Detecting wear of track link pin based on sensor data of sensor device disposed in cavity of track link pin

Abstract

The one or more devices may determine an electrical characteristic of a wear measurement component (216) of the sensor device (186). The sensor device (186) is disposed in a first cavity (210) of a track link pin (178, 200) of a track assembly (170) of a machine (100). A wear measuring member (216) extends from the first cavity (210) through a second cavity (212) of the track link pin (178, 200) to an outer surface (216) of the track link pin (178, 200). The one or more devices may determine a length of the wear measurement component (216) based on the electrical characteristic. The one or more devices may generate sensor data indicative of an amount of wear of the outer surface (216) based on the length of the wear measurement component (216). The one or more devices may provide the sensor data to a controller (140) of the machine (100) to cause the controller (140) to provide a notification about the amount of wear of the outer surface (216).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to determining wear of a track link pin, and, for example, to determining wear of a track link pin based on sensor data of a sensor device disposed in a cavity of the track link pin. Background Art

[0002] Components of a track assembly of a machine may wear over time. For example, a track link pin of a track assembly may wear over time. Typically, the track link pin is disposed in a cavity of another component of the track assembly, such as a cavity of a track link bushing of a track link. Because the track link pin is disposed in the cavity, the outer surface of the track link pin may wear over time due to friction between the track link pin and the cavity during various operations of the machine. Because the wear occurs internally relative to the cavity, the wear of the outer surface may be referred to as internal wear.

[0003] Since the track link pin is disposed in a cavity, measuring the wear of the outer surface of the track link pin is a difficult task. Where measurements of the wear of the outer surface are obtained, the measurements are manual and are often inaccurate.

[0004] Because the amount of wear on the outer surface cannot be measured and / or the measurement of the amount of wear on the outer surface is inaccurate, the machine may be operated when the track link pin has worn to an amount that would require replacement of the track link pin. Operating the machine in this manner may cause damage to the track link pin (or cause catastrophic failure of the track link pin), may cause damage to other components of the track assembly, and may ultimately cause damage to the machine.

[0005] International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021240288 ('288 Publication) discloses a track pin assembly, the track pin assembly including a pin, the pin including a first axial end and a second axial end, the first axial end and the second axial end being configured to engage a corresponding outer link of a joint. The '288 Publication further discloses that the pin includes a first cavity defining a reservoir for containing lubricating oil or grease. The '288 Publication further discloses that the pin includes a second cavity disposed at the second axial end of the pin and open at the second axial end of the pin.

[0006] The '288 publication further discloses that the pin includes a sensor disposed in the second cavity and including a sensor element configured to measure temperature and generate a signal indicative of the measured temperature. Although the '288 publication discloses that the pin includes a sensor disposed in the second cavity, the '288 publication does not address detecting wear of the pin.

[0007] The system of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the invention

[0008] In some embodiments, a system includes: a track link pin of a track assembly of a machine, the track link pin including a first cavity and a second cavity extending from the first cavity to an outer surface of the track link pin; a sensor device, the sensor device is configured to be disposed in the first cavity of the track link pin, the sensor device is configured to: determine an electrical characteristic of a wear measuring component of the sensor device, the wear measuring component extending from the first cavity through the second cavity to the outer surface; determine a length of the wear measuring component based on the electrical characteristic, and generate sensor data indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface based on the length of the wear measuring component; and a controller, the controller being configured to cause the machine to perform an action based on the sensor data.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method performed by one or more devices of a machine includes determining, by a sensor device of the machine, an electrical characteristic of a wear measuring component of the sensor device, the sensor device being disposed in a first cavity of a track link pin of a track assembly of the machine, the wear measuring component extending from the first cavity through a second cavity of the track link pin to an outer surface of the track link pin; determining, by the sensor device, a length of the wear measuring component based on the electrical characteristic; generating, by the sensor device, sensor data indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface based on the length of the wear measuring component; and providing, by the sensor device, the sensor data to a controller of the machine so that the controller provides a notification regarding the amount of wear of the outer surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, a machine includes: a track assembly, the track assembly including a component, the component having a first cavity and a second cavity extending from the first cavity to an outer surface of the component; and a sensor device, the sensor device is configured to be disposed in the first cavity of the component, the sensor device is configured to: determine an electrical characteristic of a wear measuring component of the sensor device, the wear measuring component extending from the first cavity through the second cavity to the outer surface; determine a length of the wear measuring component based on the electrical characteristic, and generate sensor data indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface based on the length of the wear measuring component; and a controller, the controller being configured to provide a notification based on the amount of wear of the outer surface indicated by the sensor data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine described herein.

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary track link pin described herein.

[0013] Figure 3 is a diagram of an exemplary system described herein.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process associated with determining wear of a track link pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments described herein relate to determining an amount of wear on an outer surface of a track link pin, and providing a notification indicating the amount of wear on the outer surface. For example, the system described herein may include a sensor device disposed in a first cavity of a track link pin. The sensor device may include a wear measuring component disposed in a second cavity of the track link pin. The wear measuring component may extend through the second cavity to the outer surface of the track link pin. The sensor device may determine an electrical characteristic of the wear measuring component. Based on the electrical characteristic, the sensor device may determine a length of the wear measuring component. The wear measuring component may be disposed in the second cavity in such a manner that the length of the wear measuring component decreases as the outer surface of the track link pin wears away.

[0016] Based on the length of the wear measuring component, the sensor device can generate sensor data indicating the amount of wear of the outer surface of the track link pin. In some cases, the amount of wear of the outer surface can be proportional to the length of the wear measuring component. Alternatively, the amount of wear of the outer surface can be determined based on one or more mathematical operations involving the length of the wear measuring component.

[0017] The controller may receive the sensor data (e.g., via a wireless communication component of the machine) and may cause the machine to perform an action based on the sensor data. For example, the controller may provide a notification indicating an amount of wear on an exterior surface, may provide a recommendation to replace a track link pin, may provide a command to derate the machine's engine, and other examples.

[0018] The term "machine" may refer to a device that performs operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or another industry. In addition, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. For example, the machine may include an engineering vehicle, a work vehicle, or the like associated with the above industries.

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine 100 described herein. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , machine 100 is embodied as an earth-moving machine, such as a bulldozer. Alternatively, machine 100 may be another type of track-type machine, such as an excavator.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown in , machine 100 includes an engine 110, a sensor system 120, an operator compartment 130, operator controls 132, a controller 140, a rear attachment 150, a front attachment 160, a ground engaging member 170, a sprocket 180, one or more sensor devices 186, one or more idler wheels 190, one or more rollers 192, and a wireless communication component 194.

[0021] The engine 110 may include an internal combustion engine, such as a compression ignition engine, a spark ignition engine, a laser ignition engine, a plasma ignition engine, etc. The engine 110 provides power to the machine 100 and / or a set of loads (e.g., components that absorb power and / or use power to operate) associated with the machine 100. For example, the engine 110 may provide power to one or more control systems (e.g., controller 140), sensor system 120, operator compartment 130, and / or ground engaging members 170.

[0022] The engine 110 may provide power to an implement of the machine 100, such as an implement used in mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or any other industry. For example, the engine 110 may provide power to components (e.g., one or more hydraulic pumps, one or more actuators, and / or one or more electric motors) to facilitate control of the rear attachment 150 and / or the front attachment 160 of the machine 100.

[0023] The sensor system 120 may include sensor devices capable of generating signals regarding the operation of the machine 100. The sensor devices of the sensor system 120 may include load sensor devices, speed sensor devices, torque sensor devices, vibration sensor devices, motion sensor devices, and other examples. For example, the sensor devices may include one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs).

[0024] The operator compartment 130 includes an integrated display (not shown) and operator controls 132. The operator controls 132 may include one or more input components (e.g., an integrated joystick, buttons, control levers, and / or a steering wheel) to control the operation of the machine 100. For example, the operator controls 132 may be used to control the operation of one or more implements of the machine 100 (e.g., the rear attachment 150 and / or the front attachment 160) and / or control the operation of the ground engaging members 170.

[0025] For autonomous machines, operator controls 132 may not be designed for use by an operator, but may be designed to be operated independently of an operator. In this case, for example, operator controls 132 may include one or more input components that provide input signals for use by another component without any operator input.

[0026] A controller 140 (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) may control and / or monitor the operation of machine 100. For example, controller 140 may control and / or monitor the operation of machine 100 based on signals from operator controls 132 and / or from sensor system 120. In some cases, as described in more detail below, controller 140 may determine an amount of wear on one or more components of machine 100 based on signals from one or more sensor devices 186.

[0027] The rear attachment 150 may include a ripper assembly, a winch assembly, and / or a drawbar assembly. The front attachment 160 may include a scraper assembly. The ground engaging member 170 may be configured to propel the machine 100. The ground engaging member 170 may include wheels, tracks, rollers, and / or the like for propelling the machine 100. The ground engaging member 170 may include a track assembly including a track (e.g., Figure 1 ). The track may include track links. In some cases, the track links may include track link bushings and track link pins. For example, the track may include a first track link 172 and a second track link 174. The first track link 172 includes a first track link bushing 176 and a first track link pin 178.

[0028] Sprocket 180 may include one or more sprocket segments 182 (referred to herein individually as “sprocket segments 182” and collectively as “sprocket segments 182”). Sprocket 180 may be configured to engage with and drive ground engaging member 170. For example, sprocket segments 182 may be configured to engage track link bushings (e.g., of a track of ground engaging member 170) and rotate to cause the track to propel machine 100. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sprocket segment 182 may include a tip 184 . The sprocket 180 may be included in a drive train of the machine 100 .

[0029] In some cases, first track link pin 178 may experience wear. For example, the outer surface of first track link pin 178 may experience wear. When the outer surface experiences wear, the diameter of first track link pin 178 may decrease. Sensor device 186 may be configured to determine the amount of wear of the outer surface of first track link pin 178. For example, sensor device 186 may include one or more devices configured to determine the length of a wear measurement component of sensor device 186, and may generate sensor data indicating the amount of wear of the outer surface based on the length of the wear measurement component. The sensor data may also include information identifying sensor device 186.

[0030] As described in more detail below, sensor device 186 may be disposed in a cavity of a first track link pin 178, another sensor device 186 may be disposed in a cavity of another track link pin of the track assembly, and so on. In some cases, the sensor data may be provided to controller 140 (e.g., via wireless communication component 194). As described in more detail below, controller 140 may control operation of machine 100 based on an amount of wear on an outer surface of first track link pin 178.

[0031] In some examples, one or more idler wheels 190 and / or one or more rollers 192 may guide the track as it rotates to propel machine 100. In some examples, ground engaging members 170, sprocket 180, one or more idler wheels 190, and one or more rollers 192 may be components of a track assembly. The track assembly may also include one or more track blocks and / or one or more track shoes.

[0032] As described herein, wireless communication component 194 may include one or more devices capable of communicating with one or more components of machine 100, one or more other machines, and / or one or more devices. For example, wireless communication component 194 may receive sensor data from sensor device 186 and may provide the sensor data to controller 140, one or more other machines, and / or one or more devices.

[0033] Wireless communication component 194 may include a transceiver, a separate transmitter and receiver, and / or an antenna, among other examples. Wireless communication component 194 may communicate with one or more machines using a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as Low power consumption, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.154, among other examples. Additionally or alternatively, wireless communication component 194 can communicate with one or more other machines and / or one or more devices via a network including one or more wired and / or wireless networks.

[0034] As mentioned above, providing Figure 1 As an example. Other examples can be combined with Figure 1 The instances described are different.

[0035] Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary track link pin 200 described herein. Track link pin 200 may correspond to first track link pin 178. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , track link pin 200 may include a first cavity 210 and a second cavity 212. First cavity 210 may be parallel to a longitudinal axis 214 of track link pin 200. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , second cavity 212 may extend from first cavity 210 to an outer surface 216 of track link pin 200 .

[0036] In some cases, second cavity 212 may be disposed at an angle relative to first cavity 210. For example, second cavity 212 may be perpendicular to first cavity 210. Second cavity 212 may be disposed parallel to a radial axis of track link pin 200.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the track link pin 200 may include the sensor device 186. Unlike the track link pin 200, a typical track link pin may not be provided with the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212. The track link pin 200 may be provided with the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 212 so that the track link pin 200 can receive the sensor device 186. Figure 2 As shown in , the sensor device 186 can be disposed in the first cavity 210. In some embodiments, the sensor device 186 can be a battery-powered signal transmitter (or a battery-powered transmitter). For example, the sensor device 186 can include a power source (e.g., a battery) to provide power to the sensor device 186, and include a communication component (similar to the wireless communication component 194) to transmit sensor data generated by the sensor device 186.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , sensor device 186 may include a wear measurement component 220. Wear measurement component 220 may extend from first cavity 210 through second cavity 212 to outer surface 216 of track link pin 200. Sensor device 186 may be configured to determine a length of wear measurement component 220 and generate sensor data indicating an amount of wear of outer surface 216 based on the length of wear measurement component 220. The length of wear measurement component 220 may indicate an amount of wear of outer surface 216. For example, when outer surface 216 experiences wear and a portion of outer surface 216 wears away, the length of wear measurement component 220 may decrease accordingly.

[0039] Since the wear measurement member 220 can be disposed in the second cavity 212 in such a manner that the wear measurement member 220 is worn away as the outer surface 216 is worn away, the length of the wear measurement member 220 can be reduced. For example, a first length of the wear measurement member 220 can correspond to a first amount of wear of the outer surface 216, a second length of the wear measurement member 220 can correspond to a second amount of wear of the outer surface 216, and so on. The first length can exceed the second length. Accordingly, the second amount of wear can exceed the first amount of wear.

[0040] In some cases, the sensor device 186 may determine the length of the wear measurement component 220 based on determining an electrical characteristic of the wear measurement component 220. For example, the sensor device 186 may determine the resistance of the wear measurement component 220 and determine the length of the wear measurement component 220 based on the resistance of the wear measurement component 220. In this regard, as the length of the wear measurement component 220 decreases, the resistance of the wear measurement component 220 decreases accordingly. For example, a first length of the wear measurement component 220 may have a first resistance, a second length of the wear measurement component 220 may have a second resistance, and so on. The first length may exceed the second length. The first resistance may exceed the second resistance.

[0041] In some cases, the length of wear measurement component 220 (before wear measurement component 220 experiences any amount of wear) may depend on the type of machine 100. Additionally or alternatively, the length of wear measurement component 220 (before wear measurement component 220 experiences any amount of wear) may depend on the size of track link pin 200. For example, for a first type of machine, the length of wear measurement component 220 may indicate that track link pin 200 is to be replaced, while for a second type of machine, the length of the same wear measurement component 220 may indicate that track link pin 200 is not to be replaced.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown in , the wear measurement component 220 may include a plurality of closed-loop circuits 222 (individually referred to as “closed-loop circuits 222” and collectively referred to as “closed-loop circuits 222”). For example, the wear measurement component 220 may include a closed-loop circuit 222-1, a closed-loop circuit 222-2, a closed-loop circuit 222-3, and so on. In some cases, the sensor device 186 may determine the length of the wear measurement component 220 based on the closed-loop circuits 222. Each closed-loop circuit 222 may be associated with a respective length of the wear measurement component 220. For example, the closed-loop circuit 222-1 may be associated with a first length of the wear measurement component 220, the closed-loop circuit 222-2 may be associated with a second length of the wear measurement component 220, the closed-loop circuit 222-3 may be associated with a third length of the wear measurement component 220, and so on. The first length may exceed the second length and the third length. The second length may exceed the third length.

[0043] The sensor device 186 may determine the length of the wear measurement component 220 based on the electrical characteristics of the closed-loop circuit 222. For example, the sensor device 186 may determine a first length of the sensor device 186 based on determining a first resistance of the closed-loop circuit 222-1, may determine a second length of the sensor device 186 based on determining a second resistance of the closed-loop circuit 222-2, and so on.

[0044] As explained above, the wear measurement component 220 can be disposed in the second cavity 212 such that the wear measurement component 220 wears away as the outer surface 216 wears away. In this regard, when the outer surface 216 wears away, the closed-loop circuit 222-1 can become open (or disconnected), and then the closed-loop circuit 222-2 becomes open, and so on. Since the closed-loop circuit 222-1 becomes open (or disconnected), the first resistance of the closed-loop circuit 222-1 may not meet the resistance threshold. Based on determining that the first resistance of the closed-loop circuit 222-1 does not meet the resistance threshold, the sensor device 186 can determine that the closed-loop circuit 222-1 is open. Therefore, the sensor device 186 can determine that the wear measurement component 220 has been worn to a length less than the first length.

[0045] After determining that the closed-loop circuit 222-1 is open, the sensor device 186 can determine whether the second resistance of the closed-loop circuit 222-2 meets the resistance threshold. Based on the determination that the second resistance meets the resistance threshold, the sensor device 186 can determine that the length of the sensor device 186 is the second length. Alternatively, based on the determination that the second resistance does not meet the resistance threshold, the sensor device 186 can determine whether the third resistance of the closed-loop circuit 222-3 meets the resistance threshold, and so on.

[0046] As explained above, the sensor device 186 may generate sensor data indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface 216 based on the length of the wear measurement component 220. For example, the sensor device 186 may generate sensor data indicating a first amount of wear of the outer surface 216 based on determining that the length of the wear measurement component 220 is a first length of the wear measurement component 220, may generate sensor data indicating a second amount of wear of the outer surface 216 based on determining that the length of the wear measurement component 220 is a second length of the wear measurement component 220, and so on.

[0047] The sensor device 186 may provide the sensor data to the controller 140 (eg, via the wireless communication component 194). For example, the sensor device 186 may provide the sensor data to the wireless communication component 194, causing the wireless communication component 194 to provide the sensor data to the controller 140.

[0048] As mentioned above, providing Figure 2 As an example. Other examples can be combined with Figure 2 The instances described are different.

[0049] Figure 3 is a diagram of an exemplary system 300 described herein. Figure 3As shown in , system 300 includes controller 140 , a plurality of sensor devices 186 (collectively referred to as “sensor devices 186 ” and individually referred to as “sensor devices 186 ”), wireless communication component 194 , and device 310 associated with machine 100 . Figure 3 Some of the elements in the above have been combined Figure 1 and 2 Described.

[0050] The controller 140 may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The processor may be programmable to perform functions. The memory may store information and / or instructions for use by the processor to perform functions. For example, when performing functions, the controller 140 may control the operation of the machine 100 based on sensor data provided by the sensor device 186.

[0051] In some examples, each sensor device 186 may be included in a corresponding track link pin of a track assembly of a machine. In this regard, sensor information identifying the sensor device 186 may be stored in a data structure in association with pin information identifying the track link pin in which the sensor device 186 is configured to be included. The data structure may be a database, a table, and / or a linked list. The sensor information of the sensor device 186 may include a serial number of the sensor device 186 and / or a media access control (MAC) address associated with the sensor device 186, among other examples. The pin information of the track link pin may include a part number of the track link pin and / or a serial number of the track link pin, among other examples.

[0052] Device 310 may include a display included in operator room 130. Additionally or alternatively, device 310 may include a user device of an operator of machine 100, a user device of a site manager associated with machine 100, and / or a user device of an owner of machine 100. Additionally or alternatively, device 310 may include a backend system (e.g., that monitors the operation of machine 100).

[0053] In some examples, controller 140 may receive sensor data provided by sensor device 186 (e.g., included in track link pin 200). Controller 140 may receive sensor data from sensor device 186. Alternatively, sensor device 186 may provide the sensor data to wireless communication component 194, and wireless communication component 194 may provide the sensor data to controller 140. In some examples, wireless communication component 194 may provide the sensor data to device 310.

[0054] The sensor device 186 can be combined with the above Figure 2 The sensor data may be generated in a manner similar to that described above. The sensor data may include sensor information identifying the sensor device 186. In some embodiments, the sensor data may also include information identifying the length of the wear measurement component 220. In this regard, the controller 140 may determine the amount of wear of the outer surface 216 based on the length of the wear measurement component 220.

[0055] For example, the controller 140 may perform a lookup operation of a data structure that stores information identifying different lengths of the sensor device 186 in association with information identifying different amounts of wear of the outer surface 216. In some embodiments, the sensor data may include information indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface 216. The controller 140 may determine the amount of wear based on the information indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface 216 included in the sensor data.

[0056] The controller 140 may determine whether the amount of wear meets a wear threshold. In some cases, the controller 140 may be pre-configured with information identifying the wear threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the machine 100 may receive information identifying the wear threshold from a user device of an operator, a user device of a site manager, and / or a user device of an owner of the machine 100. Additionally or alternatively, the machine 100 may receive information identifying the wear threshold from a backend system.

[0057] In some examples, controller 140 may cause machine 100 to perform an action based on determining that the amount of wear does not satisfy the wear threshold. For example, when causing machine 100 to perform the action, controller 140 may provide a notification based on determining that the amount of wear does not satisfy the wear threshold. The notification may be provided to device 310. The notification may include information indicating that the amount of wear does not satisfy the wear threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the notification may include a first recommendation to repair the track link pin. Additionally or alternatively, the notification may include a second recommendation to replace the track link pin.

[0058] In some cases, when causing machine 100 to perform an action, controller 140 may provide a command to derate engine 110. For example, controller 140 may provide a command to an engine controller associated with engine 110 to derate engine 110.

[0059] In some examples, the controller 140 may cause the machine 100 to perform the actions discussed above based on different wear thresholds. For example, the controller 140 may provide a first recommendation based on determining that the amount of wear does not meet a first wear threshold. Alternatively, the controller 140 may provide a second recommendation and / or provide a command to derate the engine 110 based on determining that the amount of wear does not meet a second wear threshold. The first wear threshold may exceed the second wear threshold.

[0060] supply Figure 3 The number and arrangement of the devices shown in FIG. are provided as examples. In practice, Figure 3 There may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown in . Figure 3 Two or more of the devices shown in may be implemented in a single device, or Figure 3 A single device shown in the example may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, one or more devices of an exemplary component may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the exemplary component.

[0061] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 400 associated with track link pin wear detection based on sensor data. In some embodiments, Figure 4 One or more process blocks of may be performed by one or more devices (eg, controller 140 and / or sensor device 186). In some embodiments, Figure 4 One or more process blocks may be performed by another device or a group of devices that is separate from or includes the one or more devices (e.g., a wireless communication component (e.g., wireless communication component 194) and / or a device (e.g., device 310)).

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown in , process 400 may include determining an electrical characteristic of a wear measurement component of a sensor device, the sensor device disposed in a first cavity of a track link pin of a track assembly of a machine, and the wear measurement component extending from the first cavity through a second cavity of the track link pin to an outer surface of the track link pin (block 410). For example, as described above, one or more devices may determine an electrical characteristic of a wear measurement component of a sensor device, the sensor device disposed in a first cavity of a track link pin of a track assembly of a machine, and the wear measurement component extending from the first cavity through a second cavity of the track link pin to an outer surface of the track link pin.

[0063] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining a length of a wear measurement component based on the electrical characteristic (block 420 ). For example, as described above, one or more devices may determine a length of a wear measurement component based on the electrical characteristic.

[0064] In some embodiments, the wear measurement component includes a first closed-loop circuit associated with a first length of the wear measurement component and a second closed-loop circuit associated with a second length of the wear measurement component, and determining the length of the wear measurement component includes determining a first resistance of the first closed-loop circuit, determining that the first resistance does not satisfy a resistance threshold, and determining that the length of the wear measurement component is the second length based on determining that the first resistance does not satisfy the resistance threshold.

[0065] In some embodiments, determining the length of the wear measurement component includes, after determining that the length of the wear measurement component is the first length, determining a second resistance of the second closed-loop circuit, determining that the second resistance does not satisfy the resistance threshold, and determining that the length of the wear measurement component is a third length based on determining that the second resistance does not satisfy the resistance threshold. The first length exceeds the second length and the third length. The second length exceeds the third length.

[0066] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include generating sensor data indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface based on the length of the wear measurement component (block 430). For example, as described above, one or more devices may generate sensor data indicating an amount of wear of the outer surface based on the length of the wear measurement component.

[0067] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include providing sensor data to a controller of the machine so that the controller provides a notification regarding the amount of wear of the exterior surface (block 440). For example, as described above, one or more devices may provide sensor data to a controller of the machine so that the controller provides a notification regarding the amount of wear of the exterior surface.

[0068] In some implementations, process 400 includes determining, by the controller, whether an amount of wear of the outer surface satisfies a wear threshold, and providing, by the controller, a notification based on determining that the amount of wear of the outer surface does not satisfy the wear threshold.

[0069] In some embodiments, determining the electrical characteristic of the wear measurement component includes determining a resistance of the wear measurement component, and determining the length of the wear measurement component includes determining the length of the wear measurement component based on the resistance.

[0070] Industrial Applicability

[0071] Embodiments described herein relate to determining an amount of wear on an outer surface of a track link pin of a track assembly of a machine. Additionally, embodiments described herein relate to providing a notification indicating an amount of wear on the outer surface.

[0072] Currently, because the track link pin is disposed in a cavity, measuring the amount of wear on the outer surface of the track link pin is a difficult task. In addition, in the event that a measurement of the amount of wear on the outer surface is obtained, the measurement is a manual measurement and is often inaccurate. Due to the inability to measure the amount of wear on the outer surface and / or the inaccurate measurement of the amount of wear on the outer surface, the machine may be operated in a manner that may cause damage to the track link pin (or cause catastrophic failure of the track link pin), may cause damage to other components of the track assembly, and ultimately may cause damage to the machine.

[0073] Embodiments described herein relate to a system that may include a sensor device disposed in a first cavity of a track link pin. The sensor device may include a wear measurement component disposed in a second cavity of the track link pin and extending through the second cavity to an outer surface of the track link pin. The sensor device may determine an electrical characteristic of the wear measurement component, and based on the electrical characteristic, a length of the wear measurement component may be determined. The length of the wear measurement component may be correlated to an amount of wear of the outer surface. Thus, the amount of wear of the outer surface may be determined more accurately.

[0074] More accurately determining the amount of wear on the outer surface provides several advantages. For example, by more accurately determining the amount of wear on the outer surface, the system described herein can enable proper operation of the machine. Thus, by more accurately determining the amount of wear on the outer surface, the system described herein can prevent damage to the track link pins, can prevent damage to other components of the track assembly, and can prevent damage to the machine.

[0075] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. In addition, any embodiments described herein may be combined, unless the foregoing disclosure explicitly provides reasons why one or more embodiments may not be combined. Even though specific combinations of features are listed in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various embodiments. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, the disclosure of the various embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0076] As used herein, "a, an" and "group" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items quoted in conjunction with the article "the", and can be used interchangeably with "the one or more". In addition, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on", unless otherwise explicitly stated. In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in a series form, and can be used interchangeably with "and / or", unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, if used in combination with "either" or "only one"). In addition, for ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "below", "below", "above", "on", etc., can be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another one or more elements or features, as shown in the figure. In addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of equipment, devices and / or elements in use or operation. Equipment can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and similarly, the spatially relative descriptive words used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A track link pin (178, 200) of a track assembly (170) of a machine (100), the track link pin (178, 200) comprising a first cavity (210) and a second cavity (212) extending from the first cavity (210) to an outer surface (216) of the track link pin (178, 200); A sensor device (186) configured to be disposed in a first cavity (210) of the track link pin (178, 200), the sensor device (186) being configured to: determining an electrical characteristic of a wear measuring component (216) of the sensor device (186), The wear measurement component (216) extends from the first cavity (210) through the second cavity (212) to the outer surface (216); determining a length of the wear measurement component (216) based on the electrical characteristic, and generating sensor data indicative of an amount of wear of the outer surface (216) based on a length of the wear measuring member (216); as well as A controller (140) is configured to cause the machine (100) to perform an action based on the sensor data.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: In order to enable the machine (100) to perform the actions, the controller (140) is configured to: determining whether the amount of wear indicated by the sensor data satisfies a wear threshold; and The machine (100) is caused to perform the action based on determining that the amount of wear does not satisfy the wear threshold.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: In order to enable the machine (100) to perform the actions, the controller (140) is configured to: determining that the amount of wear indicated by the sensor data does not satisfy the wear threshold; and A notification is provided based on a determination that the amount of wear does not satisfy the wear threshold.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In order to determine the electrical characteristic, the sensor device (186) is configured to: determining the resistance of the wear measurement component (216); and Therein, in order to determine the length of the wear measuring component (216), the sensor device (186) is configured to: A length of the wear measurement component (216) is determined based on the electrical resistance.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wear measurement component (216) comprises a plurality of closed loop circuits (222), wherein each closed-loop circuit (222) of the plurality of closed-loop circuits (222) is associated with a respective length of the wear measurement component (216), and in, To determine the length of the wear measurement component (216), the controller (140) is configured to: determining one or more electrical characteristics of one or more closed-loop circuits (222) of the plurality of closed-loop circuits (222); and The length of the wear measurement component (216) is determined based on the electrical characteristics of the one or more closed-loop circuits (222).

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: In order to determine the length of the wear measuring member (216), the sensor device (186) is configured to: determining a first length of the wear measurement component (216) based on determining a first electrical characteristic of a first closed-loop circuit (222) of the one or more closed-loop circuits (222), and A second length of the wear measurement component (216) is determined based on determining a second electrical characteristic of a second closed-loop circuit (222) of the one or more closed-loop circuits (222).

7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the track link pin (178, 200) is disposed in a cavity of a track link bushing (176), wherein the first cavity (210) is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track link pin (178, 200), and The second cavity (212) is perpendicular to the first cavity (210).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sensor device (186) is a battery-powered signal transmitter.

9. A method performed by one or more devices (140, 186) of a machine (100), the method comprising: determining, by a sensor device (186) of the machine (100), an electrical property of a wear measuring component (216) of the sensor device (186), The sensor device (186) is disposed in a first cavity (210) of a track link pin (178, 200) of a track assembly (170) of the machine (100), The wear measuring member (216) extends from the first cavity (210) through the second cavity (212) of the track link pin (178, 200) to an outer surface (216) of the track link pin (178, 200); determining, by the sensor device (186), a length of the wear measurement component (216) based on the electrical characteristic; generating, by the sensor device (186), sensor data indicative of an amount of wear of the outer surface (216) based on a length of the wear measuring component (216); as well as The sensor data is provided by the sensor device (186) to a controller (140) of the machine (100) to cause the controller (140) to provide notification regarding an amount of wear of the outer surface (216).

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: The controller (140) determines whether the wear amount of the outer surface (216) meets a wear threshold; as well as The notification is provided by the controller (140) based on a determination that an amount of wear of the outer surface (216) does not satisfy the wear threshold.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9-10, wherein determining the electrical characteristic of the wear measurement component (216) comprises: determining the resistance of the wear measurement component (216); and Wherein determining the length of the wear measurement component (216) comprises: A length of the wear measurement component (216) is determined based on the electrical resistance.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the wear measurement component (216) comprises a first closed loop circuit (222) associated with a first length of the wear measurement component (216) and a second closed loop circuit (222) associated with a second length of the wear measurement component (216), and Wherein determining the length of the wear measurement component (216) comprises: determining a first resistance of the first closed-loop circuit (222); determining that the first resistance does not meet a resistance threshold; as well as The length of the wear measurement component (216) is determined to be the second length based on determining that the first resistance does not satisfy the resistance threshold.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the length of the wear measurement component (216) further comprises: After determining that the length of the wear measurement component (216) is the second length, determining a second resistance of the second closed-loop circuit (222); determining that the second resistance does not satisfy the resistance threshold; and determining that the length of the wear measurement component (216) is a third length based on determining that the second resistance does not satisfy the resistance threshold, wherein the first length exceeds the second length and the third length, and Wherein the second length exceeds the third length.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the sensor device (186) is a battery-powered transmitter configured to transmit signals wirelessly, and Providing the sensor data includes: The sensor data is wirelessly transmitted to the controller (140).

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