors have the problem of introducing moist into the material. The current sensor solves these problems by using elongated probes, which are angled upward when inserted. Thereby, the sensor prevents moist from reaching behind the barrier of paint and impregnation for causing wood rot inside the material.Wooden structures may rot over time. To prevent wood rot, paint or impregnation has been applied. This paint or impregnation needs to be inspected to ensure the paint or impregnation is still preventing wood rot. These inspections are time consuming, therefore sensors have been developed to measure the moisture of wood. These sensors have the problem of becoming inaccurate over time. Further, these sensors have the problem of introducing moist into the material. The current sensor solves these problems by using elongated probes, which are angled upward when inserted. Thereby, the sensor preventing moist from reaching behind the barrier or paint and impregnation for causing wood rot inside the material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of sensors for electrically detecting moisture in a material, templates for placing such sensors and method of use of these sensors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Structures, such as buildings, made of wood are well known. Wood, especially used on the outside of a structure, degrades over time under the influence of humidity in the surrounding air. Degraded wood may contain wood rot. Wood rot causes wood to lose its integrity. The degradation may be delayed or even prevented by applying a layer of paint to the wood or impregnating the wood with a chemical.

This layer or impregnation needs maintenance over time. The maintenance may be done periodically with many years in between, if the wood is used inside the structure, or as short as biyearly, yearly or even shorter, if the wood is exposed to harsh outside weather condition.

A common practise for building maintenance is to inspect the wood regularly on the presence of wood rot. Because of this labour-intensive practise sensors are developed for detecting moisture in an absorbent material, such as in a European Patent with application number 1 965 188 A2, published on the 3th of September of 2008.

A disadvantage of this sensor is that the sensor’s detection accuracy reduces over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a sensor wherein the reduction of accuracy detection is minimized.

For this purpose, according to a first aspect of the invention, a sensor for electrically detecting moisture in a material, comprising: a first elongated probe for protruding into the material; and a body having a body surface for abutting onto the material and wherein when abutted the first elongated probe is arranged under a first non-perpendicular insertion angle with the body surface.

The detection of moisture in a material, such as wood, comprises most of the time the piercing of the material with a sensor. Typically, a vertical surface of the material is selected to be pierced, because the outside rain or condense will run of the surface. In this way, the outside rain or condense will have less impact on the detection of moisture inside the material. But condense and outside rain may still creep as moist along the probes due to the capillary effect over time. This moist negatively influences detection of moisture inside the material.

The invention provides a sensor wherein when abutted the first elongated probe is arranged under a first non-perpendicular insertion angle with the body surface. When the sensor is arranged in the intended orientation the first elongated probe angles upwards having the effect that gravity counteracts the capillary effect preventing or reducing the creeping of moist along the first elongated probe and thereby minimizes the reduction of accuracy detection.

The sensor, when arranged to a material, electrically detects moisture in the material via applying a voltage and/or a current and detecting the current and/or voltage coming back from the first elongated probe. Electrical detection may comprise the use of inductive or capacitive detection of moisture in the material. Electrical detection may comprise the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.

The insertion angle is typically in the range of 45 - 85 degrees, preferably 65 - 85 degrees, more preferably 70 - 82 degrees, most preferably around 80 degrees. The length of the elongated probes is typically in the range of 3 - 100 mm, preferably 4-80 mm, more preferably 5-50 mm, most preferably 5-25 mm.

A material, wherein the moisture is detected, may be a bio-degradable material, such as a cellulose comprising material, such as wood. At least the material has to be able to comprise moisture and be pierceable by the sensor.

The body, when abutted to a material is typically having a contact surface. The contact surface may comprise one or more contact lines and/or one or more contact surfaces.

In an embodiment of the sensor when abutted, the first elongated probe has an acute insertion angle. The contact surface defines a contact plane. Further, a reference plane defined by the direction of the first elongated probe and an intersection line defining the perpendicular intersection of the reference plane with the contact plane. The insertion angle is the angle between the direction of the first elongated probe and the intersection line and less than 90 degrees.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the sensor comprises a second and optionally a third elongated probe wherein when abutted the second and the third elongated probe are arranged respectively under a second and a third nonperpendicular insertion angle with the body surface. In a further embodiment, the second and the optional third insertion angle are substantially the same as the first insertion angle. In a further embodiment, the elongated probes are substantially the same. In a further embodiment, the first and second elongated probes are inserted at equal distances relative to the third elongated probe. In a further embodiment, the first, the second and the third elongated probe are inserted at equal distances from each other.

The invention provides a sensor wherein when abutted the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probe are arranged under a first, a second and optionally a third non-perpendicular insertion angle with the body surface respectively. When the sensor is arranged in the intended orientation the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probe angle upwards having the effect that gravity counteracts the capillary effect and thereby minimizes the reduction of accuracy detection for all elongated probes.

The sensor, additional to the detection method described above may, when arranged to a material, electrically detect moisture in the material via applying a voltage or current and detecting the current or voltage respectively. These are socalled conductivity detections of moisture. Alternatively, the voltage or current variation over a detection time may be detected. Alternatively, an AC or DC current or voltage may be used for the detection. Combinations of the detection methods are possible.

In an embodiment of the sensor when abutted, the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probe have substantially the same direction or are arranged parallel to each other. This provides the advantage that gravity counteracting the capillary effect for the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probe is approximately the same. Furthermore, when the elongated probes are inserted at the same moment in time, the insertion into or piercing of the material by the elongated probes may advantageously be done by mechanically coupling the probes, for example by fixing them to the body and/or using one template.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the sensor is arranged to the material for a prolonged amount of time and/or multiple moisture detections. This provides the advantage of not having to insert the sensor for each detection or series of detections.

Each detection leaves a puncture hole behind. Often the material is protected by a layer of paint or impregnation having a limited impregnation depth. The puncture hole typically punctures the layer of paint or reaches beyond the impregnation depth. Therefore, the puncture hole is a potential source for moist degrading the material from the inside out, thereby accelerating the degradation of the material. This embodiment provides the advantage of not leaving behind puncture holes. Further, by leaving the sensor for a prolonged amount of time at the same location, the elongated probe is inserted a limited amount of times into a material, such as only once, reducing wear of the elongated probe as well as structural forces on the elongated probe. Therefore, the elongated probe may advantageously be made of a softer material and have a simplified mechanical structure.

In an embodiment of the sensor, wherein the first elongated probe comprises a first proximal end, which first proximal end is coupled with the body when abutted. The proximal end will protrude from the material after insertion. The protruding end may advantageously be used to electrically and/or mechanically couple the body to the elongated probe. In a further embodiment, the same advantage is reached for respectively a second and a third proximal end of respectively the second and the third elongated probe.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the first proximal end is coupled with the body after the first elongated probe is inserted in the material. In a further embodiment of the sensor, the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probes are completely separable from the body. This provides the advantage of inserting the respective elongated probes one after the other. This provides the further advantage of inserting the elongated probes without the space limitations of the body being present during inserting. In a further embodiment of the sensor, the elongated probes are slidable within the body for sliding the elongated probes in place during inserting. In a further embodiment of the sensor, the in the body slidable elongated probes are guided by guides for guiding the elongated probes during inserting.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the first elongated probe comprises a first central section having an electrically insulating outer surface. Shallow detections, as done in the prior art, may still be influenced by moist creeping up along the inserted elongated probes. This embodiment provides the advantage of detecting the moisture deeper in the material minimizing the effect of outside moist influencing the detection.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the body comprises a cover for covering the first elongated probe from humidity. This embodiment provides the advantage of further preventing moist to creep along the at least one elongated probe for further minimizing the reduction of accuracy detection. In a further embodiment, the cover provides a contact line or surface enveloping the at least one protruding end of the at least one elongated probe after insertion for even further protecting moist to get to the elongated probes for further minimizing the reduction of accuracy detection. In a further embodiment, the cover is partly inserted into the material for even further preventing moist to creep along the at least one elongated probe for further minimizing the reduction of accuracy detection.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the body comprises a mark for indicating the orientation of the sensor for placing the first elongated probe in a defined direction. This embodiment provides the advantage that during inserting of the at least one elongated probe, when the body is attached to the at least one elongated probe, the person placing the sensor does not have to check between the sensor and the wall to check the direction of the at least one elongated probe.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the sensor comprises a guide for guiding the first elongated probe under a predefined first insertion angle into the material. This embodiment provides the advantage of not having loose parts during insertion. In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises a second and optionally a third guide, providing the advantage when beforehand abutting the body to the material that the guides predefine the respective insertion angles for inserting the respective elongated probes substantially parallel.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the body comprises a transceiver for communicating detected moisture levels in the material. The transceiver may advantageously use a communication standard, such as LoRa, Mbus, RFID, GPRS, WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, CAN bus or Ethernet.

In a further embodiment of the sensor, the sensor comprises a wireless short range transceiver for communicating to a relay point positioned in the proximity of the sensor, which transceiver uses a communication protocol allowing very low energy consumption. This provides the advantage of low power consumption of the sensor due to the minimized energy required for the transceiver. The sensor may therefore operate for prolonged periods of time on a single battery, such as for years. Alternatively, the sensor may therefore operate on solar power, motion or any other means of energy scavenging. As an example, the sensor may be placed on a door, which accelerations of the door when opened and closed provides the sensor with energy. The energy from an energy scavenging source and/or battery may temporarily be stored in a suitable capacitor for supporting the energy burst needed by the transceiver, when transmitting and/or receiving. As a further advantage, the sensor may be placed on movable objects, such as doors, sliding windows or the like, without the need for wires for communicating moisture detections. This is specifically advantageous when combined with energy scavenging. Further, painters of and service personal for these movable objects are not hindered during their work by wires from these sensors. Further, reliability is increased, because wires being moved and/or bend tend to develop faults over time.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the body comprises electronics to process detected moisture levels. In a further embodiment of the sensor, the electronics process the detected moisture levels to measurements.

In an embodiment of the sensor, the body in figure comprises a head face for inserting and/or driving the sensor into a material. The sensor may be driven into the material with the use of a hammer, hammering on the head face.

In a further embodiment of the sensor, the first elongated probe defines a longitudinal direction. The head face angle is defined as the angle between the head surface and the direction of the first elongated probe. The head face angle is substantially 90 degrees for providing an optimized transfer of a driving and/or inserting force applied to the head surface to one or more of the elongated probes for driving and/or inserting the elongated probes into the material. The sensor is particularly advantageous for inserting and/or pressing the sensor in a material with the use of a lever. The application of a lever provides the advantage over a hammer that the material and/or the sensor cannot be damaged by a hammer blow. This is specifically advantageous if the material is soft, such as wood or even soft wood, and/or if the sensor comprises electronics, such as a transceiver.

According to another aspect of the invention, a template comprising a first guide for guiding the first elongated probe under a predefined first insertion angle into a material. The template is placed onto the material and the first elongated probe is placed in guide for thereafter advantageously inserting the first elongated probe under a predefined insertion angle.

In an embodiment of the template, the template comprises a first and a second section couplable to each other for forming the first guide. The first guide may have a first elongated hollow shape snugly fitting around the first elongated probe when placed in the guide. The sections are shaped such that, when decoupled, the template releases the inserted elongated probe. The first guide may have the shape of a tube. The tube may comprise a semi-circle top half section and a semi-circle bottom half section.

In a further embodiment of the template, the template comprises a second and optionally a third guide for guiding the second and optionally the third elongated probe under a second and optionally a third predefined insertion angle into the material respectively. Preferably the first, the second and optionally the third insertion angle are substantially equal. The template or mal advantageously predefines the insertion angles of the respective elongated probes during inserting. The template or mal further advantageously predefines the distance between the elongated probes during inserting.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system for detecting moisture in materials comprising: multiple sensors according to any of the preceding embodiments; and a server receiving detections and/or measurements from the multiple sensors. The system provides the advantage of remotely monitoring the moisture in several materials over a prolonged time. The several materials are preferably of different structures, thereby providing the advantage of remotely monitoring real estate, which real estate may even be spread out over a larger area.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for electrically detecting moisture in a material with a substantially vertical body surface, comprising the steps of: inserting a first elongated probe into the material, wherein the first elongated probe angles upwards; abutting a body on the material; coupling the body with the first elongated probe thereby forming a sensor; and after the preceding steps are completed, detecting the moisture in the material.

In a further embodiment of the method, the sensor is according to any of the preceding embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be apparent from and elucidated further with reference to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor.

Figure 2 schematically shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a sensor seen from the line II in figure 1.

Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor.

Figure 4 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of an elongated probe.

Figure 5 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of an elongated probe.

Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of a template.

Figure 7 schematically shows an embodiment of a system for detecting moisture.

Figure 8 schematically shows an embodiment of a method for electrically detecting moisture in a material.

Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a sidewall of a structure with a sensor.

Figure 10 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor.

The figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1	sensor
2	body
3	first elongated probe
4	second elongated probe
5	third elongated probe
6	guide in body
a1	first insertion angle
a2	second insertion angle
a3	third insertion angle
10	cover
11	projection of cover

15	central section
16	insulation
17	distal end
18	proximal end
19	top end
20	thread
21	elongated probe
22	body surface
23	head face
24	direction of first elongated body
α4	head face angle
30	template
31	first section
32	second section
33	first guide
33’	first half of first guide, first notch
33”	second half of first guide, second notch
34	second guide
34’	first half of second guide, third notch
34”	second half of the second guide, fourth notch
35	third guide
35’	first half of third guide, fifth notch
35”	second half of third guide, sixth notch
60	system
61	first house
62	first door
63	first door post
64	first door post sensor
65	first window
66	first window frame
67	first window frame sensor
71	second house
72	second door

73	second door post
74	second door post sensor
75	second window
76	second window frame
77	second window frame sensor
80	server
81	first communication link
82	second communication link
83	third communication link
84	fourth communication link
100	method for electrically detecting moisture in a material
110	inserting
120	abutting
130	coupling
140	detecting
200	side wall
201	wood plank
202	outfacing surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following figures may detail different embodiments. Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor 1.

The sensor comprises a body 2, a first elongated probe 3, a second elongated probe 4 and a third elongated probe 5. The first, second and third probes are positioned under an insertion angle a1, a2 and a3 respectively relative to the body. The insertion angle may be changed before inserting, but is fixed after inserting and coupling of the probe to the body. The coupling may be a releasable coupling.

The body further comprises a cover 10 having a projection 11. The cover shields the inserted probes from humidity, rain or any other form of liquid from the outside. The projection provides a seal between the body and a material wherein the probes are inserted. The projections may be partly embedded into the material for improving the seal. When abutted, the body, specifically the projection, contacts the material along a body surface.

Figure 2 schematically shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a sensor seen from the line II in figure 1. The body 2 comprising the cover 10 having a projection 11 is viewed from the side contacting the material when arranged to the material for detecting moisture in the material. The projection forms a ring around the inserted probes the provide the seal.

Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor 1. The sensor comprises a body and a first elongated probe. The body comprises a guide 6, which is formed by an elongated through hole through the body snugly fitting around the first elongated probe. The guide may have a friction coupling with the first elongated probe for allowing the probe to be kept in position when no force apart from gravity is applied to the first elongated probe, but allows the first elongated probe to be inserted when a small force is applied to an end of the first elongated probe. Thus, the guide thereby forms a releasable friction coupling with the first elongated probe.

Although only one elongated probe is shown, multiple elongated probes are foreseen. Also, the guide may be angled before inserting the elongated probe for adapting the insertion angle.

Figure 4 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of an elongated probe 21, which may be any of the first, second or third elongated probes 3,4,5. The sensor according to the invention is foreseen with one, two, three and more elongated probes. A preferred embodiment is with three, four or five elongated probes arranged for reference detections. A reference detection is preferably done by arranging several probes at mutually equal distances for directly comparing a first detection between a first pair of probes with a second detection between a second pair of probes. As an example, a sensor with three elongated probes, wherein all probes are arranged at equal distances from each other, thereby forming three pairs for three detections, which may be compared.

The elongated probe 21 comprises a distal end 17, a proximal end 18 and a central section 15. The central section comprises an insulation 16 for electrically insulating the probe from a surrounding material when inserted into the material. Alternatively, the insulation may be replaced by a reduced cross-section for the central section for reducing the electrical contact of the central section to the surrounding material. The reduced cross-section also provides reduced friction during inserting. Alternatively, both measures of reduced cross-section and insulation are combined.

Further, the proximal end comprises a top end. The top end may be used to press or hammer on when inserting the elongated probe in the material. The top end may also be used for electrically and/or mechanically coupling the elongated probe after inserting to a body of a sensor. Alternatively, the top end may already be coupled electrically and/or mechanically to the body of the sensor before inserting.

Figure 5 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of an elongated probe 21. The elongated probe comprises a distal end 17, a proximal end 18 and a central section 15. The distal end comprises a thread for rotationally inserting, such as screwing, the elongated probe in a material. The thread on the proximal end provides the advantage of being able to rotationally insert the elongated probe from the start of inserting.

Alternatively, the thread is arranged to the central section of the elongated probe for sealing off the distal end from creeping moist along the elongated probe. Alternatively, the thread is arranged to the proximal end of the elongated probe for sealing off the distal end from creeping moist along the elongated probe. Alternatively, the thread is spread out over multiple ends and/or sections for providing multiple advantages. Alternatively, the feature of the thread is combined with a central section comprising an insulation.

Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of a template

30. The template comprises a first section 31 and a second section 32 fitting together. The first and second section may be releasable coupled to each other. When the sections are fitted together, the sections form a first guide 33, second guide 34 and third guide 35. The first guide is formed by a first notch 33’ in the first section and a second notch 33” in the second section forming an elongated through hole snugly fitting to a first elongated probe. The second guide is formed by a third notch 34’ in the first section and a fourth notch 34” in the second section forming an elongated through hole snugly fitting to a second elongated probe. The third guide is formed by a fifth notch 35’ in the first section and a sixth notch 35” in the second section forming an elongated through hole snugly fitting to a third elongated probe.

Figure 7 schematically shows an embodiment of a system 60 for detecting moisture. The system comprises a first house 61, a second house 71 and a server 80. The first and the second house may be any structure, such as a building, an office, a bridge, a water tower, a factory, a shed, a barn or a cabin or even a wagon. At least the structure should comprise material comprising moisture, such as a bio-degradable material, such as a cellulose comprising material, such as wood. At least the material has to comprise moisture and be pierceable by the sensor.

The first house comprises a first door 62, a first door post 63 and a first door post sensor 61 arranged to the first door post 63 for measuring the moisture in the first door post. Alternatively, the first sensor may be arranged to the first door. The first house further comprises a first window 65, a first window frame 66 and a first window frame sensor 67 arranged to the first window frame 66 for measuring the moisture in the first window frame. Alternatively, the first window frame sensor may be arranged to a side wall of the first house.

The second house comprises a second door 72, a second door post 73 and a second door post sensor 71 arranged to the second door post 73 for measuring the moisture in the second door post. Alternatively, the second sensor may be arranged to the second door. The second house further comprises a second window 75, a second window frame 76 and a second window frame sensor 77 arranged to the second window frame 76 for measuring the moisture in the second window frame. Alternatively, the second window frame sensor may be arranged to a side wall of the second house.

The server is configured to receive detections from the first door post sensor, the first window frame sensor, the second door post sensor and the second window frame sensor via respectively a first communication link 81, a second communication link 82, a third communication link 83 and a fourth communication link 84. The sensors comprise respective transceivers for setting up the respective communication links. Communication links to the server may make use of relay stations, such as other sensors.

The respective sensors may process the detections before communicating the detections to the server. The respective sensors may process the detections to communicate measurements to the server. The respective sensors may average detections over time and may communicate these averages to the server. The communication links may be wired and/or wireless. The system may have only one sensor per structure or more than two sensors per structure. The amount of structures may be only one or may be more than two.

Preferably, the sensors are placed on a substantially vertical surface of the material. At least one, preferably all, of the first, the second, the third and the fourth sensor is a sensor according to the invention.

Figure 8 schematically shows an embodiment of a method 100 for electrically detecting moisture in a material.

The method comprises the step of inserting a first elongated probe into the material, wherein the first elongated probe angles upwards. The effect of the upward angling first elongated probe is that gravity counteracts the capillary effect preventing or reducing the creeping of moist along the first elongated probe and thereby minimizes the reduction of accuracy detection.

The method comprises the further step of abutting a body on the material.

The method comprises the further step of coupling the body with the first elongated probe thereby forming a sensor. The sensor comprises the elongated probe and the body. The sensor may alternatively comprise multiple elongated probes according to the preceding embodiments.

The preceding method steps may be executed in an alternative order. For example, in case of the use of a sensor comprising a guide for guiding the first elongated probe during inserting, the abutting of the body takes place before the inserting step. As another example, in case of the use of a sensor comprising a fixed first elongated probe fixed in the body, the coupling step takes places during manufacturing of the sensor, where after the inserting and subsequent abutting takes place on site.

The method comprises the further step of detecting the moisture in the material. The detections may be processed by the sensor. The sensor may comprise a transceiver for setting up a communication link to for example a server.

Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a sidewall 200 of a structure with a sensor. The structure comprises overlapping wood planks 201 having an outfacing surface 202. The overlapping wood planks are overlappingly arranged for letting rain and condense on the outfacing surface run down the side wall. Alternatively, the side wall may comprise wall shingles.

The side wall is preferably substantially vertical. Substantially vertical in the context of this application should be regarded as comprising overlapping wood planks as shown in figure 9. The deviation from the vertical is indicated with β. Substantially vertical may be a deviation up to 30 degrees, preferably up to 20 degrees, more preferably up to 15 degrees.

A sensor 1 is arranged to one of the wood planks. The sensor comprises a body 2 abutted to the plank and a first elongated probe 3 inserted into the plank. The angle α1 as defined for the sensor in figure 1 should be at least smaller than 90 degrees - β to allow the sensor to be arrange such that the first elongated probe may be angled upwards in the plank.

Figure 10 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a sensor 1. If a reference numbers in figure 10 is equal to a reference number in figure 1, the reference numbers identify the same feature with the same function as described for figure 1.

Further, the direction 24, such as a longitudinal direction, of the first elongated probe 3 is indicated. The directions of the other elongated probes are substantially parallel to the direction of the first elongated probe.

Further, the body 2 in figure 10 comprises a head face 23 for inserting and/or driving the sensor into a material. The sensor may be driven into the material with the use of a hammer, hammering on the head face.

Further, the angle between the head surface 23 and the direction 24 of the first elongated probe is indicated as head face angle a4. The head face angle is substantially 90 degrees for providing an optimized transfer of a driving and/or inserting force applied to the head surface to one or more of the elongated probes for driving and/or inserting the elongated probes into the material.

The sensor according to figure 10 is particularly advantageous for inserting and/or pressing the sensor in a material with the use of a lever. The application of a lever provides the advantage over a hammer that the material and/or the sensor cannot be damaged by a hammer blow. This is specifically advantageous if the material is soft, such as wood or even soft wood, and/or if the sensor comprises electronics, such as a transceiver.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the shapes may be any type of shape suitable to achieve the desired effect. Devices functionally forming separate devices may be integrated in a single physical device.

However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ or ‘including’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an. The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

Embodiments:

1. Sensor (1) for electrically detecting moisture in a material, including:

- a first elongated probe (3) for protruding into the material; and

- a body (2) having a body surface (22) for abutting onto the material and following when the first elongated probe is arranged under a first non-perpendicular insertion angle (a1) with the body surface.

2. Sensor according to claim 1, including a second and optionally a third elongated probe (4, 5) when abutted the second and the third elongated probe are arranged respectively under a second and a third non-perpendicular insertion angle (a2, a3 ) with the body surface.

3. Sensor according to claim 2, when abutted the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probe have substantially the same direction.

4. Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, where the sensor is arranged for the material for a prolonged amount or time and / or multiple moisture detections.

5. Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, the first elongated probe comprising a first proximal end (18), which first proximal end is coupled with the body when abutted.

6. Sensor according to claim 5, where the first proximal end is coupled with the body after the first elongated probe is inserted into the material.

7. Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, the first elongated probe comprising a first central section (15) having an electrically insulating outer surface (16).

8. Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, including the body comprising a cover (10) for covering the first elongated probe from humidity.

9. Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, where the body comprises a mark for indicating the orientation of the sensor for placing the first elongated probe in a defined direction.

10. Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, including the sensor comprising a guide (6) for guiding the first elongated probe under a predefined first insertion angle (a1) into the material.

11. Template for inserting a first elongated probe (3) or a sensor according to any of the claims 1-9, the template comprising a first guide (33) for guiding the first elongated probe under a predefined first insertion angle (a1) into a material.

12. Template according to claim 11, including a first and a second section (31, 32) couplable to each other for forming the first guide.

13. Template according to claim 11 or 12, where the sensor is depending on claim 2, including a second and optionally a third guide (34, 35) for inserting a second and optionally a third elongated probe (4, 5) respectively under a predefined second and optionally third insertion angle (a2, a3) into the material and coming the first, the second and optionally the third elongated probe are positioned at predefined distances from each other.

14. System (60) for detecting moisture in materials including:

- multiple sensors (64, 67, 74, 77) according to any of claims 1-10; and

- a server (80) receiving detections from the multiple sensors.

15. Method (100) for electrically detecting moisture in a material with a substantially vertical body surface, including the steps of:

- inserting (110) a first elongated probe into the material, the first elongated probe angles upwards;

- abutting (120) a body on the material;

- coupling (130) the body with the first elongated probe forming a sensor; and

- after the preceding steps are completed, detecting (140) the moisture in the material.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sensor (1) for electrically detecting moisture in a material, comprising:

- a first elongated sensor (3) for protruding into the material; and

- a body (2) with a body surface (22) for abutting the material and wherein when abutting the first elongated sensor is arranged under a first non-straight insertion angle (a1) with the body surface.

Sensor according to claim 1, comprising a second and optionally a third elongated sensor (4, 5) wherein when adjacent the second and the third elongated sensor are arranged under a second and a third non-straight insertion angle (a2, a3) with the body surface respectively.

The sensor of claim 2, wherein when abutting the first, the second and optionally the third elongated sensor have substantially the same direction.

Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is arranged on the material for a prolonged time and / or multiple humidity measurements.

Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongated sensor comprises a first proximal end (18), which first proximal end is coupled to the body when abutting.

The sensor of claim 5, wherein the first proximal end is coupled to the body after the first elongated sensor is inserted into the material.

Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongated sensor comprises a first central section (15) with an electrically insulating outer surface (16).

Sensor as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the body comprises a cover (10) for covering the first elongated sensor against air humidity.

Sensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a sign for indicating the orientation of the sensor for placing the first elongated sensor in a defined direction.

Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a guide (6) for guiding the first elongated sensor under a predefined insertion angle (a1) in the material.

A template for inserting a first elongated sensor (3) of a sensor according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the template has a first guide (33) for guiding the first elongated sensor under a predefined first insertion angle (a1 ) in the material.

The template of claim 11, comprising a first and a second section (31, 32) connectable to each other to form the first guide.

A template according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sensor is dependent on claim 2, comprising a second and optionally a third guide (34, 35) for inserting a second and optionally a third elongated sensor (4, 5) or below a predefined second and optionally a third insertion angle (a2, a3) in the material and wherein the first, the second and optionally the third elongated sensor are positioned at predefined distances from each other.

A system (60) for detecting moisture in a material, comprising:

- a plurality of sensors (64, 67, 74, 77) according to any of claims 1-10; and

- a server (80) for receiving observations from the plurality of sensors.

A method (100) for detecting moisture in a material with a substantially vertical surface, comprising the steps of:

- introducing (110) a first elongated sensor into the material, wherein the first elongated sensor is angled upwards;

- applying (120) a body to a material;

- coupling (130) the body with the first elongated sensor to thereby form a sensor; and

- after the previous steps have been completed, detecting (140) the moisture in the material.

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