Hydraulic cylinder life prediction
First Claim
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1. A method for operating a hydraulic cylinder, comprising:
- sensing a position of a rod of the hydraulic cylinder;
generating a piston travel value based on cumulative rod positions; and
indicating a service requirement based on the piston travel value.
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Abstract
Maintenance requirements for hydraulic cylinders used to actuate heavy equipment may be predicted by measuring actual use of the cylinders. Sensors measuring piston position within each cylinder are integrated and the results stored in histograms bins to provide a permanent record of motion. Hydraulic pressure and temperature are also recorded. Data are downloaded periodically and compared with data from laboratory tests and/or from other units in the field.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating a hydraulic cylinder, comprising:
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sensing a position of a rod of the hydraulic cylinder; generating a piston travel value based on cumulative rod positions; and indicating a service requirement based on the piston travel value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for operating a hydraulic cylinder comprising:
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sensing a position of a rod of the hydraulic cylinder; producing a rod travel distance signal based on a rod position signal; comparing the rod travel distance signal with a predetermined value; and determining a service requirement based on the rod travel distance signal and the predetermined value.
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5. A method for operating a hydraulic cylinder comprising:
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sensing a position of a rod of the hydraulic cylinder; generating a rod acceleration signal based on the rod position; comparing the rod acceleration signal with a predetermined value; and determining a service requirement based on the rod acceleration signal and the predetermined value.
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6. A work machine, comprising:
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a frame; a power source supported by the frame; a work implement movable in relation to the frame; a fluid system including a working fluid, adapted to control movement of the implement, and including at least one cylinder having an extendible rod; and a service requirement diagnosis system associated with the at least one cylinder and adapted to sense at least one operational characteristic of the cylinder based on a position of the rod and at least one of a pressure of the working fluid and a temperature of the working fluid, wherein a service requirement associated with the at least one cylinder is determined based on the position of the rod and at least one of a pressure of the working fluid and a temperature of the working fluid. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A cylinder assembly comprising:
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a piston and rod assembly; a housing, the piston and rod assembly moveably supported by the housing; at least one seal provided between the housing and the piston to divide the housing into at least two pressure chambers; a position sensor adapted to the piston and rod assembly and being operative to detect a position of the piston and rod assembly; and a data processor operative to receive inputs from the position sensor and determine a total stroke distance of the piston and rod assembly. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A machine comprising:
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at least one frame member; a cylinder assembly including a housing and a piston and rod assembly moveable therein;
one of the piston and rod assembly or the housing being attached to the frame and the other of the one of the piston and rod assembly or the housing being attached to a moveable member;a piston and rod position sensor being adapted to the cylinder assembly, the piston and rod position sensor being operative to determine piston and rod position; and a data processor in communication with the piston and rod position sensor and being operative to determine the total stroke of the piston and rod assembly; wherein an indication of seal wear is generated corresponding to a predetermined total stroke of the piston and rod assembly being achieved. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for operating a work machine, the machine including at least one pressurizable cylinder assembly adapted to cause movement of at least one portion of the machine, the method comprising:
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measuring movement of a piston within the cylinder; determining the total stroke distance traveled by the piston; and indicating a measure of seal wear based on the total stroke distance of the piston. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification