Patent Publication Number: US-2022237395-A1

Title: Electronic Strut Monitor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/181,762, filed Apr. 29, 2021, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/142,331, filed Jan. 27, 2021. The content of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of this disclosure generally relate to a monitor configured to be removably coupled to a structure or strut that forms part of a temporary support structure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A strut may be utilized to brace an unstable structure. For example, one or more struts may be positioned to brace an unstable structure of a vehicle following an accident. In another example, one or more struts may be positioned to reinforce damaged structures within a ship, such as bulkheads, sections of a hull, or hatches. In yet another example, one or more struts may be positioned to bear part, or all, of a weight of a wall, a ceiling, or a roof of an unstable structure. Accordingly, a strut may be utilized by emergency services, or other users, in time-sensitive situations and/or situations in which the types of on-hand materials are limited, and in which there is a possibility of/there has been structural failure of load-bearing elements. 
     The environments in which such struts are used are inherently dangerous. It would be beneficial if the structural condition of the unstable structure could be continuously monitored, optionally from a remote location. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for an electronic monitor configured to monitor the structural conditions of a structure or a strut that is part of a bracing system. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below. 
     Aspects of this innovation relate to an in-line electronic monitor for a temporary support strut. The electronic monitor may be referred to as an electronic strut monitor. In other examples, the electronic monitor may be configured to be operable when coupled to other structural elements/structure types. For example, the electronic monitor may be coupled to a clamp that is, in turn, coupled to an unstable structure. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor may include a housing that has a first end with a first bore extending into the housing and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length. The electronic strut monitor may additionally include a first coupling mechanism at the first end that is configured to removably couple the first end of the housing two a first end of a temporary support strut. The electronic strut monitor may additionally include a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, with the second coupling mechanism having a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel configured to be received into a corresponding bore of an external attachment structure. The electronic strut monitor may additionally include a third coupling mechanism that is positioned on a side wall that extends along a portion of the housing between the first end and the second end. The electronic strut monitor may also include a monitoring device that is positioned within the housing, with the monitoring device having a load cell configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut. The electronic strut monitor may also have an electronic interface that is configured to communicate information about the force measured by the load cell to a user. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosures are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an in-line electronic strut monitor that is configured to be removably coupled to a temporary support strut, according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  depict the in-line electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 1  installed in one example of a temporary structural support configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 3  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 1  installed in another example of a temporary structural support configuration, according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 4  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 1  removably coupled to a base plate, according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 5  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 1  removably coupled to a clamp structure, according to one or more aspects described herein; 
         FIG. 6  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 1  removably coupled to a side plate structure, according to one or more aspects described herein; and 
         FIG. 7  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 1  removably coupled to a suction clamp structure, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 8  depicts another isometric view of the in-line electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an isometric view of the in-line electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an isometric view of the in-line electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view of the in-line electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a front view of the in-line electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a top view of the in-line electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 14  schematically depicts a monitoring device, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart diagram that may be executed by the monitoring device of  FIG. 14 , according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 16  depicts an isometric view of an alternative coupling mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 17  depicts an isometric view of an electronic strut monitor, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
         FIG. 18  depicts an isometric view of the electronic strut monitor of  FIG. 17  decoupled from the backpack coupling mechanism, according to one or more aspects described herein. 
     
    
    
     Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different elements of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It is to be further understood that any of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure may be constructed from one or more material types, including metals, alloys, fiber-reinforced materials, ceramics, polymers, or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an electronic monitor device  100 . The electronic monitor device  100  may be referred to as an electronic monitor  100 , an electronic strut monitor  100  or an in-line electronic strut monitor  100 . In certain examples, the electronic monitor  100  may be configured to be removably coupled to a temporary support strut, according to one or more aspects described herein. The electronic monitor  100  may also be configured to be operable when coupled to other structural elements/structure types. For example, the electronic monitor may be coupled to a clamp that is, in turn, coupled to a structure, such as an unstable structure. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor  100  may otherwise be referred to as monitor  100  throughout this disclosure, and may include a housing  102 . This housing  102  may be configured to be positioned within a structural support system, and as such, may have structural geometries and materials configured to withstand external forces exerted upon the housing  102  from one or more structural members to which the monitor  100  is removably coupled. In the depicted example of  FIG. 1  the housing  102  may have a first end  104  spaced apart from a second end  106  along an axial length that is schematically depicted as axial length  108 /axial direction  108 . The first end  104  may have a first bore  105  that extends at least partially into the housing  104  and is configured to receive a first end of an external temporary support strut (not depicted in  FIG. 1 ). In the depicted implementation of  FIG. 1 , the housing  102  has one or more cylindrical geometries configured to the attached to external cylindrical temporary support strut elements. As such, the schematic axial length  108  may extend through a center of these cylindrical structures. However, the various disclosures described herein related to an in-line electronic strut monitor  100  may utilize a housing with alternative geometries. These alternative geometries may be configured to removably couple the housing  102  to temporary support strut elements with non-cylindrical geometries, such as other prisms, cuboids, among others. It is contemplated that the housing  102  may be constructed from one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In one example, the load-bearing components of the housing  102  may be constructed from an aluminum alloy. 
     The monitor  100  may additionally include a first coupling mechanism  110  at the first end  104 . In one example, the first coupling mechanism  110  may comprise a spring-loaded catch  171  (depicted in  FIG. 13 ) that extends into the bore  105  and is configured to interact with a circumferential channel extending around a portion of a first end of an external temporary support strut that is received into the bore  105 . The spring-loaded catch  171  that extends into the bore  105  may be implemented with a geometry such that when a first end of a temporary support strut is received into the bore  105 , the spring-loaded catch  171  is urged back into a side wall of the housing  102  without requiring the pull button  112  on an external sidewall  114  of the first end  104  of the housing  102  to be manually actuated. In other examples, the pull button  112  may be manually actuated in order to receive an external support strut into the first coupling mechanism  110 . In one example, in order to actuate the first coupling mechanism  110 , the pull button  112  is manually pulled away from the side wall  114 , which retracts the spring-loaded catch  171  within the bore  105  back into the side wall  114  of the housing  104 . The coupling mechanism  110  may be implemented such that an internal spring urges the catch  171  out of the side wall  114  and into the bore  105  when a manual force is not applied to pull the pull button  112  away from the side wall  114 . 
     The second end  106  of the housing  102  may include a second coupling mechanism  111 . The second coupling mechanism  111  may include geometrical features configured to be received into a coupling mechanism similar to that of the first coupling mechanism  110 . As such, the monitor  100  may be compatible with/removably coupled with similar structures to those that the temporary support strut is configured to be compatible with. Accordingly, the geometries of the second coupling mechanism  111  may be similar to the geometries of a first end of a temporary support strut (not depicted) that is configured to be received into the first coupling mechanism  110 . Specifically, the second coupling mechanism  111  may have a cylindrical structure  116 /cylindrical shaft  116  with a diameter configured to be received into a bore with a bore geometry similar to that of bore  105 . The second coupling mechanism  111  may additionally include a circumferential channel  118  that extends around a circumference of the cylindrical shaft  116 . This circumferential channel  118  may be configured to interact with a catch structure of a coupling mechanism, similar to the catch  171  attached to the pull button  112  of the first coupling mechanism  110 . Accordingly, the catch structure is configured to be received into the channel  118 , and thereby prevent the cylindrical shaft  116  from translating along the axial direction  108 . The second coupling mechanism  111  additionally includes a chamfered/filleted surface  120  configured to guide the cylindrical shaft  118  into a receiving bore similar to bore  105 . 
     The housing  102  may have a cylindrical outer sidewall  114  adjacent to the first end  104  and cylindrical outer sidewall  122  adjacent to the second end  106 . In addition, the housing  102  may include a substantially cuboidal structure  124  spaced between the first end  104  and the second end  106 . This substantially cuboidal structure  124  of the housing  102  may include planar outer sidewalls. A first sidewall  125  may include a third coupling mechanism  170  (depicted in greater detail in  FIG. 9 ). 
     The geometries of the strut elements that are configured to be received into the first coupling mechanism  110  and to which the second coupling mechanism  111  is configured to attach are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,850,930, filed Apr. 15, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. 
     The housing  102  may additionally include a monitoring device  130 . Monitoring device  130  may include external elements visible on the exterior of the monitor  100 , and internal elements within the housing  102 . In one example, the monitoring device  130  includes a load cell configured to measure a force exerted on the first coupling mechanism  110 . This force may be exerted by an external structure on the coupling mechanism  110 . In one example, the external force may be exerted by a removably coupled temporary support strut, a first end of which is securely and removably coupled within the first coupling mechanism  110 . In one example, the load cell of the monitoring device  130  is configured to measure at least a portion of a compressive load (force) exerted on the housing  102  and/or on the first coupling  110 . As such, a total force exerted on the monitor  100  may be extrapolated based upon knowledge of the geometry of the load cell relative to the first coupling mechanism  110  as a whole. In another example, the load cell of the monitoring device  130  may be subjected to a full load/force exerted by an external structure upon the housing  102  of the monitor  100 . The load cell of the monitoring device  130  may utilize any load cell configuration and/or materials without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Further, the load cell of the monitoring device  130  may be configured to measure a compressive force and/or a tensile force exerted on the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 . In another example, the load cell of the monitoring device  130  may be configured to measure a torsional force exerted on the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 . 
     The monitoring device  130  may additionally include an inclination sensor configured to monitor an angle of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 . As such, the inclination sensor may be configured to measure an angle of the axial direction  108  relative to level ground or an axis normal to level ground (corresponding to a direction of a force of gravity). The inclination sensor may thereby be configured to monitor a tilt angle of a structural member, such as a temporary support strut to which the monitor  100  is removably coupled. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that monitoring of a tilt angle of a temporary support strut may be useful in providing an early indication/warning of a possible collapse of a temporary support structure. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring device  130  may include a vibration sensor configured to detect a magnitude and/or frequency/energy content of vibrations to which the housing  102  of the monitor  100  is subjected. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that monitoring of vibration may be used to detect an early indication/warning of a possible collapse of a temporary support structure. This vibration monitoring may be used to detect ongoing seismic activity, such as aftershocks, in an area that has experienced an earthquake. The inclination sensor and/or vibration sensor may be implemented using a multi-axis inertial chip positioned within the monitoring device  130 . This inertial chip may include an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope sensor. It is contemplated that any inertial chip technologies may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. These technologies may include piezoelectric elements, among others. 
     The housing  102  may additionally include a second sidewall  127  that is opposite to a third sidewall  129 . A fourth sidewall  131  is opposite the first sidewall  125 . Monitoring device  130  may include a monitoring device housing  132  that is rigidly coupled to the fourth sidewall  131 . This monitoring device housing  132  may be constructed of any durable material, such as one or more polymers, with said materials configured to withstand incidental contact as the monitor  100  is used within various rescue situations. It is contemplated that the housing  132  may have any geometrical shape. In one example, the housing  132  includes an electronic interface that may include a graphical interface/screen/electronic display  134 , and/or input knobs/buttons/joysticks  136 , otherwise referred to as inputs  136 . The screen  134  may be a touchscreen or may be interacted with through the inputs  136 . In one example, the inputs  136  may be configured to activate, deactivate, and/or adjust various settings of the monitoring device  130 . 
     The housing  102  may additionally include a visual beacon  141 . This visual beacon  141  may include multiple high-intensity lights, which may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). This visual beacon  141  may be positioned on both the second side wall  127  and the third sidewall  129 . Further, the visual beacon  141  may be actuated based upon a sensor reading from one or more of the sensors of the monitoring device  130 . In addition, the monitoring device  130  may include an audible beacon/siren/alarm that may be configured to output an audible indication that the monitoring device  130  has detected a sensor reading above a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold may be associated with a safety threshold of load, angle, or vibration to which the housing  102  is subjected. Collectively, the visual beacon  141  and the audible beacon may be referred to as alert indicators, and may utilize any pattern of lighting and/or sound to alert users within the vicinity of the monitor  100  of a load, a tilt angle, and/or a vibration energy that is above one or more threshold values, or has changed by a threshold amount from set point values set when the monitoring device  130  was installed within a temporary support structure, among others. Additionally, the alert indicators may be configured to indicate that the monitor  100  is running low on battery power, or that the monitor  100  has not been correctly installed within a support structure. 
     In one example, the monitoring device  130  may be configured to communicate sensor readings and/or receive setting information from a remote device. Accordingly, the monitoring device  130  may be configured with one or more transceivers configured to facilitate wireless communication between the monitoring device  130  and one or more remote devices, which may include mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers, and the like. It is contemplated that the monitoring device  130  may be configured with the software, firmware, and/or hardware configured to communicate wirelessly using one or more communication protocols, including any Bluetooth®, and/or any Wi-Fi protocol, among others. The monitoring device  130  may utilize antennae  151  and  152  to facilitate wireless communication. In another example, the monitoring device  130  may utilize a single antenna of the antennae  151  and  152 , and/or an internal antenna/antennae to facilitate wireless communication to one or more remote devices. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring device  130  may be configured with software, firmware, and/or hardware to facilitate wired communication between the monitoring device and one or more remote devices. This wired communication may utilize any wired transmission protocol. It is further contemplated that the monitoring device  130  may include a power supply in the form of one or more batteries configured to provide electrical energy to the multiple components of the monitoring device  130  for a prolonged period of time (e.g. one or more weeks) without requiring the monitoring device  130  to be connected to a wired power source. In one example, the monitoring device  130  may include a port configured to receive a wired power source for recharging of the onboard energy storage batteries of the monitoring device  130 . The batteries of the monitoring device  130  may, alternatively, be disposable and user-replaceable, and may use any number and/or type of batteries. 
     The monitor  100  additionally includes a first handle structure  161  rigidly coupled to the second side wall  127 , and a second handle structure  162  rigidly coupled to the third sidewall  129 . In one example, the first handle structure  161  may be similar to the second handle structure  162 . The first handle structure  161  may include a closed-loop structure configured to prevent the electronic display  134  and/or the monitoring device housing  132  from being accidentally impacted by an external surface. In one example, the first handle structure  161 , when rigidly coupled to the second sidewall  127 , forms a first sub-handle  166  that extends outward from both the first sidewall  125  and the second sidewall  127 . The first handle structure  161  may additionally form a second sub-handle  168  that extends from both the second sidewall  127  and the fourth sidewall  131 . The first handle structure  161  and the second handle structure  162  may be formed, partially or wholly, from a molded urethane. In another example, the first handle structure  161  and the second handle structure  162  may be formed, partially or wholly, from a rigid metallic and/or polymeric core that is overmolded with a rubberized material. The external surface of the first handle structure  161  and the second handle structure  162  may be configured to add additional grip for manual positioning of the monitor  100  and/or prevent sparking if the monitor  100  is accidentally knocked against an external surface. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor  100  installed in one example of a temporary structural support configuration  200 , according to one or more aspects described herein.  FIG. 2B  depicts a closer view of the in-line connection of the monitor  100  between a temporary support strut  202 /adjustable strut  202  and a base plate  208 . In the depicted configuration of  FIG. 2A , the adjustable strut  202  is one of three similar struts  202 ,  204 ,  206 . However, struts  204  and  206  have been adjusted to a height that is different to strut  202  in order to accommodate the height of the monitor  100 . In the depicted configuration  200 , the struts  202 ,  204 , and  206  are configured to be compressed between base plates  208  and  210  and clamp  212  is configured to maintain a spacing between struts  202 ,  204 , and  206 . Each of the struts  202 ,  204 , and  206  will be subjected to one third of a total compressive force between plates  208  and  210 . Further, because the monitor  100  is placed in-line between the strut  202  and the base plate  208 , the monitor  100  will be subjected to all of the same compressive force to which the strut  202  is subjected. In this example configuration  200 , a total compressive load between the base plates  208  and  210  may be calculated by multiplying by three the compressive load calculated by the monitor  100 . It is contemplated that the monitor  100  may be utilized to detect sudden changes in a load, and the total stress between plates  208  and  210  may be of less importance to a user. Additionally, the monitor  100  may be configured to detect an angle of inclination of the strut  202 , which may alert a user if the strut  202  appears to be leaning outside of a vertical plane. This specific scenario may represent a potential risk of collapse of a structure that is being supported by the struts  202 ,  204 , and  206 . Similarly, the monitor  100  may be configured to monitor vibration within the support configuration  200 , which may provide a user with an early indication of a potential failure/collapse event. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the in-line electronic strut monitor  100  installed in another example of a temporary structural support configuration  300 , according to one or more aspects described herein. As depicted, the monitor  100  is configured to be positioned between a support strut  304  and base plate  302 . The configuration  300  includes multiple different strut elements beyond that strut  304 , which may be configured to provide a shoring of a vertical structure. The monitor  100  may be configured to detect a compressive force to which the strut  304  is subjected. A user may extrapolate this detected force information to determine stresses at different points within the configuration  300 . Additionally or alternatively, a user may monitor a compressive force along the strut  304  in isolation and/or may utilize the monitor  100  to detect a change in force experienced by the strut  304 . This change in force may be indicative of a shift in a load that is being supported by the temporary structural support configuration  300 , and may be indicative of a potential collapse of the supported structure. Additionally, the monitor  100  may be configured to monitor an angle of inclination of the strut  304  and/or vibration experienced by the strut  304 /the support configuration  300  as a whole. Both the angle and vibration measurements may be utilized to provide a warning of a change in structure being supported by the configuration  300 . 
     It is contemplated that the in-line electronic strut monitor  100  may be configured to be removably coupled to a variety of structural members intended to form configurations to provide temporary structural support to one or more unstable structures. These formed configurations may utilize multiple different adjustable strut elements, with one of these strut elements being received into the monitor  100 . Additionally, the in-line electronic strut monitor  100  may be coupled to an external structure using the third coupling mechanism  170 , and/or may not be coupled to a strut.  FIG. 4  depicts the monitor  100  removably coupled to a base plate  402 . This baseplate  402  may be configured to position the monitor  100  against a surface that is normal to an axial length of a strut that is received into the first coupling mechanism  110 . The baseplate  402  may include a coupling mechanism  404  that is similar to the first coupling mechanism  110 , and configured to receive the second coupling mechanism  111  of the monitor  100 .  FIG. 5  depicts the monitor  100  removably coupled to a clamp structure  502 . Specifically, the clamp structure  502  may be removably coupled to the third coupling mechanism of the monitor  100 .  FIG. 6  depicts the monitor  100  removably coupled to a side plate structure  602 . Specifically, the side plate structure  602  may be removably coupled to the third coupling mechanism of the monitor  100 .  FIG. 7  depicts the monitor  100  removably coupled to a suction clamp structure  702 . Specifically, the suction clamp structure  702  may be removably coupled to the third coupling mechanism of the monitor  100 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts another isometric view of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 , according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically,  FIG. 8  depicts a backside view of the monitor  100 .  FIG. 8  depicts the monitor  100  coupled to the clamp structure  502  of  FIG. 5 . The clamp structure  502  is removably coupled to the monitor  100  in an alternative orientation in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an isometric view of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 , according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically,  FIG. 9  depicts a more detailed view of the third coupling mechanism  170 . In one example, the third coupling mechanism  170  includes an upper rail  902  and a lower rail  904 . An attachment plate  906  may be removably coupled to the housing  102  of the monitor  100 . In one example, the attachment plate  906  may include an attachment rail  905  with corresponding geometry to the lower rail  904 , and configured to catch on the lower rail  904  when the attachment plate  906  is removably coupled to and urged toward an upper attachment bracket  908 . The upper attachment bracket includes an attachment rail  910  with corresponding geometry to the upper rail  902 . In one example, the upper attachment bracket  908  is removably coupled to the attachment plate  906  by actuating the thumb screw coupling mechanism  912  (which may actuate one or more of a spring-loaded catch or a screw, among others). Removably coupling the upper attachment bracket to the attachment plate  906  clamps the attachment plate  906  and upper attachment bracket  908  between the upper rail  902  and lower rail  904 . In another example, the attachment plate  906  may be coupled to the housing  902  by one or more bolts. 
     In one example, the attachment plate  906  includes one or more, or an array of threaded holes configured to receive bolts of one or more sizes. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any size bolts may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Depicted in  FIG. 9  are four bolts  920   a - d . These bolts  920   a - d  are used to couple, for example, the clamp  502  to the housing  102  in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts an isometric view of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 , according to one or more aspects described herein. The isometric view of  FIG. 10  depicts the monitor  100  without the attachment plate  906  and upper attachment bracket  908 . As depicted, the housing  102  includes a battery cover  1002  that is configured to provide access to a user-replaceable battery. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a side view of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 , according to one or more aspects described herein.  FIG. 12  depicts a front view of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 , according to one or more aspects described herein. The input controls  136   a  and  136   b  may be used to setup the monitor  100  for monitoring one or more of load, vibration and inclination/tilt angle. In one example, when installed in a support structure and loaded, the monitor  100  may be initiated by actuating one or more of the input controls  136   a - 136   b . This initiation may record setpoint values of load, tilt angle and vibration frequency/energy. The monitor  100  may actuate one or more alarm elements (e.g., one or more of an audible or visible alarm, and/or an electronic signal communicated to an external device, such as a phone, tablet, computer) when the monitored values of load, tilt angle or vibration frequency/energy change by a certain predetermined amount, such a predetermined percentage amount or predetermined absolute value amount. It is contemplated that this predetermined amount may be any amount. It is also contemplated that the change in monitored value that initiates one or more alarm elements may be an automatically set amount, or may be a manually selected amount, selected using one or more of the input controls  136   a - 136   b .  FIG. 13  depicts a top view of the in-line electronic strut monitor  100 , according to one or more aspects described herein. 
       FIG. 14  schematically depicts a monitoring device  1400 , according to one or more aspects described herein. The monitoring device  1400  may be similar to monitoring device  130 . Accordingly, the monitoring device  1400  may include application-specific integrated circuits and/or general purpose circuitry configured to monitor one or more parameters of a strut to which the monitoring device  1400  is coupled. In one example, the monitoring device  1400  may be configured to monitor load (force), vibration (vibration intensity, frequency among others), and tilt angle. 
     The monitoring device  1400  may include a processor  1402  that is configured to control the overall operation of the device  1400 . The processor  1400  may execute instructions received from memory  1404 . Accordingly, memory  1404  may be a form of volatile or persistent memory of any type, and may be RAM, ROM, among others. The transceiver  1406  may be configured with requisite hardware, firmware and software to facilitate wired and/or wireless communication between the monitoring device  1400  and one or more external devices, such as smartphones, wireless internet routers. The transceiver  1406  may be configured to send and/or receive information to/from an application running on a connected device, such a wirelessly connected smartphone or tablet. This application may be used to monitor data generated by the monitoring device  1400  from a remote location, and/or to send setting information to the monitoring device  1400 . 
     In one example, the transceiver  1406  may be configured to receive information from hardware to which the monitoring device  1400  is configured to be removably coupled. Specifically, the transceiver  1406  may receive information from a strut (e.g., strut  304 ) or another type of support hardware (e.g., base  302 ). This received information may identify the connected hardware elements, and this information may be used to determine a maximum load to which the coupled hardware may be subjected. It is contemplated that the transceiver  1406  may be configured to communicate across any wired or wireless communication channel utilizing any communication protocol. Examples include, but are not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, a cellular network, infrared, RFID, among others. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the transceiver  1406  may be configured with a location determining sensor, such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or another location determining receiver or transceiver. 
     The monitoring device  1400  may include a load cell transducer  1408  configured to output a signal proportional to a load, or a force, to which the transducer is subjected. Accordingly, the load cell transducer  1408  may be positioned such that the force of a connected strut is transmitted partially or wholly through to the transducer  1408 . It is contemplated that any transducer technology may be utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. 
     The monitoring device  1400  may additionally include interface  1410 . This interface  1410  may be configured with user interface hardware, firmware, and/or software configured to facilitate manual interface with the monitoring device  1400  of the strut monitor, such as strut monitor  100 . Accordingly, the interface  1410  may be in operative communication with a display and/or control buttons  1414 , which may be similar to elements  134  and  136 . 
     The monitoring device  1400  may additionally include an inertial unit  1412 . This inertial unit  1412  may include an accelerometer, and/or a gyroscope. Further, the accelerometer and/or the gyroscope may be sensitive along one, two, or three mutually perpendicular axes. The monitoring device  1400  may additionally include a database  1414  that may be configured to store data at recorded by the monitoring device  1400  for subsequent review and/or analysis. The database  1414  may store information related to a type of hardware to which the monitoring device  1400  is coupled, loads exerted on the monitor (e.g., monitor  100 ) within which the monitoring device  1400  is encapsulated, loading events corresponding to changes in load exerted on the monitor within which the monitoring device  1400  is encapsulated, vibration data, tilt angle data, among others. It is contemplated that any database structure and/or protocol may be used to store the information within database  1414 , without departing from the scope of these disclosures. 
     In one example, the monitoring device  1400  may include recorder functionality, which may be referred to as black box functionality. This black box functionality may allow a user to analyze data following the use of the monitoring device  1400  in a rescue scenario during which it is used to monitor a load, vibration, and/or tilt angle of a strut used to shore an otherwise unstable external structure. The black box functionality may automatically communicate data stored in database  1414  to an external device to which the monitoring device  1400  is wired or wirelessly connected upon detection of a trigger event, such as a change in load, tilt angle, and/or vibration intensity above a threshold amount. In another example, the monitoring device  1400  may continuously store data locally within database  1414  and simultaneously store that same data, or a portion thereof, in a remote location away from the monitoring device  1400 . In one example, the monitoring device  1400  may store load, vibration, and/or tilt angle information for a strut to which the monitoring device  1400  is connected, as well as from separate monitoring devices to which the device  1400  may be in wired or wireless communication. In this scenario, The monitoring device  1400  may act as a redundant database storing information from separate monitoring devices used to support various structures at the site of a rescue or other type of shoring operation. In another example, the black box functionality of the monitoring device  1400  may transmit stored information from database  1414  to a user upon receipt of a request by that user. The information may be transmitted to the display  1414 , and/or to the transceiver  1406  for communication to an external device. 
     The disclosure is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the disclosure include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
     The disclosure may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked, for example, through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. 
     The various embodiments described herein may be implemented by general-purpose or specialized computer hardware. In one example, the computer hardware may comprise one or more processors, otherwise referred to as microprocessors, having one or more processing cores configured to allow for parallel processing/execution of instructions. As such, the various disclosures described herein may be implemented as software coding, wherein those of skill in the computer arts will recognize various coding languages that may be employed with the disclosures described herein. Additionally, the disclosures described herein may be utilized in the implementation of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or in the implementation of various electronic components comprising conventional electronic circuits (otherwise referred to as off-the-shelf components). Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various descriptions included in this disclosure may be implemented as data signals communicated using a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, the descriptions of the various disclosures described herein may be understood as comprising one or more streams of data signals, data instructions, or requests, and physically communicated as bits or symbols represented by differing voltage levels, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, optical fields, or combinations thereof. 
     One or more of the disclosures described herein may comprise a computer program product having computer-readable medium/media with instructions stored thereon/therein that, when executed by a processor, are configured to perform one or more methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. As such, the instructions stored on the computer-readable media may comprise actions to be executed for performing various steps of the methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the computer-readable medium/media may comprise a storage medium with instructions configured to be processed by a computing device, and specifically a processor associated with a computing device. As such the computer-readable medium may include a form of persistent or volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk (CD-ROMs, DVDs), tape drives, floppy disk, ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, DRAM, VRAM, flash memory, RAID devices, remote data storage (cloud storage, and the like), or any other media type or storage device suitable for storing data thereon/therein. Additionally, combinations of different storage media types may be implemented into a hybrid storage device. In one implementation, a first storage medium may be prioritized over a second storage medium, such that different workloads may be implemented by storage media of different priorities. 
     Further, the computer-readable media may store software code/instructions configured to control one or more of a general-purpose, or a specialized computer. Said software may be utilized to facilitate interface between a human user and a computing device, and wherein said software may include device drivers, operating systems, and applications. As such, the computer-readable media may store software code/instructions configured to perform one or more implementations described herein. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, techniques, or method steps of those implementations described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware devices, computer software, or combinations thereof. As such, various illustrative modules/components have been described throughout this disclosure in terms of general functionality, wherein one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the described disclosures may be implemented as hardware, software, or combinations of both. 
     The one or more implementations described throughout this disclosure may utilize logical blocks, modules, and circuits that may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     The techniques or steps of a method described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in software executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. In some embodiments, any software module, software layer, or thread described herein may comprise an engine comprising firmware or software and hardware configured to perform embodiments described herein. Functions of a software module or software layer described herein may be embodied directly in hardware, or embodied as software executed by a processor, or embodied as a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read data from, and write data to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user device. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user device. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart diagram  1500  that may be executed by the monitoring device  1400 , according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, one or more processes may be executed at block  1502  of flowchart  1500  to identify a length and/or a type of a strut (e.g., strut  300 ) (or other support hardware, such as base plate  302 ) that is removably coupled to the monitoring device  1400 . In one example, this identification may be automatic, based upon a signal received from the attached hardware. Further this signal may be received from a Bluetooth low energy (BTLE) transceiver within the attached hardware, or from an RFID tag, among others. Further, the received information may include a length of the strut, which may be a fixed length of a length at which the strut has been adjusted. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the loading to which a strut may be subjected will depend upon the strut geometry, which may include the material type, material thickness, one or more strut widths, and/or a length of the strut. In additional or alternative examples, the strut length and type may be identified block  1502  based upon manually entered information received by the monitoring device  1400 . 
     One or more processes may be executed at block  1504  to identify maximum conditions to which the strut may be subjected, based upon the identified strut type and length from block  1502 . These maximum conditions may include a maximum load, a maximum vibration frequency/energy, and/or a maximum tilt angle, among others. 
     One or more processes may be executed at block  1506  to set a threshold above which the monitor will execute an alert. This threshold may be a load threshold, a vibration threshold, or a tilt angle threshold, among others. The threshold set at block  1506  may be automatically determined based upon a lookup table stored within the database  1414 , and/or may be manually entered into the monitoring device  1400 . 
     Decision block  1508  may correspond to one or more monitoring processes during which the monitoring device  1400  periodically calculates one or more of a load, vibration intensity and/or frequency, and/or tilt angle, and compares the calculated data to the threshold set at block  1506 . If the threshold has not been reached, flowchart  1500  proceeds to block  1510  and the strut monitor  1400  continues monitoring the structural support system that includes one or more struts. If one or more thresholds are reached, flowchart  1500  proceeds to block  1512 , at which one or more alarms may be activated. These one or more alarms may be local to the device  1400  (e.g., on the monitor  100 ), and/or may be remote. A local alarm may include an audible and/or visible alert signal. In one example, a remote alarm may include a signal to activate a warning on a device to which the strut monitor  1400  is connected. 
       FIG. 16  depicts an isometric view of an alternative coupling mechanism  1600 , according to one or more aspects described herein. The coupling mechanism  1600  may be similar to coupling mechanism  170 . As such, the coupling mechanism  1600  may be configured to be removably coupled to the monitor  100  in a manner similar to the mechanism  170 . In one exam, the coupling mechanisms  170  and  1600  may be referred to as “backpack” elements. 
     Advantageously, the coupling mechanism  1600  may be utilized to facilitate rapid coupling and uncoupling of structures to the monitor  100 . These structures may include clamp structure  502 , plate structure  602 , and suction clamp structure  702  among others. The coupling mechanism  1600  may include attachment rails  1602  and  1604 , which may be configured to be removably coupled to the upper rail  902  and lower rail  904  of the monitor  100 , as previously described. Similar to coupling mechanism  170 , the coupling mechanism  1600  may include an upper attachment bracket  1606  (similar to upper attachment bracket  908 ) that is removably coupled to an attachment plate  1608  (similar to attachment plate  906 ) by a thumb screw coupling mechanism  1610  (similar to coupling mechanism  912 ). The coupling mechanism  1600  additionally includes a socket sleeve  1612  into which a quick-attach bracket  1614  is removably coupled by a pull button (otherwise referred to as a pull pin)  1616 . The pull button  1616  which includes a spring-actuated catch  1618  that is received into a corresponding hole or depression of the quick-attach bracket  1614 . One of these holes of the quick-attach bracket  1614  is depicted in  FIG. 16  as element  1620 . In one example, the quick-attach bracket  1614  has a rounded square plug sleeve geometry  1622  configured to be received into the rounded square geometry of the socket sleeve  1612 . Further, the plug sleeve  1622  may have 4 substantially symmetrical sides with holes similar to hold  1620  such that the catch  1618  can engage with the plug sleeve  1622  regardless of the orientation of the plug sleeve  1622  relative to the socket sleeve  1612 . The quick-attach bracket  1614  may additionally include an attachment surface  1624  to which external structures may be bolted. These external structures may include, among others, structures  502 ,  602 , and/or  702 . Accordingly, the attachment surface  1624  of the quick-attach bracket  1614  may include tapped or untapped attachment holes configured to receive bolts  1626   a - d . It is contemplated, similar to the other structures throughout this disclosure, that the bolts  1626   a - d  may be of any size and the tapped/untapped holes into which they are received may be spaced with any spacing pattern relative to one another. 
       FIG. 17  depicts an isometric view of an electronic strut monitor  1700 , according to one or more aspects described herein. The electronic strut monitor  1700  may be similar to electronic strut monitor  100 , as previously described. As depicted, the electronic strut monitor  1700  is removably coupled to the backpack coupling mechanism  1600 , as described in relation to  FIG. 16 . Further, the backpack coupling mechanism  1600  is removably coupled to the quick-attach bracket  1614 , which may in turn be coupled (bolted) to external clamp elements (not depicted in  FIG. 17 ). 
       FIG. 18  depicts an isometric view of the electronic strut monitor  1700  decoupled from the backpack coupling mechanism  1600 , according to one or more aspects described herein. As depicted in  FIG. 18 , the backpack coupling mechanism  1600  has been decoupled from quick-attach bracket  1614 . When the backpack coupling mechanism  1600  has been decoupled from the electronic strut monitor  1700 , which exposes the battery cover  1702 . This battery cover  1702  provides access to one or more batteries powering the electronics of the monitor  1700 . The battery cover  1702  may be similar to battery cover  1002 , but the battery cover  1702  is affixed to the casing  1704  of the monitor  1700  by two fasteners  1706   a ,  1706   b  (which may be two bolts, although the those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any fixture type may be used in place of the depicted fixtures throughout this disclosure). 
     Aspects of this innovation relate to an in-line electronic strut monitor for a temporary support strut. The in-line electronic strut monitor includes a housing that has a first end with a first bore extending into the housing and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length. The electronic strut monitor additionally includes a first coupling mechanism at the first end that is configured to removably couple the first end of the housing two a first end of a temporary support strut. The electronic strut monitor may additionally include a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, with the second coupling mechanism having a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel configured to be received into a corresponding bore of an external attachment structure. The electronic strut monitor may additionally include a third coupling mechanism that is positioned on a side wall that extends along a portion of the housing between the first end and the second end. The electronic strut monitor may also include a monitoring device that is positioned within the housing, with the monitoring device having a load cell configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut. The electronic strut monitor may also have an electronic interface that is configured to communicate information about the force measured by the load cell to a user. 
     The sidewall of the in-line electronic strut monitor may be a first sidewall, and the housing may additionally include a second sidewall and ⅓ sidewall, with the in-line electronic monitor having a first handle structure rigidly coupled to the second sidewall, and a second handle structure rigidly coupled to the third sidewall. 
     The electronic interface of the in-line electronic strut monitor may include an electronic display attached to fourth sidewall of the housing. 
     The first and second handle structures of the in-line electronic strut monitor may each include a closed-loop structure intended to prevent the electronic display from being accidentally impacted by an external surface. 
     The electronic interface may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor information (including force, tilt angle, vibration force and/or frequency) to a remote device of a user. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor may be configured to monitor a compressive force or a tensile force. 
     The monitoring device of the in-line electronic strut monitor may also include an inclination/tilt sensor that is configured to detect a tilt angle of an axial length of the housing of the monitor. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor may additionally include a vibration sensor within the monitoring device. 
     The monitoring device of the in-line electronic strut monitor may additionally include an alarm configured with audible and visible alert indicators. 
     In one example, the first coupling mechanism may include a spring-loaded catch that is configured to extend from a sidewall of the housing into the bore, and configured to be received into the channel of the first end of a temporary support strut. 
     The third coupling mechanism may be similar to the first coupling mechanism, and may include a spring-loaded catch. 
     In another example, the third coupling mechanism may be similar to the second coupling mechanism. 
     In another aspect, this innovation relates to an in-line electronic strut monitor for a temporary support strut. The in-line electronic strut monitor includes a housing that has a first end with a first bore extending into the housing and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length. The electronic strut monitor additionally includes a first coupling mechanism at the first end that is configured to removably couple the first end of the housing two a first end of a temporary support strut. The electronic strut monitor may additionally include a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, with the second coupling mechanism having a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel configured to be received into a corresponding bore of an external attachment structure. The electronic strut monitor may also include a monitoring device that is positioned within the housing, with the monitoring device having a load cell configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut. The electronic strut monitor may also have an electronic interface that is configured to communicate information about the force measured by the load cell to a user. 
     In another aspect, an in-line electronic strut monitor for a support strut may include a housing configured to be removably coupled to a support strut, a monitoring device positioned within the housing, the monitoring device having a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium that has computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to identify a strut type and strut length be used to shore a structure, identify a maximum permissible load for the identified strut type and strut length, set a threshold load equal to the identified maximum permissible load, monitor a current load acting upon the housing as the support strut is being installed to shore the structure, and activate an alarm if the current load exceeds the maximum permissible load. 
     At least one of the strut type and strut length associated with the in-line electronic strut monitor may be automatically identified by the monitoring device using information received from a beacon coupled to the support strut. This beacon may be an RFID tag, a Bluetooth (such as Bluetooth low energy) beacon, a barcode, a QR code, among others. 
     In another example, the strut type and strut length may be identified from information entered manually into the in-line electronic strut monitor. 
     In one example, the alarm may include a signal transmitted from the monitoring device to an external device, and/or may include an audible and/or visible signal emitted from the electronic strut monitor. 
     In another aspect, an electronic monitor may include a housing that has a first end with a first bore extending into the housing and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length. The electronic monitor may also include a first coupling mechanism at the first end, a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, the second coupling mechanism including a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel, and a third coupling mechanism positioned on a sidewall that extends along a portion of the housing between the first end and the second end. The electronic monitor may additionally include a monitoring device positioned within the housing, the monitoring device having a load cell sensor and a vibration sensor, and an electronic interface configured to communicate information from the monitoring device to a user. 
     The first coupling mechanism of the electronic monitor may be configured to removably couple the first end of the housing two a first end of a temporary support strut. 
     The monitoring device may be configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut. 
     The second coupling mechanism or the third coupling mechanism may be configured to be removably coupled to an external attachment structure. 
     The sidewall may be a first sidewall, and the housing may additionally include a second sidewall and a third sidewall, with the electronic monitor having a first handle structure rigidly coupled to the second sidewall, and a second handle structure rigidly coupled to the third sidewall, such that the first and second handle structures comprise a closed-loop structure configured to prevent the electronic interface from being accidentally impacted by an external surface. 
     The electronic interface may include an electronic display attached to a fourth sidewall of the housing. 
     The electronic interface may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor information to a remote device of the user. 
     The monitoring device may also include an inclination sensor configured to detect a tilt angle of the axial length of the housing. 
     The monitoring device may include an alarm configured with audible and visible alert indicators. 
     The first coupling mechanism may include a spring-loaded catch configured to extend from a sidewall of the housing into the bore, and configured to be received into a channel of the first end of the temporary support strut. 
     In another aspect, an electronic monitor may include a housing that has a first end with a first bore extending into the housing, and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length. The electronic monitor may additionally include a first coupling mechanism at the first end configured to removably couple the first end of the housing two a first end of a temporary support strut. The electronic monitor may also include a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, the second coupling mechanism having a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel. The electronic monitor may also include a monitoring device positioned within the housing, with the monitoring device having a load cell configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut, and an electronic interface configured to communicate to a user information about the force measured by the load cell. 
     The sidewall may be a first sidewall, and the housing may additionally include a second side wall of the third sidewall, with the electronic monitor further including a first handle structure rigidly coupled to the second sidewall, and a second handle structure rigidly coupled to the third sidewall. 
     The electronic interface may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor information to a remote device of the user. 
     The monitoring device may additionally include an inclination sensor configured to detect a tilt angle of the axial length of the housing. 
     The monitoring device may additionally include a vibration sensor. 
     An electronic monitor may include a housing configured to be removably coupled to a support strut, a monitoring device positioned within the housing, with the monitoring device having a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that has computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor are configured to: identify a strut type and a strut length to be used to shore a structure, identify a maximum permissible load for the identified strut type and strut length, set a threshold load equal to the identified maximum permissible load, monitor a current load acting upon the housing as the support strut is being installed to shore the structure; and activate an alarm if the current load exceeds the maximum permissible load. 
     At least one of the strut type and strut length may be automatically identified by the monitoring device using information received from a beacon coupled to the support strut. 
     The beacon may be an RFID tag. 
     At least one of the strut type and strut length may be identified from information entered manually into the electronic monitor. 
     The alarm may include a signal transmitted from the monitoring device to an external device. 
     Exemplary Clauses 
     An in-line electronic strut monitor for a temporary support strut, comprising:
         a housing having a first end with a first bore extending into the housing and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length;   a first coupling mechanism at the first end configured to removably couple the first end of the housing to a first end of a temporary support strut;   a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, the second coupling mechanism comprising a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel configured to be received into a corresponding bore of an external attachment structure;   a third coupling mechanism positioned on a sidewall that extends along a portion of the housing between the first end and the second end;   a monitoring device positioned within the housing, the monitoring device comprising a load cell configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut; and   an electronic interface, configured to communicate information about the force measured by the load cell to a user.       

     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the sidewall is a first sidewall, and the housing further comprises a second sidewall and a third sidewall, the in-line electronic monitor further comprising a first handle structure rigidly coupled to the second sidewall, and a second handle structure rigidly coupled to the third sidewall. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 2, wherein the electronic interface comprises an electronic display attached to a fourth sidewall of the housing. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 3, wherein the first and second handle structures each comprise a closed-loop structure additionally configured to prevent the electronic display from being accidentally impacted by an external surface. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the electronic interface comprises a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor information to a remote device of the user. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the force is a compressive force. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the monitoring device further comprises an inclination sensor configured to detect a tilt angle of the axial length of the housing. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises a vibration sensor. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises an alarm configured with audible and visible alert indicators. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the first coupling mechanism comprises a spring-loaded catch configured to extend from a sidewall of the housing into the bore, and configured to be received into a channel of the first end of the temporary support strut. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the third coupling mechanism is similar to the first coupling mechanism. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 1, wherein the third coupling mechanism is similar to the second coupling mechanism. 
     An in-line electronic strut monitor for a temporary support strut, comprising:
         a housing having a first end with a first bore extending into the housing and a second end spaced apart from the first end along an axial length;   a first coupling mechanism at the first end configured to removably couple the first end of the housing to a first end of a temporary support strut;   a second coupling mechanism at the second end of the housing, the second coupling mechanism comprising a cylindrical shaft with a circumferential channel configured to be received into a corresponding bore of an external attachment structure;   a monitoring device positioned within the housing, the monitoring device comprising a load cell configured to measure at least a portion of a force exerted upon the first coupling mechanism by the removably coupled temporary support strut; and   an electronic interface, configured to communicate information about the force measured by the load cell to a user.       

     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 13, wherein the sidewall is a first sidewall, and the housing further comprises a second sidewall and a third sidewall, the in-line electronic monitor further comprising a first handle structure rigidly coupled to the second sidewall, and a second handle structure rigidly coupled to the third sidewall. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 14, wherein the electronic interface comprises an electronic display attached to a fourth sidewall of the housing. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 15, wherein the first and second handle structures each comprise a closed-loop structure additionally configured to prevent the electronic display from being accidentally impacted by an external surface. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 13, wherein the electronic interface comprises a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor information to a remote device of the user. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 13, wherein the force is a compressive force. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 13, wherein the monitoring device further comprises an inclination sensor configured to detect a tilt angle of the axial length of the housing. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 13, wherein the monitoring device comprises a vibration sensor. 
     An in-line electronic strut monitor for a support strut, comprising:
         a housing configured to be removably coupled to a support strut;   a monitoring device positioned within the housing, the monitoring device further comprising:
           a processor;
               a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to:   identify a strut type and strut length to be used to shore a structure;   identify a maximum permissible load for the identified strut type and strut length;   
               set a threshold load equal to the identified maximum permissible load;   monitor a current load acting upon the housing as the support strut is being installed to shore the structure; and   activate an alarm if the current load exceeds the maximum permissible load.   
               

     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 21, wherein at least one of the strut type and strut length is automatically identified by the monitoring device using information received from a beacon coupled to the support strut. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 22, wherein the beacon is an RFID tag. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 21, wherein at least one of the strut type and strut length is identified from information entered manually into the in-line electronic strut monitor. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 21, wherein the alarm comprises a signal transmitted from the monitoring device to an external device. 
     The in-line electronic strut monitor of clause 21, wherein the alarm comprises an audible or visible signal emitted from the electronic strut monitor. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Aspects of the embodiments have been described in terms of illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps illustrated in the illustrative figures may be performed in other than the recited order, and that one or more steps illustrated may be optional in accordance with aspects of the embodiments. 
     Accordingly, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be understood from the following claims, which are to be interpreted as broadly as allowed under the law.