×

Lifeometer for measuring and displaying life systems/parts

  • US 6,490,543 B1
  • Filed: 07/13/1999
  • Issued: 12/03/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/13/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for determine the useful life remaining for at least one component of a system comprising:

  • a) connecting at least one computing device to at least one component of a system;

    b) entering an optimal lifespan for each of the at least one component of the system into the computing device;

    c) measuring at least one internal parameter of the system with the computing device;

    d) communicating the measured value for the at least one internal parameter;

    e) recording the at least one internal parameter and a time history measurement;

    f) calculating a life used value, according to a predetermined algorithm using weighted factors in the calculation, using the recorded measured value of the at least one internal parameter and the recorded time history measurements using the computing device;

    g) comparing the calculated life of the component to the optimal span provided and recorded and determining, using a predetermined algorithm, a value for whether the component needs to be serviced or replaced, according to a predetermine service or replacement schedule, using the computing device;

    h) displaying a value for at least one of the values selected from the group comprising optimal lifespan, life used, life remaining or rate of usage;

    i) if the computing device does not provide a value requiring the servicing or replacement of the component, then returning to step c of the method;

    j) if the computing device provides a value requiring the service or replacement of the component, then servicing or replacing the component, according to a predetermine service or replacement work scope;

    k) if the component is serviced or replaced, restarting the process from step b above; and

    l) further including the step of measuring at least one external parameter of the system with the computing device, said step of measuring at least one external parameter of the system accomplished either previous to, simultaneously, or subsequent to, the said step of measuring the at least one internal parameter of the system and the step of communicating the measured value for the at least one external parameter, said step of communicating the measured value of the at least one external parameter of the system accomplished either previous to, simultaneously, or subsequent to, the said step of communicating the measured value of the at least one internal parameter of the system and recording the at least one external parameter with a time history measurement into the computing device, said step of recording the measured value of the at least one external parameter of the system accomplished either previous to, simultaneously, or subsequent to, the said step of recording the measured value of the at least one internal parameter of the system and further calculating the life used value, according to the predetermined algorithm, including the recorded measured value of the at least one external parameter using the computing device, where the weighting factor for the external parameters is calculated using the equation;

    WEP=WWind*WExt.Temp*WParticulates*WPressure*WMoisturer, wherein WEP is a weighted factor for external operating parameters, WWind relates to wind velocity, WExt.Temp relates to external temperature, WParticulates relates to external particulates, WPressure relates to external pressure, and WMoisture relates to external moisture, and the weighting factor for the internal parameters is calculated using the equation;

    WIP=WTemp*WL*WS*WD, wherein WIp is an internal weighted factor for internal operating parameters, WTemp relates to internal operating temperature, WL relates to operating load, WS relates to operating speed, WD relates to the operating distance and wherein said computing device further comprises a processor in communication with the component, at least one display system in communication with the at least one digital processor, and at least one manual data input system in communication with the at least one digital processor.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×