Measuring and testing – Vibration – Sensing apparatus
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-05-01
Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Vibration
Sensing apparatus
C073S643000, C073S655000, C073S661000, C073S657000, C073S597000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223602
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting drive line system imbalances, and more particularly to a vibration sensor using electromagnetic signals to record the vibration experienced by a drive line component.
A drive shaft typically includes an elongated tubular member which is operatively coupled to the transmission and axle assembly through a pair of universal joints or other similar coupling disposed on either end of the shaft. Alternatively, the drive shaft may include two or more elongated tubular members which are connected together by a universal joint or some other similar coupling device and connected between the transmission and wheel assembly.
The individual components of the drive line system discussed above often include inherent or residual imbalances due to variations in manufacturing tolerances. While steps can be taken to balance the individual components, residual imbalances often still remain. It is further known to balance the drive line system prior to, and after, installation into the vehicle. Typically, such balancing is effective to practically eliminate objectionable vibration in the drive line system of a fully assembled vehicle. However, mechanical wear, residual imbalances, and road conditions may eventually lead to the disruption of the drive line balance. Vehicle drive line systems which become unbalanced are unacceptable as they produce drive line vibrations which could eventually lead to failure.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vibration sensor which measures the quantity of vibration that the drive line component is exposed to and which can record the overall operation of a drive line under actual operational conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The vibration sensor of the present invention is preferably fabricated using micro machining technology such that the sensor is an integrated circuit chip. Accordingly, the micro-machined vibration sensor can be readily located in many small inaccessible locations of a vehicle drive line. Of course, the sensor alternatively can be made by any technique.
The vibration sensor of the present invention generally includes an emitter, a receiver, and a controller. In operation the emitter transmits an electromagnetic signal to the receiver. The emitter and receiver are mounted in a differential manner such that drive line vibrations cause the emitter to vibrate at a different vibration frequency than the receiver. The differential vibratory movement of the transmitter relative to the receiver produces a variation in the signal received by the receiver that is identified by the controller. In another embodiment, the emitter pulses the signal such that the frequency of the vibration can be determined.
A recording device is preferably in communication with the controller to record the variation in the signal. By recording the signal, the present invention provides an inexpensive diagnostic and maintenance system which can record the overall operation of a drive line under actual operational conditions. Additionally vibration trends can be determined and tracked to provide data to calculate the life of a drive line or the like.
Further, the controller identifies whether the vibration sensor experiences a predetermined acceleration and activates a warning device. In the preferred embodiment, the controller activates a transmitter, such as a radio frequency (RF) transmitter which sends a signal to a remote warning device such as a warning light.
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Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Fayyaz Nashmiya
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLC
Williams Hezron
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