Method for monitoring mechanical wear

• US 20030209052A1
• Filed: 05/10/2002
• Published: 11/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH (GE Aerospace)
• Original Assignee: Sensoplan Aktiengesellschaft
• Inventors: Ebi, Gunter
• Granted Patent: US 6,868,711 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/7
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 17/00 Investigating resistance of materials to the weather, to corrosion, or to light
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 19/02 Measuring coefficient of friction between materials testing of tyres G01M17/02; determinations of friction coefficient used in vehicle braking or traction control systems B60T8/172
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/55 Specular reflectivity
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2203/024 Corrosive
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2203/0244 Tests performed "in situ" or after "in situ" use
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2203/0611 Hydraulic or pneumatic indicating, recording or sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2203/0641 using optical, X-ray, ultraviolet, infrared or similar detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 3/56 Investigating resistance to wear or abrasion

Abstract

In a method for monitoring mechanical wear caused by a first component on a second component, wherein the first and second components are movable relative to one another and wherein the first and second component are at least at times in mechanical contact with one another, at least one sensor head is arranged in a wear area to be monitored of the second component. The at least one sensor head is mechanically worn by the first component upon reaching a predetermined wear limit. When the at least one sensor head is mechanically worn, a measuring signal is generated by the at least one sensor head or a change of a measuring signal, produced by the at least one sensor head prior to having been mechanically worn, is detected.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring mechanical wear caused by a first component (1) on a second component (2), wherein the first and second components (1,2) are movable relative to one another and wherein the first and second components (1, 2) are at least at times in mechanical contact with one another, the method comprising the steps of:

arranging at least one sensor head (4) in a wear area to be monitored of the second component (2);

causing the at least one sensor head (4) to be mechanically worn by the first component (1) upon reaching a predetermined wear limit;

when the at least one sensor head (4) is mechanically worn, generating a measuring signal with the at least one sensor head (4) or detecting a change of a measuring signal, produced by the at least one sensor head (4) prior to having been mechanically worn.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component (1) is movable and the second component (2) is stationary.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein several of the at least one sensor heads (4) are arranged in a staggered arrangement so that the wear limit is graduated.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

connecting a light guide (10) to the at least one sensor head (4), wherein the light guide (10) has a forward end with a metal coating (11);

guiding the measuring signal in the form of light into the light guide (10) and reflecting the light on the metal coating,(1 1);

measuring an intensity of the light reflected on the metal coating (11), wherein the metal coating (11) is removed by the first component (1) when the wear limit is reached so that the intensity of the light drops.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the forward end of the light guide (10) is surrounded by a protective sleeve (13).

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

providing a closed housing (5) and arranging the first and the second components (1, 2) in the interior of the housing (5);

arranging a light sending unit (16) and a light receiver (17) outside of the housing (5), wherein the housing (5) has a light-transmissive element (14) and wherein the light guide (10) is comprised of a first portion outside the housing (5) and a second portion in the interior of the housing (5), and wherein the first and second portions are connected to the light-transparent element (14).

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

connecting a gas pressure line (18) having a preset gas pressure to the sensor head (4), wherein the measuring signal is a measured value of the preset gas pressure and wherein, upon reaching the wear limit, the gas pressure line (18) begins to leak and the measuring signal of the value of the preset gas pressure changes and is detected.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of connecting an electrical line (21) of an electric circuit to the sensor head (4) and providing a preset electrical current, wherein the measuring signal is the preset electrical current and wherein upon reaching the wear limit the electrical line (21) and the electrical current are interrupted and the measuring signal of the preset current changes and is detected.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps arranging a tensioned spring element in the sensor head (4) and anchoring a forward end of the spring element in an end face of the sensor head (4) facing the first component (1), wherein upon reaching the wear limit the forward end of the spring element (22) is released so that the spring element (22) is restored into a rest position, wherein the movement of the spring element or the rest position of the spring element (22) generates the measuring signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, in the step of generating the measuring signal, the movement of the spring element (22) generates the measuring signal as a change of a magnetic field.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, in the step of generating the measuring signal, the spring element (22) actuates an electrical contact in the rest position of the spring element (22) for generating the measuring signal.