| The present invention relates to a sensing system that, in a preferred embodiment, can be readily integrated into load-lifting structures (such as wings and landing gears) to provide real-time DPHM and obviate/mitigate catastrophic problems. Broadly, the present sensing system combines at least one shim portion with at least one nanogenerator such as a TENG or a PENG. A major advantage of the present sensing system is that it combines in a single structure the following functions: (a) gap management in the component in which the sensing system is installed, (b) collection/storage of measured data for the component in which the sensing system is installed, (c) harvesting/storing energy from operation environment of the component in which the sensing system is installed (e.g., DPHM data when the present sensing system is used for assessment of an aircraft's structural conditions), and (d) wireless transmission of measured data for the component in which the sensing system is installed to a user interface. |
