Fibre sensor assembly

Abstract

A bearing which includes a bearing ring and rolling elements. The bearing ring includes an outer surface, having a groove around a circumference of the outer surface, wherein the groove is adapted to accommodate a fiber sensor. The bearing further comprises a clamping element, wherein the clamping element retains the fiber sensor with a clamping force acting in a radial direction of the bearing ring such that the fiber sensor intimately engages the bearing ring. Due to the clamping force, relative movement of the fiber sensor can be reduced.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a bearing comprising a fiber optic sensor assembly, and also to a method of attaching such a fiber optic sensor to the bearing. Background technique [0002] Bearings are very important components in rotating machinery. If the bearing fails, the function of the machine may fail. In some applications, it can be very difficult or prohibitively expensive to replace a failed bearing outside of regular scheduled maintenance. These applications include deep sea applications, marine or continuous production lines. Condition monitoring is used when trying to predict when a bearing needs to be replaced before failure occurs. If the machine and bearing are in an easily accessible location, the condition of the bearing can be assessed, for example, by vibration measurements. For inaccessible equipment such as deep sea applications, other means are needed to assess the condition of the bearing so that it can be determined when ...

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Problems solved by technology

However, using high temperature may cause thermal damage to the fiber optic sensor

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