Wireless transmission module, diagnostic system of an industrial machine and method of supplying the transmission module

• US 9,389,610 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2015
• Issued: 07/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: I-Care
• Original Assignee: I-Care
• Inventors: Di Pietro, Thomas, Brion, Fabrice, Stievenart, Arnaud
• Primary Examiner(s): Barbee, Manuel L
• Application Number:
  US14/800,978
• Publication Number:
  US 20160018820A1
• Time in Patent Office: 362 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 7/025 Measuring arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 23/0208 characterized by the configuration of the monitoring system
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/324 by lowering clock frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/88 Providing power supply at the sub-station
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/883 where the sensing device enters an active or inactive mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A wireless signal transmission module for a diagnostic system of an industrial machine is provided including a case, an independent power source, a sensor arranged to take measurements, in particular vibration measurements, a connector having a first end connected to the case and a second end connected to the sensor, a fixing system connected to the sensor and arranged so as to fix the wireless signal transmission module to the industrial machine, an electronic card provided with means of control arranged so as to control the supply cycle of the sensor in a sleep phase, a first stabilisation phase and an operating phase.

Claims

1. A wireless signal transmission module for a diagnostic system of an industrial machine comprising:

a. a case, comprising a cover and a body;

b. an independent power source, such as a battery or limited energy reserve, arranged to supply the module;

c. a sensor arranged to take measurements, in particular vibration measurements;

d. a connector, having a first end connected to the case and a second end connected to the sensor;

e. an electronic card, housed inside the body, the electronic card configured to control the supply cycle of the sensor in a sleep phase, a first stabilisation phase and an operating phase, wherein;

i. during the sleep phase, the sensor is not supplied with energy;

ii. during the first stabilisation phase, the sensor is supplied discontinuously with energy and during which the means of control supply the sensor in such a way that the mean power applied is less than 90% of the average power applied in the operating phase, and

iii. during the operating phase, the sensor is supplied at its rated voltage and takes measurements.

2. The wireless signal transmission module according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing system connected to the sensor and arranged so as to fix the wireless signal transmission module to the industrial machine.

3. The wireless signal transmission module according to claim 1, wherein the electronic card is configured to modulate the sensor'"'"'s supply during the stabilisation phase, for a duration of less than 20 seconds, at a switching frequency of between 10 Hz and 5000 kHz, and a pre-determined duty cycle of between 3 and 20.

4. The wireless signal transmission module according to claim 3, wherein the switching frequency is between 10 Hz and 500 kHz, and the pre-determined duty cycle is between 5% and 9%.

5. The wireless signal transmission module according to claim 3, wherein the electronic card is configured to control the supply cycle with a second stabilisation phase situated between the first stabilisation phase and the operating phase, during which the mean power applied is equal to 100% of the operating power.

6. The wireless signal transmission module according to claim 3, wherein the electronic card is configured to control the supply cycle with a second stabilisation phase situated between the first stabilisation phase and the operating phase, during which the mean power applied is greater than the mean power applied during the first stabilisation phase and less than the operating power.

7. The wireless transmission module according to claim 3, wherein the so as to adapt the switching frequency, duty cycle and cycle duration according to the sensor.

8. The wireless transmission module according to claim 1, wherein the electronic card includes an assembly comprising a DC/DC voltage converter and a controlled switch placed in series with the converter.

9. The wireless transmission module according to claim 1, wherein the control means are arranged to supply the sensor during the stabilisation phase so that the mean power applied is between 3% and 20% of the mean power applied in the operating phase.

10. The wireless transmission module according to claim 9, wherein the mean power applied is between 5% and 9%.

11. A diagnostic system of industrial machines comprising a series of wireless transmission modules according to claim 1 and a central signal receiver module arranged to receive the signals of the said modules.

12. The diagnostic system of industrial machines according to claim 11, further comprising at least one wireless network extension.

13. A method of supplying a wireless signal transmission module for a diagnostic system of an industrial machine comprising the application of a sleep phase, a stabilisation phase and an operating phase, wherein:

i. during the sleep phase, a sensor of the wireless transmission module is not supplied with energy;

ii. during the first stabilisation phase, the sensor is supplied discontinuously with energy and during which an electronic card of the wireless signal transmission module supplies the sensor in such a way that the mean power applied is less than 90% of the average power applied in the operating phase, and

iii. during the operating phase, the sensor is supplied at its rated voltage and takes measurements.