Monitoring system for machine vibration

• US 20090188323A1
• Filed: 01/28/2008
• Published: 07/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Lueschow, Kevin Jay
• Granted Patent: US 7,798,004 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/652
• CPC Class Codes: G01H 3/14 Measuring mean amplitude; Measuring mean power; Measuring time integral of power

Abstract

A system for monitoring an exposure of a machine operator to machine vibration is provided. The system includes an operator safety restraint. The system also includes at least one vibration sensor on the safety restraint and configured to generate a signal indicative of operator exposure to machine vibration. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signal and configured to determine an amount of vibration exposure of the machine operator based on the signal.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring an exposure of a machine operator to machine vibration, comprising:

an operator safety restraint;

at least one vibration sensor engaged with the safety restraint and configured to generate a signal indicative of operator exposure to machine vibration; and

a controller configured to receive the signal and configured to determine an amount of vibration exposure of the machine operator based on the signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the safety restraint includes at least a belt and a fastening member.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the vibration sensor is on the belt.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the vibration sensor is on the fastening member.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the vibration sensor is at least partially surrounded by a barrier system including one or more polymers.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to produce an output signal based on the determination of the amount of vibration exposure of the machine operator.

7. The system of claim 6, further including an output device configured to receive the output signal and generate a response.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the response generated by the output device is at least one of a visible indication, an audible indication, a tactile indication, a recording function, and, a machine control function.

9. A method for determining an exposure of a machine operator to machine vibration, comprising:

operatively associating a safety restraint with a machine operator;

detecting machine vibration directed to the machine operator with a sensor engaged with the safety restraint;

generating a signal with the sensor that is indicative of operator exposure to machine vibration; and

processing the signal and determining an amount of vibration exposure of the machine operator.

10. The method of claim 9, further including partially surrounding a portion of the sensor with one or more polymers.

11. The method of claim 9, further including

producing an output signal based on the determination of the amount of vibration exposure of the machine operator;

and

receiving the output signal with an output device and generating a response from the output device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein generating a response includes generating at least one of a warning signal, a visual indication, and a control function.

13. A machine, comprising:

an engine configured to provide power to the machine;

an operator safety restraint for securing an operator of the machine to the machine;

at least one vibration sensor directly engaged with at least a portion of the safety restraint and configured to generate a signal indicative of operator exposure to machine vibration; and

a controller configured to receive the signal and configured to determine an amount of operator exposure to machine vibration.

14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the safety restraint includes at least a belt and a fastening member.

15. The machine of claim 14, wherein the vibration sensor is engaged with the belt.

16. The machine of claim 14, wherein the vibration sensor is engaged with the fastening member.

17. The machine of claim 13, wherein the vibration sensor is at least partially surrounded by a barrier system including one or more polymers.

18. The machine of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to produce an output signal based on the determination of the amount of operator exposure to machine vibration.

19. The machine of claim 13, further including an output device configured to receive the output signal and generate a response.

20. The machine of claim 19, wherein the response generated by the output device is at least one of a visible indication, an audible indication, a tactile indication, a recording function, and, a machine control function.