Turbocharger fatigue life monitor
First Claim
1. A turbocharger fatigue life monitoring device comprising:
- a sensor for measuring rotational speed of a turbocharger shaft;
processing means for receiving a rotational speed signal from the sensor, calculating a probability of turbocharger failure based on the rotational speed signal, and comparing the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure, the processing means generating an output signal when the calculated probability of turbocharger failure exceeds the specified probability of turbocharger failure;
indicating means responsive to the output signal from the processing means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Turbocharger fatigue life monitors comprise at least one sensor that measures an actual operating condition of the turbocharger, e.g., turbine rotational speed or turbine inlet temperature. The device comprises a central processing unit for receiving information from each sensor and processing the information, using programs and predetermined turbocharger information, e.g., turbocharger material and stress data stored in one or more storage device in communication with the central processing unit, to provide an actual probability of turbocharger failure. The central processing unit compares the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure stored in a storage device to determine whether turbocharger service is needed. The central processing unit provides a signal that operates an annunciator to indicate recommended or necessary turbocharger service when the actual probability of turbocharger failure exceeds the specified probability of turbocharger failure. The central processing unit and storage devices can be packaged independent of or as part of an existing turbocharged application system, e.g., an engine control module when the turbocharged application is a vehicle.
49 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A turbocharger fatigue life monitoring device comprising:
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a sensor for measuring rotational speed of a turbocharger shaft;
processing means for receiving a rotational speed signal from the sensor, calculating a probability of turbocharger failure based on the rotational speed signal, and comparing the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure, the processing means generating an output signal when the calculated probability of turbocharger failure exceeds the specified probability of turbocharger failure;
indicating means responsive to the output signal from the processing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A turbocharger fatigue life monitor device comprising:
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a sensor for measuring rotational speed of a turbocharger shaft;
at least one means for storing a counting program for converting rotational speed information to a fatigue life duty cycle, for storing predetermined turbocharger material and stress information, for storing a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure, and for storing a probability program that converts the fatigue life duty cycle and predetermined turbocharger information into a probability of turbocharger failure;
means for processing in communication with the sensor and the at least one storing means receiving rotational speed information from the sensor and the counting program, material and stress information and probability program in the at least one storing means to calculate a probability of turbocharger failure, and to compare the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to the predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure;
means for indicating that the calculated probability of turbocharger failure exceeds the specified probability of turbocharger failure, the indicating means responsive to an output signal from the processing means. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for determining a service interval for a turbocharger comprising the steps of:
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measuring rotational speed of a turbocharger shaft;
converting the measured rotational speed into a fatigue duty cycle;
calculating a probability of turbocharger failure using the fatigue duty cycle and predetermined turbocharger material and stress information;
comparing the calculated probability of turbocharger failure to a predetermined specified probability of turbocharger failure; and
providing an indication that turbocharger service is recommended when the calculated probability of turbocharger failure exceeds the specified probability of turbocharger failure. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification