METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING SHAFT ROTATION
First Claim
1. A system for sensing rotational parameters of a rotating device comprising:
- a rotating element having a substantially smooth surface mounted on a shaft of the rotating device, the rotating element having a first set of magnetic properties;
at least one target element disposed integrally with the rotating element and having a surface that is substantially continuous with the rotating element smooth surface, the at least one target element having a second set of magnetic properties distinct from the first set of magnetic properties;
a first sensor mounted opposite the rotating element and being spaced apart from the rotating element, the first sensor being in substantial alignment with the at least one target element at least once per rotation of the rotating element;
the at least one target element having an axis substantially parallel with and offset from an axis of the rotating element; and
the first sensor being configured to generate an output signal in response to a sensed variation in a magnetic field induced by the rotation of the at least one target element in proximity to the first sensor.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system or method for sensing rotational parameters of a rotating machine. A rotating element is mounted on a shaft of a rotary machine. The rotating element has predetermined magnetic permeability. An insert is disposed on the first rotating element and characterized by a second magnetic permeability different from that of the rotating element. A sensor is mounted opposite the first rotating element and separated from the rotating element by a gap. The target element has an axis substantially parallel with and offset from the axis of the rotating element. The sensor is disposed in substantial alignment with the target element at least once per rotation when the rotating element is rotating. The sensor is configured to generate an output signal in response to a sensed deviation in a magnetic field induced by the rotation of the target element in proximity to the sensor.
79 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for sensing rotational parameters of a rotating device comprising:
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a rotating element having a substantially smooth surface mounted on a shaft of the rotating device, the rotating element having a first set of magnetic properties; at least one target element disposed integrally with the rotating element and having a surface that is substantially continuous with the rotating element smooth surface, the at least one target element having a second set of magnetic properties distinct from the first set of magnetic properties; a first sensor mounted opposite the rotating element and being spaced apart from the rotating element, the first sensor being in substantial alignment with the at least one target element at least once per rotation of the rotating element; the at least one target element having an axis substantially parallel with and offset from an axis of the rotating element; and the first sensor being configured to generate an output signal in response to a sensed variation in a magnetic field induced by the rotation of the at least one target element in proximity to the first sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A thrust collar assembly for attachment to a shaft of a rotating machine, comprising:
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a rotating element having a generally smooth surface, the rotating element having a first set of magnetic properties; at least one target element disposed integrally with the rotating element and having a surface that is substantially flush with the rotating element smooth surface, the at least one target element having a second set of magnetic properties distinct from the first set of magnetic properties; and the at least one target element having an axis substantially parallel with and offset from an axis of the rotating element. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A method for measuring rotational frequency of a rotating machine, comprising:
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providing a rotary surface along a shaft of the rotating machine; boring in the rotary surface at least one recess a distance away from a rotational axis of the rotating machine, for receiving at least one target element; selecting a target material for the at least one target element having magnetic properties distinct from the rotary surface; inserting in the at least one recess of the rotary surface the at least one target element; positioning a magnetic sensor opposite the at least one target element; and generating a signal indicative of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A system for sensing rotational parameters of a rotating machine comprising:
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a rotating shaft having a substantially smooth surface, the rotating shaft having a first set of magnetic properties; at least one target element integrally disposed within the shaft and having a surface that is substantially flush with the rotating shaft surface, the at least one target element having a second set of magnetic properties distinct from the first set of magnetic properties; a sensor mounted adjacent to the shaft and being spaced apart therefrom by a gap; the at least one target element having an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis of the shaft, the sensor being disposed in substantial alignment with the at least one target element at least once per rotation of the shaft, the sensor configured to generate an output signal in response to a sensed variation in a magnetic field induced by the rotation of the at least one target element in proximity to the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification