U.S. patent application number 14/282523 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for system for monitoring machine components of track-type mobile machines.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Diekevers, Michael Hasselbusch, William Spicher.
Application Number | 20150337522 14/282523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54554501 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150337522 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diekevers; Mark ; et
al. |
November 26, 2015 |
System for Monitoring Machine Components of Track-Type Mobile
Machines
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the status of
machine components of a track-type mobile machine. The method and
apparatus includes a sensor system on or within a machine component
of a track-type mobile machine that monitors the status or a
characteristic of the machine component. The sensor system
transmits the information relating to the status or characteristic
to an ECU of the track-type mobile machine and the ECU performs an
action based thereon.
Inventors: |
Diekevers; Mark; (Germantown
Hills, IL) ; Hasselbusch; Michael; (Metamora, IL)
; Spicher; William; (East Peoria, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
54554501 |
Appl. No.: |
14/282523 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/50 ;
180/9.42; 701/29.1; 701/33.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 55/32 20130101;
E02F 9/267 20130101; E02F 9/2025 20130101; E02F 3/7618 20130101;
B62D 55/06 20130101; H04Q 2209/30 20130101; H04Q 2209/886 20130101;
E02F 9/26 20130101; H04Q 2209/43 20130101; H04Q 9/00 20130101; B62D
55/12 20130101; F16D 66/00 20130101; H04Q 2209/823 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/26 20060101
E02F009/26; E02F 9/20 20060101 E02F009/20 |
Claims
1. A track-type mobile machine including an operator alert system
comprising: a track-type mobile machine having an engine, the
engine having an ECU operatively connected to the engine, and an
undercarriage, the undercarriage including a track; a transmitter
located on a portion of the track for transmitting information; and
a transceiver located on a portion of the track type-mobile machine
and operatively connected to the ECU, for receiving information
from the transmitter and communicating the information to the
ECU.
2. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the engine
includes a torque converter, the ECU monitors a torque converter
input speed and a torque converter output speed, the transmitter
transmits information relating to a track speed to the transceiver,
and the ECU calculates an undercarriage load based thereon.
3. The track-type mobile machine of claim 2 wherein an alert is
displayed to an operator of the track-type mobile machine if the
undercarriage load or track speed exceeds a predetermined
limit.
4. The track-type mobile machine of claim 3 wherein if the
undercarriage load or track speed is not reduced below the
predetermined limit after a predetermined period of time, the ECU
reduces engine power to a predetermined level.
5. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the information
transmitted by the transmitter includes at least one of a serial
number for the track-type mobile machine and a track part
number.
6. The track-type mobile machine of claim 5 wherein the ECU
compares the transmitted serial number or track part number to an
expected serial number or track part number, and if the expected
serial number or track part number does not match the transmitted
serial number or track part number, or no serial number or track
part number is received, the ECU disables undercarriage-related
electronics.
7. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the transmitter
is a BLE transmitter and the transceiver is a BLE transceiver.
8. The track-type mobile machine of claim 1 wherein the track is a
loop comprised of a plurality of coupled track links, the track
links are coupled by a track pin, at least one track pin having a
sealing cavity, and wherein the transmitter is positioned in the
sealing cavity.
9. A method for monitoring the status of machine components of a
track-type mobile machine, the method comprising: installing a
sensor system on or within a machine component of a track-type
mobile machine; installing the machine component with the sensor
system on the track-type mobile machine, and operably connecting
the sensor system to an ECU for the track-type mobile machine;
collecting information with the sensor system while the track-type
mobile machine is performing work on a worksite, the information
relating to a characteristic experienced by the machine component;
transmitting the information with the sensor system to the ECU;
comparing the information collected by the sensor system with
predetermined parameters stored within the ECU related to the
characteristic experienced by the machine component; and performing
an action in response to the information collected based upon the
relationship of the information to the predetermined
parameters.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the characteristic is at least
one of wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, speed, or
load experienced by the machine component.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein an alert is displayed to an
operator of the track-type mobile machine if the collected
information falls outside the predetermined parameters.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the ECU reduces an engine power
of the track-type mobile machine to a predetermined level if the
collected information falls outside the predetermined
parameters.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the collected information is at
least one of a serial number for the track-type mobile machine and
a machine component part number.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the ECU compares the serial
number or machine component part number to an expected serial
number or machine component part number, and, if the expected
serial number or track part number does not match the received
serial number or machine component part number, or no serial number
or machine component part number is received, the ECU disables
predetermined machine component-related functions.
15. The method of claim 9 wherein the sensor system includes a BLE
transmitter and a BLE transceiver.
16. The method of claim 9 wherein the machine component is an
undercarriage of a track-type mobile machine and the information
collected is a speed of a track used in connection therewith.
17. A method for monitoring the status of an undercarriage of a
track-type mobile machine, the method comprising: selecting a
track-type mobile machine having an engine, the engine having an
ECU operatively connected to the engine, and an undercarriage, the
undercarriage including a track; installing a transmitter on a
portion of the track for transmitting information; installing a
transceiver on a portion of a track type-mobile machine operatively
connected to the ECU, for receiving information from the
transmitter and communicating the information to the ECU;
collecting information with the transmitter while the track-type
mobile machine is performing work on a worksite, the information
relating to a characteristic experienced by the track.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein an alert is displayed to an
operator of the track-type mobile machine if the information
relating to a characteristic experienced by the track is outside of
predetermined parameters stored in the ECU.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the information transmitted by
the transmitter includes at least one of a serial number for the
track-type mobile machine and a track part number.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising comparing the
transmitted serial number or track part number to an expected
serial number or track part number, and if the expected serial
number or track part number does not match the transmitted serial
number or track part number, or no serial number or track part
number is received, disabling a predetermined undercarriage-related
function.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to mobile machines
and, more particularly, to a system for monitoring the usage and/or
wear of machine components of track-type mobile machines in
real-time.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mobile machines are in widespread use in construction,
mining, forestry, and other similar industries. Due to the
environment in which they are used, many times mobile machines are
track-type machines rather wheel-type machines. The undercarriage
of such track-type machines utilizes track assemblies, rather than
wheels, to provide ground-engaging propulsion. Such track
assemblies may be preferred in environments where creating
sufficient traction is problematic, such as the environments
identified above. Specifically, rather than rolling across a work
surface on wheels, track-type machines utilize one or more track
assemblies that include a loop of coupled track links defining
exterior surfaces, which may themselves comprise, or may be coupled
to components that comprise, ground-engaging track shoes, and
interior surfaces that travel about one or more rotatable
track-engaging elements, such as, drive sprockets, idlers,
tensioners, and rollers, for example, all of which may be
considered to comprise the undercarriage of the track-type
machine.
[0003] The environments in which track-type machines are used,
namely the environments of the prior-mentioned construction,
mining, forestry, etc. industries, can be extremely harsh and tend
to put extreme wear on the undercarriage of track-type machines.
Accordingly, it is not uncommon for the undercarriage of a
track-type machine (or components thereof) to require replacement
from time to time. Specifically, it is known to service or replace
a machine component, for example, when the component exceeds its
expected lifetime (based on the age of the component or number of
hours of use experienced by the component), or based on the results
of inspection or evaluation of the component.
[0004] In accordance therewith, methods have been developed to
monitor potential wear on vehicle equipment for repair and or
replacement. For example, known prior art methods of monitoring
wear for vehicle components, and in particular undercarriage
components on track-type vehicles, has included simple inspection
and evaluation by an operator and/or technician. However, such a
process has some drawbacks. Specifically, simple inspection and
evaluation of a machine component may result in unnecessary costs
and machine down-time when it is determined that service or
replacement of the component is not required. Still further,
inspection and evaluation may require that the machine be evaluated
by temporarily installing various sensors throughout the machine,
with extensive cabling connecting the sensor to a computer that
collects data and other information from the sensors. In such
situations, the cabling may prevent the machine from being operated
on the worksite, and thus such evaluation does not provide
information relating to the actual use of the machine while
performing work.
[0005] Accordingly, it may be desired for methods to monitor the
wear on mobile vehicle equipment for repair and or replacement that
may monitor the equipment remotely and/or automatically without
need for an operator/technician to physically inspect the equipment
or that does not result in equipment down time for such monitoring
processes. Consistent therewith, US Pub. No. 2002/0116992 to Rickel
discloses a system for monitoring wear of a vehicle component, such
as tread wear on the wheel of a vehicle, such as a car. More
specifically, the Rickel disclosure describes embedding
transponders in the tire tread of a motor vehicle tire in such a
way that when the tire wears sufficiently, the transponders are
exposed to wear and destroyed, thereby terminating the radio
frequency being sent out by the transponders. At that time, a
corresponding radio frequency monitor recognizes the cessation of
the monitored radio frequency and signals to the vehicle ECU that
tire tread wear is beyond desired amount.
[0006] However, this known method, and others, for remotely
determining when components are to be serviced or replaced suffers
from some disadvantages as well. For example, with respect to the
Rickel reference, sometimes it may not be practical to embed a
transponder in a particular component in order to monitor the wear
thereof, or depending on the component, that physical wear capable
of destroying the transponder is not a practical indicator of
overall wear of that component. With respect to other prior art
methods, such as simple service time calculations, a particular
machine component may be capable of being used far in excess of its
expected lifetime, and thus replacement of the component based
solely on service time may be premature and result in unnecessary
costs and machine down-time. Conversely, a particular machine
component may fail well in advance of its expected lifetime based
on service time calculations, and continued operation of the
machine with the damaged component may result in damage to other
components of the machine.
[0007] Thus, there exists a need for an improved sensor system for
collecting information related to a mobile machine relevant to
servicing equipment thereof. The sensor system and method in
accordance with the current disclosure may overcome or avoid the
above discussed or other disadvantages resulting from the use of
known systems and methods.
SUMMARY
[0008] The current disclosure may provide a method for collecting
information related to a machine component of a mobile machine that
is configured to perform work on a worksite. The sensor system may
be installed on or within the machine component, and the machine
component may be installed with the sensor system on the mobile
machine. The information may be collected with the sensor system
while the machine is performing work on the worksite, the
information relating to a characteristic experienced by the machine
component. The information may be transmitted to a network of the
mobile machine using the sensor system using either a wired or
wireless connection.
[0009] The current disclosure may further provide a method for
collecting information related to a machine component of an
undercarriage of a mobile machine that is configured to perform
work on a worksite, utilizing a sensor system on or within the
machine component. In accordance therewith, the sensor system may
comprise a battery operated BlueTooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter
and a corresponding BLE transceiver. The information may be
collected with the BLE sensor system while the machine is
performing work on the worksite and the information may be related
to at least one of wear, temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure,
or load experienced by a machine component of the undercarriage.
Specifically, The signal from the BLE transmitter may be received
by a BLE transceiver which communicates with a Controller Area
Network (CAN) system on the machine.
[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an
undercarriage load for a track-type machine (both instantaneous and
over time) may be calculated utilizing information received from a
sensor system in accordance with the disclosure. More specifically,
a BLE transmitter may be located in or on a portion of the track on
a track-type machine, such as, for example, located in or on a
track pin. The BLE transmitter may then output a signal to a BLE
transceiver (and other associated sensor equipment) located on
another portion of the machine which can be used to calculate the
speed of the track at any given time. Utilizing track speed, in
combination with existing monitoring of machine torque converter
input and output speeds (as is known in the art), a calculation of
instantaneous load and load over time on the undercarriage may be
made utilizing a track-type machine Electronic Control Unit
(ECU).
[0011] Further in accordance with the present disclosure, a sensor
indication of certain conditions, including the absence of a signal
(indicating that sensor has stopped transmitting or aftermarket
parts have been installed not including a sensor), certain actions
can be triggered. For example, ECU indication that undercarriage
load/speed, either instantaneously, or in the aggregate over time,
exceed the capabilities of the undercarriage can trigger an alert
to the operator of the condition, an indication to the operator of
imminent shutdown if the situation is not rectified in a certain
period of time, reduced power sent to the undercarriage to resolve
the situation, shutting down of undercarriage related electronics,
etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a sensor system for
use consistent with the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a pictorial isometric view of a
track-type machine with which the sensor system of FIG. 1 may be
used, consistent with the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
track chain suitable for use in accordance with the present
disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of using the sensor
system of FIG. 1, consistent with the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
sensor system 10 and BLE system 34, in accordance with the
disclosure. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure and/or
receive data or other information, and/or may output data or other
information related to a mobile machine on or within which sensor
system 10 or BLE system 34 is installed. As discussed in further
detail below, the measured, received, and/or outputted information
may be related to one or more of a characteristic of the machine on
or within which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is installed, a
characteristic of a component of the machine, an operating
condition of the machine, an environmental condition experienced by
the machine, or any other information.
[0017] For example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used
with a mobile machine such as a tractor (as shown in and described
below with reference to a bulldozer shown in FIG. 2), or any other
machine or structure. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be
installed on or within (e.g., embedded within an interior) a
component of the machine, such as during manufacture of the machine
component, and information from sensor system 10 or BLE system 34
may be used to determine when the machine component and/or another
machine component is to be repaired, serviced, or replaced.
Alternately or additionally, the information from sensor system 10
or BLE system 34 also may be used to control operation of the
machine. Control of the mobile machine may include adjustment of
the machine component that includes sensor system 10 or BLE system
34, adjustment of another machine component, or autonomous control
of the mobile machine. When the machine component is replaced, the
replacement component also may include another sensor system 10 or
BLE system 34 installed within or on the component.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may
include one or more tangible, non-transitory hardware components,
including one or more central processing units (CPUs) or
processors. For example, a sensing component 12 may be used to
directly and/or indirectly measure, sense, and/or otherwise receive
information as an input. A signal conditioner 14 may condition a
signal received from sensing component 12, such that the signal may
be used by one or more components of sensor system 10. An amplifier
16 may amplify one or more signals for further use by one or more
components of sensor system 10. A multiplexer 18 may multiplex one
or more signals for further use by one or more components of sensor
system 10. A converter 20, such as either or both of an
analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and a digital-to-analog (D/A)
converter, may convert one or more signals for further use by one
or more components of sensor system 10.
[0019] A controller 22, such as a low-power microcontroller, may
provide an output in response to the input received from sensing
component 12 and/or one or more signals processed by any or all of
signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and converter
20. An on-board memory 24, such as either or both of a
random-access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), may store
information related to one or more of the input received from
sensing component 12, one or more processed signals from signal
conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and/or converter 20,
and the output from controller 22. Alternately or additionally,
on-board memory 24 may store instructions used by one or more other
components of sensor system 10, such as controller 22.
[0020] A transceiver 26, such as for example a radio-frequency (RF)
transceiver, may wirelessly broadcast the output provided by
controller 22, such as at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz, or
another frequency. Alternately or additionally, an output port 28,
such as for example a USB (universal serial bus) port or similar
port, may transmit the output provided by controller 22 through a
cable or other connection removably connected to output port 28. A
battery 30, such as for example a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, may
power one or more of the components of sensor system 10.
Alternately or in addition to battery 30, an energy source 32, such
as a vibration-based energy-harvesting system, may power one or
more of the components of sensor system 10, and/or may be used to
charge battery 30. Any or all of these components may be located in
a sealed housing that sufficiently protects the components from
damage due to heat, cold, vibration, weather, exposure to liquids,
worksite conditions, and/or any other conditions that may damage
the components of the sensor system 10. In aspects of the
disclosure, sensor system 10 may be replaced by a BLE system 34
comprising a BLE transmitter 36 and a separate BLE transceiver
38.
[0021] Although FIG. 1 shows examples of specific components used
in sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 the disclosure is not limited
to the particular configuration shown in the drawing. Rather,
consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34
may include other components, more components, or fewer components
than those described above. Further, it is contemplated that one or
more of the hardware components listed above may be implemented in
part or wholly using software. One or more of such software
components may be stored on a tangible, non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium that includes computer-executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor or other computer
hardware, perform methods and processes consistent with the
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a particular, non-limiting embodiment of
a tractor using sensor system 10 or BLE system 34. Specifically,
the figure shows bulldozer 40 as an example of a mobile machine
with which the above-described sensor system 10 or BLE system 34
may be used. Although FIG. 2 shows a bulldozer, sensor system 10 or
BLE system 34 may be used with any other type of tracked or wheeled
mobile machine, such as a tractor, a loader, an excavator, or any
other machine that performs an operation associated with an
industry such as mining, construction, demolition, landfill,
farming, or any other industry.
[0023] Bulldozer 40 may include a tracked undercarriage 42 that is
driven by a power source 44. Specifically, power source 44 may
drive tracked undercarriage 42 at a range of output speeds and/or
torques. Power source 44 may be an engine, such as for example a
diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or
any other suitable engine. Power source 44 may also be a
non-combustion source of power, such as for example a fuel cell, a
power storage device, or any other source of power known in the
art.
[0024] Tracked undercarriage 42 may include tracks 46 (only one
shown in FIG. 2) on left and right sides of thereof, which are
driven by power source 44 via sprockets 48 also on left and right
sides thereof. Specifically, each sprocket 48 may be driven by a
final drive axle 50 that is, in turn, driven by power source 44.
Each track 46 may include a chain 52 to which track shoes 53 are
attached. Each chain 52 may include a plurality of chain link
assemblies 54 made up of track links 55 connected to each other by
rod assemblies 56. Sprockets 48 may engage and transmit a torque to
rod assemblies 56 to thereby move chains 52 about idler assemblies
58 and roller assemblies 60. Each idler assembly 58 may include an
idler wheel 62 that rotates on an idler shaft (not shown). Each
roller assembly 60 may includes a roller rim 64 that rotates on a
roller shaft (not shown). Generally, two idler assemblies 58 and
between four and eight roller assemblies 60 may be used on each
side of bulldozer 40. However, a different number of idler
assemblies 58 and/or roller assemblies 60 may be used on one or
both sides of bulldozer 40. In accordance with the disclosure,
other roller assemblies (not shown) may be used with or in place of
either or both of idler assemblies 58 and roller assemblies 60.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, bulldozer 40 may include a ground
engaging tool 66 connected to a back end of the machine. Ground
engaging tool 66 may be, for example, a ripper that is configured
to break up a ground surface, rock, or other materials on the
worksite. The ripper may include a replaceable ripper tip 67 that
is removably disposed in a ripper shank 68. Although FIG. 2 shows
an example of a particular ground engaging tool, bulldozer 40 is
not limited to using only a ripper. Instead, bulldozer 40 may use a
different type of ground engaging tool. Also consistent with the
disclosure, bulldozer 40 may omit the use of ground engaging tool
66 entirely.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, bulldozer 40 may include a blade 69
connected to a front end of the machine. Blade 69 may be used to
push, move, pickup, carry, or otherwise perform work on soil, rock,
or debris, for example, on the worksite. Although FIG. 2 shows an
example of a particular blade 69, bulldozer 40 is not limited to
using this specific blade. Instead, bulldozer 40 may include a
different type of blade. Also consistent with the disclosure,
bulldozer 40 may omit the use of blade 69 entirely. Details related
to the use of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 with bulldozer 40
that may include ground engaging tool 66 and/or blade 69, among
other components, are discussed in the following section.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a track pin
joint assembly 100 of a track chain that can be used as part of a
tracked undercarriage of a track-type tractor, tracked loader, or
any other tracked machine known in the art. As shown, the
illustrated portion of the track pin joint assembly 100 includes a
bushing 102, a pair of inserts 104, and a pair of outer end collars
106 disposed over a track pin 108 defining a longitudinal axis 109.
A plurality of track links 110 are disposed over the inserts 104
and the collars 106 around the track pin 108.
[0028] As is well known in the art, the components of the track pin
joint assembly 100 can define a plurality of annular seal cavities
112 that extend around the track pin 108 and are each adapted for
housing therein a seal assembly suitable for sealingly engaging
rotating components of the track pin joint assembly 100. For
purposes of illustration, the left-side insert 104 can be
considered a first member, and the bushing 102 can be considered a
second member. The first member 104 and the second member 102 are
both coaxial with the pin 108 about the longitudinal axis 109. The
first member 104 is pivotable with respect to the second member 102
about a rotational axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis
109 of the track pin 108. The first member 104 includes an end and
a load ring engagement surface defining, at least in part, an
axially-extending seal cavity 112 disposed in proximal relationship
to the second member 102. A seal assembly can be disposed within
the seal cavity 112 to sealingly engage the first member 104 and
the second member 102 while allowing relative rotation
therebetween. In accordance with the disclosure, the sensor system
10 or BLE transmitter 36 may be located on or in the track pin 108
including, but not limited to, for example, in the seal cavity 112,
or in portions of the track that are used to seal oil in the
cavity, etc.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an
undercarriage 42 load for a track-type machine 40 (both
instantaneous and over time) may be calculated utilizing
information received from the sensor system 10 or BLE system 34.
More specifically, the sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be
located in or on a portion of the track 46, such as, for example,
located in or on the track pin 108 or, in the case of the BLE
system 34, the BLE transmitter 36 may be placed in or on the track
pin 108 and the BLE transceiver 38 may be located remotely on the
machine 40. In either embodiments, the sensor system 10 or BLE
transmitter 36 may output a signal which can be used to calculate
the speed of the track 46 at any given time. Utilizing track 46
speed, in combination with existing monitoring of machine torque
converter input and output speeds (as is known in the art), a
calculation of instantaneous load and load over time on the
undercarriage 42 may be made utilizing the machine ECU (not
shown).
[0030] Further in accordance with the present disclosure, the
sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 indication of certain conditions,
including the absence of a signal (indicating that sensor system 10
or BLE system 34 has stopped transmitting or aftermarket parts have
been installed not including sensor system 10 or BLE system 34/BLE
transmitter 36), or absence of a pre-programmed machine serial
number and/or track part number (that may be programmed into sensor
system 10 or BLE transmitter 36), certain actions can be triggered.
For example, ECU (not shown) indication that undercarriage 42
load/speed, either instantaneously, or in the aggregate over time,
exceed the capabilities of the undercarriage 42 can trigger an
alert to the operator of the condition, an indication to the
operator of imminent shutdown if the situation is not rectified in
a certain period of time, reduced power sent to the undercarriage
42 to resolve the situation, etc.
[0031] Thus, the foregoing description describes an exemplary
configuration of sensor system 10 and BLE system 34, as well as
examples of particular mobile machines (e.g., bulldozer 40) with
which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used, and particular
locations on a track-type machine 40 where the sensor system 10 or
BLE transmitter 36 may be located.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of using sensor
system 10 or BLE system 34 that is configured to measure or
otherwise collect information relating to one or more of the
above-discussed characteristics experienced by a machine 40
component and then perform an action based thereon. As shown in
FIG. 4, in Step 410 sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be
installed on or within on a component of a mobile machine, such as
bulldozer 40, or any other machine. The location and way in which
sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is installed may be related to
the characteristic or characteristics to be measured by sensor
system 10 or BLE system 34.
[0033] For example, when sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is to
measure load on a track 46, sensor system 10 or BLE transmitter 36
may be installed directly on or within an interior of the track
link, including on or in a track pin 108. In accordance with the
disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 or BLE transmitter 36
may be installed during manufacture of the machine component, and
may be installed in such as way as to impede or prevent removal,
replacement, or servicing of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34,
such that the machine component and sensor system 10 or BLE system
34 may be provided as a single unit. As further shown in FIG. 4, in
Step 420 the machine component with sensor system 10 or BLE system
34 may be installed on the mobile machine. As discussed above with
respect to FIG. 2, the particular machine component may be for use
in a bulldozer, such as a component of the tracked undercarriage
42. However, in accordance with the disclosure, the machine
component of Step 410 is not limited to components for use in these
specific machines, and thus the machine of Step 420 is similarly
not limited to being a bulldozer or other track-type machine.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 430 sensor system 10 or BLE
system 34 may collect and process data or other information related
to the measured characteristic (e.g., wear, temperature, fluid
level, fluid pressure, or load), as experienced by the machine
component. This information may be collected during operation of
the machine on the worksite, and thus may reflect actual conditions
experienced by the machine component while the machine is
performing work. In accordance with the disclosure, sensor system
10 or BLE system 34 may include a particular sensing component 12
or BLE transmitter 36 configured to receive information related to
the particular characteristic to be measured. For example, when
sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is to measure load experienced by
a track link, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may
include one or more strain gauges. As discussed above, components
of sensor system 10, such as signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16,
multiplexer 18, and converter 20, may be used to process the
signals received from sensing component 12 and/or from one another.
Controller 22 may determine an output in response to the input
received from sensing component 12 and/or signals received from one
or more of signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18, and
converter 20. Memory 24 may store information related to one or
more of the input received from sensing component 12, signals from
one or more of signal conditioner 14, amplifier 16, multiplexer 18,
and converter 20, and the output from controller 22.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 440 sensor system 10 or BLE
system 34 may output information related to the measured
characteristic. For example, when sensor system 10 or BLE
transmitter 36 collects information related to load experienced by
a track link, the output transmitted may be indicative of that
load. The output may be received by a component on-board the
machine and/or by a component off-board the machine.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, in Step 450 an action is performed on
the basis of the measured characteristic. For example, the output
may be used by the on-board and/or off-board component to provide
an alert so that an operator on the machine or another entity may
take corrective or other action, so that automatic adjustment of
the machine component including sensor system 10 or BLE system 34
and/or another machine component may occur, and/or so that the
mobile machine may be autonomously controlled. More specifically,
other actions that could occur in response to the outputted
characterising include, but is not limited to, an alert to the
operator of the condition, an indication to the operator of
imminent shutdown if the situation is not rectified in a certain
period of time, reduced power sent to the undercarriage to resolve
the situation, shutting down of undercarriage related electronics,
notification of non-compliant part and imminent shut-down based
thereon, provide an alert of desired or required component
maintenance or replacement, control machine power to mitigate
component failure or wear, autonomously control operation of an
implement of the machine to prevent component failure or wear,
provide an alert of desired or required track tension adjustment,
and/or provide an alert of abnormal component wear.
[0037] In accordance with the disclosure, a single sensor system 10
or BLE system 34 may measure a plurality of the above-discussed
characteristics (e.g., may measure at least two of wear,
temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, or load), and/or may
measure other characteristics. Alternately or additionally, a
mobile machine or other structure may include multiple sensor
systems 10 or BLE systems 34, each measuring one or more of the
above characteristics and/or other characteristics. Thus, although
the foregoing description provides specific examples, sensor system
10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to the particular uses described
above. Rather, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure any
characteristic of a machine on and/or within which it is installed,
characteristic of a component of the machine, operating condition
of the machine, environmental condition, ambient condition, or any
other information. By way of non-limiting examples, sensor system
10 or BLE system 34 may measure or determine stress, relative
distance between components, velocity, angular velocity,
acceleration, angular acceleration, position, bolt clamp load,
joint clamp load, crack initiation, crack propagation, torque,
whether a part is attached properly, whether a part is attached
tightly, whether a part is loose, whether a part is missing,
whether a part is rotating, or whether a part is not rotating,
among others.
[0038] The output of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used
by various entities. By way of non-limiting example, the output may
be used by an operator of the machine, a foreperson of the
worksite, a repair person, and/or a customer. Thus, benefits
provided by using sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may include
improved machine life, improved machine performance, improved
machine maintenance scheduling, improved tracking of the machine by
equipment maintenance manager, improved component life, improved
component performance, enhanced machine resale value, and/or
improved product design and validation.
[0039] Of course, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited
to the particular machines or examples described above, but instead
may be used with any machine, such as a machine having any type of
ground engaging tool. For example, the machine may be a hydraulic
front shovel, cable (rope) shovel, backhoe, mass excavator,
hydraulic excavator, dragline, wheel loader, track-type loader, or
any other machine.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0040] In accordance with the disclosure, the above-described
sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure and/or receive data
or other information, and/or may output data or other information,
related to a machine with which sensor system 10 or BLE system 34
is used, including a mobile machine such as bulldozer 40. Described
herein are specific examples of characteristics, including wear,
temperature, fluid level, fluid pressure, and load, which may be
measured by sensor system 10 or BLE system 34. More specifically,
In accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system
34 may be used to measure wear (e.g., including but not being
limited to a change in a physical size or shape of a component
which is caused by use and/or contact with one or more other
components). By way of non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or
BLE system 34 may measure wear of a component within a tracked or
wheeled undercarriage of a mobile machine, such as a track link, a
track shoe, a component of a roller assembly, a component of an
idler assembly, a sprocket, a bushing, any other roller, and
combinations of these or other components. Consistent with the
disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure wear of a
component of a ground engaging tool, such as: a tip, an adapter, an
edge, a base edge, a sidecutter, or any other component of a
bucket; a tip, a plate, an end bit, or any other component of a
compactor; a ripper tip; a cutting edge; a wear bar; a wear plate;
and combinations of these or other components. Also consistent with
the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to
measure wear of a component of a tunnel boring machine, such as a
rock cutter, other components of a cutting head, or combinations of
these or other components. Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not
limited to measuring wear of only these systems and components,
however, but instead may be used to measure wear of any component
of the above-discussed systems, or different components of other
systems.
[0041] When sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is used to measure
wear, a component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as
sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be placed in a
location where wear is to be measured. For example, sensing
component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may be located on a specific
portion of a surface of a machine component, so that as the surface
of the machine component is worn, sensing component 12 or BLE
transmitter 36 simultaneously experiences a corresponding amount of
wear. A characteristic or an output of sensing component 12 or BLE
transmitter 36 may change as sensing component 12 wears. In
accordance with the disclosure, a circuit might be opened or closed
when a component (a wire, a capacitor, a resistor, a diode, a
transistor, or another component) of sensing component 12 or BLE
transmitter 36 is worn beyond a threshold amount, or an electric
characteristic of sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may
progressively change based on and in relation to an amount of wear
experienced by sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36.
[0042] Also in accordance with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or
BLE system 34 may be used to measure temperature. By way of
non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure
temperature of or within a component in a tracked or wheeled
undercarriage of a mobile machine, such as a component of a roller
assembly, a component of an idler assembly, a bushing, any other
roller, and combinations of these or other components. Sensor
system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to measuring temperature
of only these systems and components, but instead may be used to
measure temperature of any components of the above-discussed
systems, or different components of other systems.
[0043] A component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as
sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be used to measure
temperature. For example, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter
36 may include a thermocouple. Sensing component 12 or BLE
transmitter 36 may or may not be submerged in a fluid, such as a
lubricant (e.g. oil), within an interior of a component of the
machine. The above-discussed components of sensor system 10 or BLE
system 34 may then process one or more signals and transmit an
output thereof to a component on-board the machine and/or a
component off-board the machine.
[0044] Still further in accordance with the disclosure, sensor
system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure fluid level or
pressure. By way of non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE
system 34 may measure a level or a pressure of fluid within a
component in a tracked or wheeled undercarriage of a mobile
machine, such as one or more hydraulic systems associated with any
of a roller assembly, an idler assembly, any other roller assembly,
and combinations of these or other components. Consistent with the
disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to
measure fluid level or pressure within a component of a tunnel
boring machine, such as one or more hydraulic systems associated
with a rock cutter, other components of one or more hydraulic
systems associated with a cutting head or any other component.
Sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is not limited to measuring a
level or a pressure of fluid within only these systems and
components, but instead may be used to measure fluid level or
pressure within any components of the above-discussed systems, or
different components of other systems.
[0045] A component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as
sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be used to measure
the fluid level or pressure. Sensing component 12 or BLE
transmitter 36 may or may not be submerged in a fluid, such as a
lubricant (e.g. oil), within an interior of a component of the
machine. For example, sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36
may include an optical sensor that optically detects the level of
fluid. Alternately or additionally, sensing component 12 or BLE
transmitter 36 may include a pressure sensor that measures the
pressure of the fluid within the interior of the component. The
above-discussed components of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may
then process one or more signals, and transmit an output thereof to
a component on-board the machine and/or a component off-board the
machine.
[0046] Still further in accordance with the disclosure, sensor
system 10 or BLE system 34 may be used to measure load. By way of
non-limiting example, sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 may measure
load on a component within a tracked or wheeled undercarriage of a
mobile machine, such as a track link, a track shoe, a component of
a roller assembly, a component of an idler assembly, a sprocket, a
bushing, any other roller, and combinations of these or other
components. Consistent with the disclosure, sensor system 10 or BLE
system 34 may measure load on a component of a ground engaging
tool, such as: a tip, an adapter, an edge, a base edge, a
sidecutter, or any other component of a bucket; a tip, a plate, an
end bit, or any other component of a compactor; a ripper tip; a
cutting edge; a wear bar; a wear plate; and combinations of these
or other components.
[0047] When sensor system 10 or BLE system 34 is used to measure
load, a component of sensor system 10 or BLE system 34, such as
sensing component 12 or BLE transmitter 36, may be placed in a
location where load is to be measured. For example, sensing
component 12 or BLE transmitter 36 may be one or more strain
gauges. The above-discussed components of sensor system 10 or BLE
system 34 may then process one or more signals, and transmit an
output thereof to a component on-board the machine and/or a
component off-board the machine.
[0048] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description
provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However,
it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may
differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the
disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the
particular example being discussed at that point and are not
intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure
more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with
respect to certain functions is intended to indicate a lack of
preference for those functions, but not to exclude such from the
scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. All
methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
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