Method of monitoring a seal for correct operation, and monitoring device for carrying out the method
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring the correct operation of an elastomeric seal that seals against a movable shaft, including monitoring the tightness of the seal on the shaft, comprising:
- (a) coupling immediately to the sealing material of the seal at least one sensor that directly detects mechanical-dynamic stresses, deformation or movements of the sealing material of the seal without said sensor coming into contact with the shaft and converts such stresses or deformation or movements into corresponding electric signals;
(b) detecting the electric signals from the sensor; and
(c) interpreting such signals to detect the stresses, deformation and movements of the sealing material and to determine the condition of the seal during movement of the shaft.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a seal (1, 6, 11, 19) for correct operation, including the tightness of such seal, preferably a seal on a shaft (5) surrounding the latter. At least one sensor (3, 3'"'"'; 7, 7'"'"'; 16, 16'"'"'; 20, 20'"'"') is present on the seal (1, 6, 11, 19) or in the seal (1, 6, 11, 19) or within the sealing material of the seal, such sensor directly detecting the mechanical-dynamic stresses or deformations or movements of the seal (1, 6, 11, 19) or of the sealing material (2, 12) of the seal and converts them into corresponding electric signals, which can be picked up on the sensor for their interpretation and processed further. The correct operation including the tightness of the seal (1, 6, 11, 19) can be deduced from the interpreted signal of the sensor.
86 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring the correct operation of an elastomeric seal that seals against a movable shaft, including monitoring the tightness of the seal on the shaft, comprising:
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(a) coupling immediately to the sealing material of the seal at least one sensor that directly detects mechanical-dynamic stresses, deformation or movements of the sealing material of the seal without said sensor coming into contact with the shaft and converts such stresses or deformation or movements into corresponding electric signals; (b) detecting the electric signals from the sensor; and (c) interpreting such signals to detect the stresses, deformation and movements of the sealing material and to determine the condition of the seal during movement of the shaft.
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2. A method for the regulation and control of technical systems, including monitoring the tightness of the seal on the shaft, comprising:
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(a) disposing on a movable shaft a seal that seals against the shaft and works as an independent measuring and control instrument; (b) coupling immediately to the sealing material of the seal at least one sensor which directly detects movements in the immediate area of the seal and transforms such movements into respective electric signals; (c) disposing a moving pulse generator in the area of the seal and in close proximity to the sensor; (d) detecting the movements of the pulse generator with the sensor; (e) converting the movements of the pulse generator into electric signals with the sensor; and (f) detecting the electric signals from said sensor, to monitor and control the technical system. - View Dependent Claims (3)
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4. A device for monitoring the correct operation of a seal that seals against a movable shaft, including monitoring the tightness of said seal on the shaft, comprising:
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(a) at least one sensor immediately coupled to the sealing material of the seal, such sensor being capable of directly detecting mechanical-dynamic stresses, deformations or movements of the sealing material of the seal or the seal without said sensor coming into contact with the shaft and converting such stresses into electrical signals; (b) means for detecting the electrical signals from said sensor; and (c) means for interpreting the electrical signals from said sensor to deduce the condition of the sealing material of the seal. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification