Method and apparatus for machine diagnosis
First Claim
1. A method for analysis of the performance of a machine comprising the steps of:
- remotely sensing temperature at a defined spot or zone location on a first portion of the machine after the machine has effected a machine operation;
then repeating the remote sensing step in relation to a second portion of the machine spaced from the first portion; and
comparing data from the temperature sensing steps to determine the degree of thermal imbalance between the first and second portions of the machine as a basis for operational diagnosis of the machine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for analysis of brakes in automotive vehicles, and related aspects of engine performance and like applications, senses heat energy which is generated internally of an article to be analysed. Spot-type infra-red thermometers are employed to sense localised temperature elevation produced by brake application from a remote location using visual positioning guides to enable the spot zones sensed to be accurately located on, for example, wheel nuts/studs, which provide a thermal transfer route from the brake drums or discs. Analysis of the thermal data from the sensors includes a peak detect-and-hold function to avoid the need for maintenance of accurate alignment of the sensors. Comparison of the thermal data enables detection of braking imbalance.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for analysis of the performance of a machine comprising the steps of:
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remotely sensing temperature at a defined spot or zone location on a first portion of the machine after the machine has effected a machine operation; then repeating the remote sensing step in relation to a second portion of the machine spaced from the first portion; and comparing data from the temperature sensing steps to determine the degree of thermal imbalance between the first and second portions of the machine as a basis for operational diagnosis of the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Apparatus for analysis of brake structure performance in vehicles having plural wheels and axles, comprising:
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a single infra-red spot sensor to sense remotely the temperature of a defined spot or zone location on each of first and second brake structures or associated structures thermally coupled thereto after the brake structures have effected braking operations; and analysis means coupled to said sensor to analyze the data from said sensor to determine the degree of braking imbalance between said first and second brake structures. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. Apparatus for analysis of the performance of a machine comprising:
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a single thermal sensor to sense the temperature of each of plural portions of the machine after a machine operation; and analysis means coupled to said sensor to compare the data from plural portions of the machine to determine the degree of thermal imbalance among the portions of the machine as a basis for operational diagnosis of the machine. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification