Contact sensor for detecting loose sprocket segment of final drive

Abstract

A contact sensor (304) is provided for detecting and notifying separation of a first component (202) of a machine (100) from a second component (204) of the machine (100). The contact sensor (304) includes a probe (306) for detecting the disengagement, where the first part (202) and the second part (204) are configured to rotate about a common axis of rotation (206), and the probe (306) is configured to be electrically disconnected at the disengaged position. The contact sensor (304) additionally includes a transmitter (308) coupled to the probe (306) and configured to transmit an alarm (324) in response to the probe (306) being electrically disconnected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sensor for detecting a loose sprocket segment of a final drive, and more specifically, a sensor for detecting the separation of an attached sprocket segment of a machine's final drive from the drive hub. Background Technology

[0002] Machines can be used to perform a variety of tasks on a construction site. For example, machines can be used to excavate, move, shape, contour trim, and / or remove materials present at the site, such as gravel, concrete, asphalt, soil, and / or other materials. Some of these machines utilize tracks instead of wheels to provide ground engagement propulsion. Such tracks may be preferred in environments where sufficient traction is difficult to generate, such as those frequently found in the aforementioned construction sites. Specifically, tracked machines do not rely on wheels rolling across the work surface but instead utilize one or more tracks comprising endless loops of coupled track links that define an outer surface supporting ground engagement track plates and an inner surface traveling around one or more rotatable track engagement elements, such as, for example, drive sprockets, final drive hubs or drive hubs, idler wheels, tensioners, and rollers.

[0003] During machine operation, the bolts securing the sprocket section to the drive hub may loosen, enlarging the bolt holes on the drive hub and rendering the sprocket section unusable. Replacing the drive hub is a very labor-intensive process and will render the machine inoperable for a considerable period.

[0004] Blin's U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0317861 ("'861 application"), published on October 14, 2021, describes a fastener with a transmitter powered via a switch contact designed to open when the fastener is properly installed and close when the fastener is released, such that the transmitter is supplied with current and sends a signal only when the electrical connection of the switch contact is closed. While the '861 application describes monitoring at least one mechanical fastening parameter, this parameter appears to be limited to characteristics of the fastener itself and does not include the state or characteristics of the element to which the fastener is used.

[0005] The contact sensor described in this article aims to address one or more of the shortcomings outlined above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, a contact sensor is provided for detecting and notifying separation of a first component of a machine from a second component of the machine. The contact sensor includes a probe for detecting the separation, wherein the first and second components are configured to rotate about a common axis of rotation, and the probe is configured to electrically disconnect at the location of the separation. The contact sensor additionally includes a transmitter coupled to the probe and configured to send an alarm in response to the probe electrically disconnecting.

[0007] According to another aspect, a sprocket segment is provided that is capable of detecting and reporting separation from a machine's drive hub. The sprocket segment is secured to the drive hub to engage the machine's track and includes a contact sensor for detecting the separation of the sprocket segment from the drive hub. The contact sensor includes a probe configured to be electrically connected to a contact area of ​​the drive hub when the sprocket segment is secured to the drive hub, and to be electrically disconnected from the contact area in response to the separation, wherein the contact area is electrically grounded via the drive hub. The contact sensor further includes: a transmitter coupled to the probe and configured to send an alarm in response to the probe being electrically disconnected; and one or more processors coupled to the probe and the transmitter, wherein the processors are configured to detect the separation based on the probe being electrically disconnected, and to cause the transmitter to send the alarm based on the detection of the separation.

[0008] According to another aspect, a drive hub for a machine is provided, capable of detecting and reporting separation of a sprocket segment from the drive hub. The drive hub includes a contact sensor for detecting the separation of the sprocket segment from the drive hub. The contact sensor includes a probe disposed flush with the front surface of the rim of the drive hub. The probe is electrically isolated from the drive hub and configured to be electrically connected to a contact area of ​​the sprocket segment when the sprocket segment is attached to the drive hub, and to be electrically disconnected from the contact area in response to the separation. The contact sensor further includes: a transmitter coupled to the probe and configured to send an alarm in response to the electrical disconnection of the probe; and one or more processors coupled to the probe and the transmitter, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: detect the separation based on the electrical disconnection of the probe, and cause the transmitter to send the alarm based on the detection of the separation. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost numeral of the reference numeral first appears in the drawing for which that numeral appears. The same reference numerals in different drawings indicate similar or identical items.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an example machine with tracks for a propulsion system driven by a final drive.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the final drive unit used to drive the tracks.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a schematic sectional view of the final drive unit (illustrating the contact sensor in the sprocket section) and a block diagram of the contact sensor.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the final drive unit (example: a contact sensor in the drive hub).

[0014] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of a contact sensor with a probe having different specific implementations.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a flowchart describing the process of detecting the separation of the sprocket segment from the drive hub. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an example machine 100 with tracks for a propulsion system driven by a final drive. Figure 1 The example machine 100 shown is a bulldozer. However, machine 100 can be any type of work machine configured to travel and perform operations on terrain, such as agricultural vehicles and work vehicles, such as tracked loaders, tracked excavators, pavers, drilling rigs and / or any other tracked machine known to those skilled in the art.

[0017] Machine 100 includes a chassis or frame 102 to which a prime mover 104 is attached. Prime mover 104 may include an internal combustion engine or "engine," a fuel cell, one or more batteries, or other types of prime movers. Prime mover 104 is configured to supply power for operating machine 100, including, for example, operating implements, electronics, and steering, and / or for supplying torque to drive components to propel machine 100 over terrain. For example, Figure 1 The machine 100 shown includes a propulsion system, such as a pair of tracks 106 (only one set of tracks is shown), which are configured to propel the machine 100 across roads, gravel, mud, or other working surfaces. The tracks 106 are driven by a final drive 108.

[0018] Although machine 100 includes tracks 106, it is contemplated that machine 100 may also include one or more wheels in addition to tracks 106. Machine 100 also includes a cab 110 operatively connected to frame 102, the cab serving to protect the operator 112 of machine 100 and / or provide them with comfort, and / or to protect control-related devices of machine 100. In some examples, machine 100 may be semi-autonomous or fully autonomous and capable of operating without an onboard or remote operator, and may not include a cab 110. In examples where machine 100 is semi-autonomous or fully autonomous, machine 100 is prevented or avoided from accidentally colliding with or maneuvering near other machines, people, and / or objects undesirably.

[0019] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, machine 100 also includes work implements 114 for performing operations associated with machine 100, such as digging, carrying, lifting, and / or storing materials. Although Figure 1 The work implement 114 is exemplified as a shovel, but other forms of work implements are also contemplated. For example, work implement 114 may include an auger, brush cutter, broom, grab bucket, hammer, crusher, ripper, rotor, and shovel, etc. Machine 100 includes a work implement actuator 116, which is coupled at one end to frame 102 and / or to a proximal end of work implement 114. Work implement actuator 116 may be a hydraulic cylinder powered by one or more hydraulic pumps 118. Work implement actuator 116 may be an electric motor or a pneumatic cylinder. Work implement actuator 116 is configured to extend and retract, thereby pivoting work implement 114, for example, between an upright orientation and at least a partially inverted orientation. In the upright orientation, work implement 114 may hold material, and in the at least partially inverted orientation, work implement 114 may store or dump material.

[0020] Machine 100 may include a battery 120 to power various electrical devices within machine 100, including an electronic control module (ECM) 122. ECM 122 may house one or more processors 124 that can execute any modules, components, or systems associated with machine 100, some of which may be housed within ECM 122, such as module 126 shown. In some examples, processor 124 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), both a CPU and a GPU, or other processing units or components known in the art. Additionally, each processor in processor 124 may have its own local memory, which may also store program modules, program data, and / or one or more operating systems.

[0021] Computer-readable media, such as memory 128, associated with machine 100 may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, micro hard disk drive, or memory card, etc.), or some combination thereof. The computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include or be associated with one or more of the aforementioned modules that perform various operations associated with machine 100. In some examples, one or more of these modules may include or be associated with computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium and executable by one or more processors to perform such operations.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a final drive 108 for driving a track (such as track 106 of machine 100). The final drive 108 includes one or more first components (such as a plurality of sprocket segments 202) that are securely and continuously attached to and in contact with a second component (such as a drive hub 204). The sprocket segments 202 and the drive hub 204 are configured to rotate about a common axis of rotation 206. Although in this example, five sprocket segments 202 are shown secured to the rim 208 of the drive hub 204 by a plurality of bolts 210, the number of sprocket segments 202 may vary for different drive hubs. A contact sensor according to this disclosure may be mounted, disposed, embedded, or otherwise located in either the first component (i.e., the sprocket segment 202) or the second component (i.e., the drive hub 204).

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of section 302 of the final drive 108 (illustrating contact sensor 304 in sprocket segment 202) and a block diagram of contact sensor 304. Contact sensor 304 may include probe 306, transmitter 308, receiver 310, memory 312, and one or more processors (multiple processors) 314 coupled to probe 306, transmitter 308, receiver 310, and memory 312, as well as other components (not shown). Memory 312 may store instructions that, when executed by processor 314, cause the processor to perform the operations described below. Although contact sensor 304 may be located in sprocket segment 202, in this example, only probe 306 is shown in sprocket segment 202 for clarity.

[0024] In view 318, of the sprocket segment 202 securely attached to the rim 208, probe 306 is shown in contact with contact area 316. Probe 306 may be disposed within the sprocket segment 202, flush with mating surface 320, such that when the sprocket segment 202 is securely attached to the rim 208 of the drive hub 204, probe 306 contacts contact area 316 of the rim 208. For example, probe 306 may be electrically isolated from the sprocket segment 202, and contact area 316 may be grounded via drive hub 204, which is connected to and grounded to the machine frame 102. Processor 314 may detect probe 306 being grounded and interpret this as the sprocket segment 202 being securely attached to the rim 208 of the drive hub 204.

[0025] In view 322, with sprocket segment 202 separated from rim 208, probe 306 is shown disconnected from contact area 316. Processor 314 can detect that probe 306 is not grounded, i.e., electrically disconnected or open-circuited, and interpret this condition as sprocket segment 202 being physically separated from rim 208 at least at the location of probe 306. In response to the separation of sprocket segment 202 from rim 208, transmitter 308 can send alarm 324. Alternatively or additionally, processor 314 can cause transmitter 308 to send an alarm in response to detecting that probe 306 is not grounded. For example, transmitter 308 can send alarm 324 to the cab 110 of machine 100, or more specifically to a receiver or display of ECM 122 in cab 110, to indicate or notify operator 112 that sprocket segment 202 and drive hub 204 have separated. The transmitter 308 can also send alarm 324 to an external device 326, which can be detached from machine 100 and associated with a central office that owns, maintains, repairs or manages machine 100.

[0026] The processor 314 may be further configured to cause the transmitter 308 to periodically (i.e., at pre-selected time intervals) transmit a separation state 328 of the sprocket segment 202 and the drive hub 204. The separation state 328 may include either an alarm 324 or a pass signal indicating that the sprocket segment 202 and the drive hub 204 have separated, or an pass signal indicating that the sprocket segment 202 is, or remains, securely attached to the drive hub 204 based on the electrical connection of the probe 306 to the contact area 316. The contact sensor 304 may receive a prompt signal 330 from an external device 326 via a receiver 310, and the processor 314 may cause the transmitter 308 to send the separation state 328 to the external device 326 based on the receiver receiving the prompt signal. A contact sensor 304 or probe 306 may be disposed between two adjacent bolt openings of a plurality of bolt openings 332 for receiving bolts used to secure the sprocket segment 202 to the drive hub 204 (one opening is shown as securing the sprocket segment 202 to the drive hub 204 through the bolt head of the bolt).

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of section 302 of the final drive unit 108 (example: contact sensor 304 in drive hub 204). (As described above...) Figure 3 As described, the contact sensor 304 may include a probe 306, a transmitter 308, a receiver 310, a memory 312, and a processor 314 coupled to the probe 306, transmitter 308, receiver 310, and memory 312, as well as other components (not shown). Although the contact sensor 304 may be disposed in the drive hub 204, in this example, for clarity, only the probe 306 is shown in the drive hub 204.

[0028] In view 402, where the sprocket segment 202 is securely attached to the rim 208, the probe 306 is shown in contact with the contact area 316. The probe 306 may be disposed in the drive hub 204, flush with the front surface 404 of the rim 208, such that when the sprocket segment 202 is securely attached to the rim 208 of the drive hub 204, the probe 306 contacts the contact area 316 of the sprocket segment 202. For example, the probe 306 may be electrically isolated from the drive hub 204, which is connected to and grounded to the machine frame 102. The contact area 316 is connected to the sprocket segment 202 and grounded to the drive hub 204 via physical contact (such as surface-to-surface contact) and by means of one or more bolts that at least partially secure the sprocket segment 202 to the rim 208. The processor 314 may detect the probe 306 being grounded and interpret this condition as the sprocket segment 202 being securely attached to the rim 208 of the drive hub 204.

[0029] In view 406, with sprocket segment 202 separated from rim 208, probe 306 is shown disconnected from contact area 316. Processor 314 can detect that probe 306 is not grounded, i.e., electrically disconnected or open-circuited, and interpret this condition as sprocket segment 202 being physically separated from rim 208 at least at the location of probe 306. In response to the separation of sprocket segment 202 from rim 208, transmitter 308 can send alarm 324. Alternatively or additionally, processor 314 can cause transmitter 308 to send an alarm in response to detecting that probe 306 is not grounded. (Refer to the above) Figure 3 As described, transmitter 308 can send alarm 324 to ECM 122 of machine 100 and to external device 326 associated with the central office. A separation status 328 can also be sent to external device 326 at pre-selected time intervals or in response to receiving a prompt signal 330 from external device 326. Contact sensor 304 or probe 306 may be positioned between two adjacent bolt openings 408 of the rim 208 for receiving bolts used to secure sprocket segment 202 to drive hub 204 (some bolt openings 408 are covered by sprocket segment 202, and one opening is shown securing sprocket segment 202 to drive hub 204 through the bolt head). Drive hub 204 may accommodate more than one contact sensor, for example, as many as the number of sprocket segments 202 secured to rim 208.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a contact sensor 502 with a probe 504, having a specific implementation different from probe 306. The contact sensor 502 is the same as described above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The described contact sensor 304 operates similarly and includes the same components as the contact sensor 304, except that probe 504 replaces probe 306. Probe 504 includes two terminals 506 and 508, which are configured to connect to each other via contact area 510 when sprocket segment 202 is securely attached to drive hub 204, and to disconnect from each other when sprocket segment 202 is separated from drive hub 204. Processor 314 may be based on the reference above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The indicated states of the described sprocket segment 202 and drive hub 204 are used to manage alarm 324 and disengagement state 328. Contact area 510 may be located as referenced above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The contact area 316 is located at the same location as described; however, the contact area 510 is electrically isolated from the sprocket section 202 and the drive hub 204 to prevent the probe 504 from being shorted to ground.

[0031] Figure 6This is a flowchart describing the process 600 of detecting the separation of sprocket segment 202 from drive hub 204. At frame 602, the sprocket segment (such as sprocket segment 202) is securely attached to the drive hub (such as drive hub 204), allowing a probe (such as probe 306 or 504) to connect to a contact area (such as as referenced above). Figures 3 to 5 The contact area 316 is described. At block 604, based on a pass signal from contact sensor 304, it is confirmed that sprocket segment 202 is securely attached to drive hub 204. For example, an alert signal may be transmitted from an external device (such as external device 326) to contact sensor 304, and in response, contact sensor 304 may send a separation state (such as separation state 328) including a pass signal. At block 606, contact sensor 304 may detect that probe 306 or 504 has disconnected from contact area 316, indicating that sprocket segment 202 has separated from drive hub 204. At block 608, in response to detecting that probe 306 or 504 has disconnected from contact area 316, contact sensor 304 may send an alarm (such as alarm 324) indicating that sprocket segment 202 has separated from drive hub 204.

[0032] Some or all of the operations described above can be performed by executing computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium as defined below. As used in the specification and claims, the terms "computer-readable medium," "computer-readable instructions," and "computer-executable instructions" include routines, applications, application modules, program modules, programs, components, data structures, and algorithms. The computer-readable and executable instructions can be implemented in various system configurations, including single-processor or multi-processor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based programmable consumer electronics, and combinations thereof.

[0033] Computer-readable storage media may include volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.). Computer-readable storage media may also include additional removable storage devices and / or non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to flash memory, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, and / or magnetic tape storage devices that can provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, and program modules.

[0034] Non-transitory computer-readable storage media are examples of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media include at least two types of computer-readable media: computer-readable storage media and communication media. Computer-readable storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any process or technology used to store information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmitting medium that can be used to store information accessible to a computing device. Conversely, communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals (such as carrier waves) or other transmission mechanisms. As defined herein, computer-readable storage media do not include communication media.

[0035] Computer-readable instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media are executable when executed by one or more processors (see above reference). Figures 3 to 6 The operations described. Typically, computer-readable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform a specific function or implement a specific abstract data type. The order of the described operations is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the process.

[0036] Industrial applicability

[0037] The example apparatus of this disclosure is suitable for detecting the separation of a first component of a machine from a second component of the machine. For example, the first component may be a sprocket segment securely attached to a second component, and the second component may be a drive hub, wherein the sprocket segment and the drive hub are configured to rotate about a common axis of rotation.

[0038] During machine operation, the bolts securing the sprocket segment to the drive hub may loosen, enlarging the bolt holes in the drive hub and rendering the sprocket segment unusable. Replacing the drive hub is labor-intensive and renders the machine inoperable for a considerable period. The contact sensor disclosed herein detects and notifies of separation between a first and a second component before the bolt holes in the drive hub enlarge and the sprocket segment becomes unusable. The contact sensor includes a probe for detecting the separation, and the probe is configured to electrically disconnect at the location of the separation. The contact sensor additionally includes a transmitter coupled to the probe and configured to send an alarm in response to the probe's electrical disconnection. The contact sensor may be embedded in the sprocket segment or the drive hub.

[0039] Unless expressly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not preclude the use of a plurality of such components, structures, operations, or their equivalents. In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the terms “one or more” and similar indicators should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B) should be interpreted as referring to one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B) unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Similarly, the word “or” as used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiples of any items, such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0040] While various aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the examples above, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be contemplated through modifications to the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified herein, the listing of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a shorthand method for individually referring to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were listed separately herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein.

Claims

1. A contact sensor (304), the contact sensor comprising: A probe (306) for detecting the separation of a first component (202) of a machine (100) from a second component (204) of the machine, the first component (202) being firmly attached to and in contact with the second component (204), the first component (202) and the second component (204) being configured to rotate about a common axis of rotation (206), the probe being configured to electrically disconnect at the separated position; and A transmitter (308) coupled to the probe (306) is configured to send an alarm (324) in response to the probe being electrically disconnected, the alarm (324) indicating that the first component (202) and the second component (204) have been separated.

2. The contact sensor (304) according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more processors (314) coupled to the probe (306) and the transmitter (308), the one or more processors (314) being configured to: The separation is detected by electrically disconnecting the probe (306); and The transmitter (308) sends the alarm (324) based on the detection of the separation.

3. The contact sensor (304) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more processors (314) are further configured to cause the transmitter (308) to send a separation state (328) of the first component (202) and the second component (204) at a pre-selected time interval, the separation state (328) including either the alarm (324) or a pass signal indicating that the first component (202) is securely attached to the second component (204) based on the electrical connection of the probe (306).

4. The contact sensor (304) according to claim 3, further comprising: A receiver (310), coupled to one or more processors (314), is configured to receive a prompt signal (330) from an external device (326). The one or more processors (314) are further configured to send the separation state (328) to the external device (326) based on the notification signal (330) received by the receiver (310).

5. The contact sensor (304) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact sensor (304) is disposed in the first component (202), and The probe (306) is further configured as follows: The second component (204) is connected to the second component (204) at the contact area (316) where it is electrically grounded, and In response to the separation, the connection is disconnected from the contact area (316) that will be electrically disconnected.

6. The contact sensor (304) according to claim 1, wherein: The contact sensor (304) is disposed in the second component (204), and The probe (316) is further configured as follows: The first component (202) is connected to the first component (202) at the contact area (316) where it is electrically grounded, and In response to the separation, the connection is disconnected from the contact area (316) that will be electrically disconnected.

7. A sprocket segment (202) for engaging with a track (106) of a machine (100), the sprocket segment being fixed to a drive hub (204) of the machine (100), the sprocket segment (202) comprising: A contact sensor (304) for detecting the separation of the sprocket segment (202) from the drive hub (204), the contact sensor (304) comprising: A probe (306) is configured to be electrically connected to a contact area (316) of the drive hub (204) when the sprocket segment (202) is fixed to the drive hub (204), and to be electrically disconnected from the contact area (316) in response to the separation, the contact area (316) being electrically grounded via the drive hub (204); A transmitter (308), coupled to the probe (306), is configured to send an alarm (324) in response to an electrically disconnected probe (306); and One or more processors (314) coupled to the probe (306) and the transmitter (308), the one or more processors (314) being configured to: The separation is detected by electrically disconnecting the probe (306); and The transmitter (308) sends the alarm (324) based on the detection of the separation.

8. The sprocket segment (202) according to claim 7, wherein the contact sensor (304) further comprises: A receiver (310), coupled to one or more processors (314), is configured to receive a prompt signal (330) from an external device (326). The processor (314) is further configured to cause the transmitter (308) to send a separation state (328) of the sprocket segment (202) to the external device (326) based on the receipt (310) receiving the prompt signal (330), the separation state (328) including either the alarm (324) indicating that the sprocket segment (202) is separated from the drive hub (204), and the pass signal indicating that the sprocket segment (202) is attached to the drive hub (204) based on the probe (306) being connected to the contact area (316).

9. A drive hub (204), the drive hub comprising: A contact sensor (304) for detecting separation of the sprocket segment (202) from the drive hub (204), the contact sensor (304) comprising: A probe (306) is flush with and electrically isolated from the front surface (404) of the rim (208) of the drive hub (204). The probe (306) is configured to be electrically connected to the contact area (316) of the sprocket segment (202) when the sprocket segment (202) is fixed to the drive hub (204), and to be electrically disconnected from the contact area (316) in response to the separation. A transmitter (308), coupled to the probe (306), is configured to send an alarm (324) in response to an electrically disconnected probe (306); and One or more processors (314) coupled to the probe (306) and the transmitter (308), the one or more processors (314) being configured to: The separation is detected by electrically disconnecting the probe (306), and The transmitter (308) sends the alarm (324) based on the detection of the separation.

10. The drive hub (204) according to claim 9, wherein the contact sensor (304) further comprises: A receiver (310), coupled to one or more processors (314), is configured to receive a prompt signal (330) from an external device (326). The processor (314) is further configured to cause the transmitter (308) to send a separation state (328) of the sprocket segment (202) to the external device (326) based on the receipt (310) receiving the prompt signal (330), the separation state (328) including either the alarm (324) indicating that the sprocket segment (202) is separated from the drive hub (204), and the pass signal indicating that the sprocket segment (202) is attached to the drive hub (204) based on the probe (306) being connected to the contact area (316).

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