Magnetic signal based component monitoring

Abstract

The system may include a first device and a second device. The first device may be configured to be associated with a component of the machine. The second device may be configured to provide one or more interrogating magnetic signals to the first device and determine whether a responsive magnetic signal is received from the first device based on providing the one or more interrogating magnetic signals. The second device may selectively provide first wear information indicative of a first amount of wear on the component or second wear information indicative of a second amount of wear on the component. The first information may be provided if a responsive magnetic signal is received from the first device. The second wear information may be provided if a responsive magnetic signal is not received from the first device. The second wear amount may exceed the first wear amount.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to monitoring machine components, and for example, to monitoring components based on magnetic signals. [Background technology]

[0002] Components of a machine's undercarriage assembly may wear over time. One technique for detecting wear on a component involves the use of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. In other words, the amount of wear on a component may be measured using an RFID system. As an example, an RFID tag may be incorporated into the component, and the RFID tag may communicate with an RFID reader using electromagnetic signals. For example, the RFID tag may communicate information regarding the amount of wear on the component.

[0003] In some examples, the components may include metal. Metal may reflect electromagnetic energy and cause interference with electromagnetic signals. As a result, the amount of wear measured by the RFID system may be inaccurate. Inaccurate measurements of the amount of wear on a component may result in inaccurate predictions regarding the amount of wear on the component. As a result of such inaccurate predictions, the component may fail prematurely or be repaired or replaced prematurely (e.g., because the component may not wear out enough to require replacement or repair). Such premature failure of a component, or premature replacement or repair of a component, may also adversely affect the productivity of machines at the work site.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20180171772 (the '772 publication) discloses an apparatus and method for estimating properties of rocks, drill bits, or combinations thereof associated with mining operations. The '772 publication further discloses that the properties may include, but are not limited to, rock tip size, drill bit bluntness, drill efficiency, or a combination selected from rock tip size, drill bit bluntness, and drill efficiency. The '772 publication further discloses that the estimation may be achieved by correlating detected acoustic emissions to detected electromagnetic emissions.

[0005] Although the '772 publication discloses estimation of properties such as a selected combination of rock chip size, drill bit bluntness, and drill efficiency, the '772 publication specifically refers to electromagnetic radiation. As explained above, metals can cause interference with electromagnetic signals.

[0006] The present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] 1. A system comprising: a first device configured to be associated with a component of a machine; and a second device configured to provide one or more interrogating magnetic signals to the first device, determine whether a responsive magnetic signal is received from the first device based on the providing of the one or more interrogating magnetic signals, and selectively provide first wear information indicative of a first amount of wear on the component or second wear information indicative of a second amount of wear on the component, wherein the first information is provided if a responsive magnetic signal is received from the first device and the second wear information is provided if a responsive magnetic signal is not received from the first device and the second amount of wear exceeds the first amount of wear.

[0008] A component of a machine, the component including a body and at least one of a first device configured to provide a first responsive magnetic signal associated with a first amount of wear of the component and configured to provide the first responsive magnetic signal based on a first interrogation magnetic signal, or a second device configured to provide a second responsive magnetic signal associated with a second amount of wear of the component and configured to provide a second responsive magnetic signal based on the second interrogation magnetic signal.

[0009] 1. A machine comprising: a component; a first device associated with the component; a second device configured to: provide one or more interrogating magnetic signals to the first device; determine whether a responsive magnetic signal is received from the first device based on the providing of the one or more interrogating magnetic signals; provide first wear information indicative of a first amount of wear on the component based on the responsive magnetic signal being received from the first device; and provide second wear information indicative of a second amount of wear on the component based on no responsive magnetic signal being received from the second device; and a controller configured to perform an action based on the first wear information or the second wear information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine described herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of example components of an example machine described herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of example components of an example machine described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to monitoring machine components using devices that communicate using magnetic signals. For example, the devices may be used to generate information that can be used to determine the amount of wear on the components and to track the components (e.g., to determine if the components have been installed and / or replaced). The components may be components that are subject to wear. For example, the components may be components of an undercarriage assembly such as rollers, idlers, track links, track link bushings, and / or sprocket segments, among others. The components may include metal.

[0012] The devices may communicate using a short-range magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, the devices may communicate according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1902.1 standard. Unlike electromagnetic signals, magnetic signals are not subject to interference that may be caused by metal. For example, magnetic signals (generated by devices) are volumetric magnetic waves that penetrate metal (e.g., steel), water, and / or people. In contrast, electromagnetic signals (generated by RFID devices) are line-of-sight electromagnetic waves that are reflected and delayed by metal, water, and / or people. Thus, such electromagnetic signals suffer from inaccuracies. In some embodiments, the devices may include tags (e.g., RuBee tags or RuBee responders) and readers (e.g., RuBee tag readers or RuBee controllers). The devices (e.g., RuBee tags and RuBee responders) may utilize two-way wireless communication protocols for harsh environments.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more devices (e.g., RuBee tags) may be embedded within a cavity of a component at one or more different depths relative to a wear surface of the component. Each depth may be associated with a different amount of wear of the component. For example, a first device (e.g., RuBee tag) may be embedded within a cavity of a component at a first depth relative to a wear surface of the component. The first depth may be associated with a first amount of wear of the component. A second device (e.g., RuBee reader) may be provided on the machine. The second device may provide one or more interrogation magnetic signals to the first device. The second device may determine whether a responsive magnetic signal is received from the first device based on providing the one or more interrogation magnetic signals.

[0014] Receiving a responsive magnetic signal from the first device may indicate that the first device is still installed within the cavity and that the component has not been worn to the first depth (e.g., the component has not been worn to the first depth). Conversely, if the component is worn to the first depth, the first device may be removed from the cavity (e.g., dislodged from the cavity) and / or damaged. As a result, the first device may be unable to communicate with the second device. In this regard, not receiving a responsive magnetic signal may indicate that the first device has been removed from the cavity and that the component has been worn to the first depth.

[0015] The second device may provide information (e.g., to a controller of the machine and / or to a back office system associated with the machine) indicative of an amount of wear on the component based on whether the second device can communicate with the first device. For example, the second device may provide first wear information indicative of a first amount of wear on the component based on a responsive magnetic signal being received from the first device. Alternatively, the second device may provide second wear information indicative of a second amount of wear on the component based on a responsive magnetic signal not being received from the first device.

[0016] The second amount of wear may be greater than the first amount of wear. The first amount of wear may correspond to the component not having worn to the first depth. The second amount of wear may correspond to the component having worn to the first depth. In some examples, based on the responsive magnetic signal, the second device may provide information that may be used to determine when the component was installed on the machine and / or when the component was replaced on the machine.

[0017] The second device may perform a similar action on the second tag at the second depth, on the third tag at the third depth, etc. As explained above, the first device and the second device may communicate using magnetic signals. Unlike electromagnetic signals, magnetic signals are not subject to interference that may be caused by metals contained in the components. As a result, metals may not affect the accuracy of wear information indicative of the amount of wear on the components. Thus, the components may suffer premature failure or be subject to premature repair or replacement.

[0018] The term "machine" may refer to any machine that performs an operation related to an industry, such as, for example, mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or another industry. Additionally, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. By way of example, the machine may include a construction vehicle, a work vehicle, or a similar vehicle related to the aforementioned industries.

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

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, machine 100 includes an engine 110, a sensor system 120, an operator cabin 130, operator controls 135, a controller 140, an aft attachment 150, a front attachment 160, a ground engaging member 170, a sprocket 182, one or more idlers 186, one or more rollers 188, a leader device 190, and a responder device 192 (individually referred to herein as “responder devices 192” and collectively referred to as “responder devices 192”).

[0021] 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, and / or the like. Engine 110 provides power to machine 100 and / or a set of loads (e.g., components that absorb and / or operate using power) associated with machine 100. For example, engine 110 may provide power to one or more control systems (e.g., controller 140), sensor system 120, operator cabin 130, and / or ground engaging member 170.

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

[0023] The sensor system 120 may include sensor devices capable of generating signals related to the operation of the machine 100. The sensor devices of the sensor system 120 may include vibration sensor devices, speed sensor devices, motion sensor devices, among others. As an example, the sensor devices may include one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs).

[0024] Operator cabin 130 includes an integrated display (not shown), and operator controls 135. The operator controls may include one or more input components (e.g., an integrated joystick, push buttons, control levers, and / or a steering wheel) for controlling the operation of machine 100. For example, operator controls 135 may be used to control the operation of one or more implements (e.g., rear attachment 150 and / or front attachment 160) of machine 100 and / or to control the operation of ground engaging members 170.

[0025] In the case of an autonomous machine, the operator controls may not be designed for use by an operator, but rather may be designed to operate independently of an operator, in which case, for example, the operator controls may include one or more input components that provide input signals for use by another component without any operator input.

[0026] 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 control 135, from sensor system 120, and / or from reader device 190. Controller 140 may determine the amount of wear of one or more components of machine 100 based on signals from sensor system 120, from operator control 135, and / or from reader device 190, as described in more detail below.

[0027] Aft attachment 150 may include a ripper assembly, a winch assembly, and / or a tow bar assembly. Forward attachment 160 may include a blade assembly. Ground engaging member 170 may be configured to propel machine 100. Ground engaging member 170 may include wheels, tracks, rollers, and / or similar components for propelling machine 100. Ground engaging member 170 may include an undercarriage including a track (shown in FIG. 1 ). The track may include a track link. In some circumstances, the track link may include a track link bushing and a track link pin. As an example, the track may include a first track link 172 and a second track link 174. First track link 172 includes a first track link bushing 176 and a first track link pin 178. Second track link 174 includes a second track link pin 180.

[0028] Sprocket 182 may include one or more sprocket segments 184 (individually referred to herein as “sprocket segment 184” and collectively referred to herein as “sprocket segments 184”). Sprocket 182 may be configured to engage and drive ground engaging member 170. For example, sprocket segment 184 may be configured to engage a track link bushing (e.g., of a track of ground engaging member 170) and rotate to propel the track to propel machine 100. In some examples, one or more idlers 186 and / or one or more rollers 188 may guide the track as it rotates to propel machine 100. In some examples, ground engaging member 170, sprocket 182, one or more idlers 186, and one or more rollers 188 may be components of an undercarriage assembly. The undercarriage assembly may further include one or more track pads and / or one or more track shoes.

[0029] Reader device 190 may include one or more devices configured to provide wear information regarding one or more components. The wear information may be indicative of an amount of wear on one or more components. In some circumstances, the wear information may include information (e.g., a timestamp) that can be used to determine when one or more components were installed on machine 100 and / or when one or more components were replaced on machine 100.

[0030] The reader device 190 may generate the wear information based on communication with one or more responder devices 192 associated with one or more components. The reader device 190 may communicate with the one or more responder devices 192 using a near-field magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, the reader device 190 may communicate with the one or more responder devices 192 according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1902.1 standard.

[0031] In some embodiments, the reader device 190 may provide one or more interrogation magnetic signals to the responder device 192, causing the responder device 192 to provide a responsive magnetic signal (responsive to the one or more interrogation magnetic signals). The responsive magnetic signal may be used to generate wear information. The reader device 190 may determine whether a responsive magnetic signal is received from the responder device 192. The reader device 190 may generate and provide the wear information based on whether a responsive magnetic signal is received from the responder device 192, as described in more detail below.

[0032] Responder device 192 may include one or more devices configured to provide a responsive magnetic signal to reader device 190. Responder device 192 may communicate with reader device 190 using a near-field magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, responder device 192 may communicate with reader device 190 according to the IEEE 1902.1 standard.

[0033] Responder device 192 may be configured to be associated with a component of machine 100. In some embodiments, the response magnetic signal may include, among other things, information identifying responder device 192, information identifying the component, information identifying the location of responder device 192 on the component, and information identifying a timestamp associated with the response signal. The information identifying responder device 192 may include, among other things, information identifying a manufacturer of responder device 192, information identifying a model of responder device 192, and information identifying a serial number of responder device 192.

[0034] The information identifying the component may include, among other things, information identifying the manufacturer of the component, information identifying the model of the component, information identifying the part number of the component, information identifying the serial number of the component, information identifying the date and / or time the component was installed on the machine 100. In some embodiments, information identifying the responder device 192, information identifying the component, information identifying the location of the responder device 192 on the component, and / or information identifying a timestamp may be included in the wear information provided by the reader device 190.

[0035] Responder device 192 may be configured to provide the responsive magnetic signal periodically (e.g., every three hours, every shift, daily, among others). Additionally or alternatively, responder device 192 may be configured to provide the responsive magnetic signal based on a trigger (e.g., based on receipt of an interrogation magnetic signal).

[0036] In some circumstances, the responder device 192 may be a device that consumes minimal power. The responder device 192 may include a power source, such as a battery, that may last approximately 5 to 15 years. The responder device 192 may include a device configured to generate a timestamp and one or more memories configured to store information identifying a manufacturer of the component, information identifying a model of the component, and / or information identifying a serial number of the component. The responder device 192 may include one or more sensor devices, such as a vibration sensor device, a speed sensor device, a motion sensor device, among others. The response magnetic signal may include sensor data from the one or more sensor devices.

[0037] As noted above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in connection with Figure 1.

[0038] 2 is a diagram of an example component of a machine 100 described herein. The example component is illustrated as a first track link 172. As shown in FIG. 2, the first track link 172 may include a body 210. The body 210 may include a metal. The metal may include steel, aluminum, among others. Additionally or alternatively, the body 210 may include a rubber material.

[0039] 2, body 210 may include a wear surface 220, a cavity 230, and a track through hole 240 configured to receive a track link pin. Wear surface 220 may include any surface of body 210 where material is worn away during use of the undercarriage assembly. For example, wear surface 220 may be a surface where material is worn away through contact with components of the undercarriage assembly and / or other external materials (e.g., the ground).

[0040] Cavity 230 may be configured to receive one or more responder devices 192. As shown in Figure 2, for example, cavity 230 is configured to receive responder device 192-1 and responder device 192-2. Although Figure 2 illustrates cavity 230 receiving responder device 192-1 and responder device 192-2, in some other embodiments, cavity 230 may receive additional or fewer responder devices 192. Responder device 192 may be retained within cavity 230 using metal, rubber material, among other materials configured to retain objects within the cavity.

[0041] 2, responder device 192-1 may be provided at a first location associated with wear surface 220 (e.g., within a first threshold distance from the wear surface). For example, responder device 192-1 may be provided within cavity 230 at a first depth relative to wear surface 220. While provided within cavity 230, responder device 192-1 may be capable of providing one or more responsive magnetic signals to reader device 190. In this regard, by providing one or more responsive magnetic signals to reader device 190, responder device 192-1 may provide an indication (e.g., to reader device 190) that responder device 192-1 has been provided within cavity 230 and that wear surface 220 has not been worn to the first depth.

[0042] The responsive magnetic signal (of the one or more responsive magnetic signals) may include, among other things, information identifying responder device 192-1 (described above), information identifying first track link 172 (described above), information identifying a position of responder device 192-1 relative to first track link 172, and / or information identifying a timestamp of the responsive magnetic signal. The information identifying the position of responder device 192-1 may include, among other things, information identifying the first depth, information identifying the first position.

[0043] In some embodiments, based on responder device 192-1 providing one or more response magnetic signals, reader device 190 may generate first wear information indicative of a first amount of wear on first track link 172. The first wear information may indicate that first track link 172 has not worn to a first depth.

[0044] When the wear surface 220 wears to a first depth, the responder device 192-1 may become dislodged from the cavity 230 and, as a result, become unavailable and / or damaged. Accordingly, the responder device 192-1 may be unable to provide one or more responsive magnetic signals to the reader device 190 because the responder device 192-1 has been damaged and / or is out of range to communicate with the reader device 190. In this regard, by failing to provide one or more responsive magnetic signals to the reader device 190, the responder device 192-1 may provide an indication (e.g., to the reader device 190) that the responder device 192-1 is not within the cavity 230 and that the wear surface 220 has worn to a first depth.

[0045] Based on the indication (e.g., not receiving one or more responsive magnetic signals from responder device 192-1), reader device 190 may generate second wear information indicative of a second amount of wear on first track link 172. For example, the second wear information may indicate that first track link 172 has worn to a first depth. The first depth (and first location) may be associated with the second amount of wear. The second amount of wear may exceed the first amount of wear.

[0046] 2, responder device 192-2 may be provided at a second location associated with wear surface 220 (e.g., within a second threshold distance from the wear surface). For example, responder device 192-2 may be provided within cavity 230 at a second depth relative to wear surface 220. The second threshold distance may be greater than the first threshold distance, and the second depth may be greater than the first depth.

[0047] Responder device 192-2 may provide an indication similar to that provided by responder device 192-1 based on providing one or more responsive magnetic signals to reader device 190. For example, by providing one or more responsive magnetic signals to reader device 190, responder device 192-2 may provide an indication that responder device 192-2 is provided within cavity 230 and that wear surface 220 has not been worn to the second depth. Conversely, by failing to provide one or more responsive magnetic signals to reader device 190, responder device 192-2 may provide an indication that responder device 192-2 is not provided within cavity 230 and that wear surface 220 has been worn to the second depth.

[0048] Based on the responder device 192-2 providing the one or more response magnetic signals to the reader device 190, the reader device 190 may generate third wear information indicating that the first track link 172 has not worn to the second depth, in a manner similar to that described above. Conversely, based on the responder device 192-2 providing the one or more response magnetic signals to the reader device 190, the reader device 190 may generate fourth wear information indicating that the first track link 172 has worn to the second depth, in a manner similar to that described above. The second depth may be associated with a third amount of wear that exceeds the second amount of wear.

[0049] Although the above embodiments have been described with respect to components of the undercarriage assembly of the machine 100, the present disclosure is applicable to other components of the machine 100, such as tips, adapters, base edges, cutting edges, shrouds, half arrows, among other components of the machine 100 that are subject to wear.

[0050] The number and arrangement of devices shown in Figure 2 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or different arrangements of devices than those shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, two or more devices shown in Figure 2 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in Figure 2 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of example component devices (e.g., one or more devices) may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of example component devices.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example component of the machine 100 described herein. The example component is illustrated as the first track link 172. The elements of the first track link 172 are described above in connection with FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first track link 172 can include a concave surface 310 on an outer surface of the first track link 172 (e.g., an outer surface of the body 210). As shown in FIG. 3, the concave surface 310 can be configured to receive the responder device 192. The responder device 192 can be provided on the concave surface 310 in different ways. For example, the responder device 192 can be welded to the first track link 172 (e.g., welded to the concave surface 310) or bolted to the first track link 172 (e.g., bolted to the concave surface 310), among others.

[0052] 3, responder device 192 may include a battery 320 (described in connection with FIG. 1), a memory 330 (described in connection with FIG. 1), a processor 340, and a sensor device 350 (described in connection with FIG. 1). Memory 330 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions used by processor 340 to perform functions.

[0053] The processor 340 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. The processor 340 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The processor 340 may be programmable to perform functions.

[0054] Although the above embodiments have been described with respect to components of the undercarriage assembly of the machine 100, the present disclosure is applicable to other components of the machine 100, such as tips, adapters, base edges, cutting edges, shrouds, half arrows, among other components of the machine 100 that are subject to wear.

[0055] The number and arrangement of devices shown in Figure 3 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or different arrangements of devices than those shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, two or more devices shown in Figure 3 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in Figure 3 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of example component devices (e.g., one or more devices) may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of example component devices.

[0056] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example system 400 described herein. As shown in Figure 4, system 400 includes controller 140, reader device 190, responder devices 192-1 through 192-N (individually referred to herein as "responder devices 192" and collectively referred to herein as "responder devices 192"), and a back office system 410. Responder devices 192 may be associated with one or more components of an undercarriage assembly, as described above.

[0057] The controller 140 may be configured to perform one or more actions based on the wear information of the components of the machine 100. The one or more actions are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the reader device 190 may provide the wear information to cause the controller 140 to perform one or more actions. The reader device 190 may provide the wear information periodically (e.g., every three hours, every shift, daily, among others). Additionally or alternatively, the reader device 190 may provide the wear information based on a trigger (e.g., based on receiving a responsive magnetic signal from the responder device 192, based on a request from the controller 140, and / or based on a request from the back office system 410).

[0058] In some embodiments, controller 140 may determine the wear information in a manner similar to that described above in connection with reader device 190 determining wear information. For example, controller 140 may receive one or more responsive magnetic signals from responder device 192 associated with the component and / or non-responsive information regarding responder device 192 (e.g., from reader device 190).

[0059] The non-response information may include, among other things, information indicating that a responsive magnetic signal has not been received from the responder device 192, information identifying the responder device 192, information identifying the location of the responder device 192 on the component, information identifying a timestamp of the last responsive magnetic signal received from the responder device 192, and information identifying a timestamp of the last interrogation magnetic signal provided to the responder device 192 by the reader device 190. The controller 140 may determine wear information for the component based on one or more of the responsive magnetic signals and / or the non-response information.

[0060] The controller 140 may compare the amount of wear on the component (as identified by the wear information) to a wear threshold. Information identifying the wear threshold may be stored in one or more memories associated with the controller 140. In some circumstances, the wear threshold may be determined based on historical data regarding the amount of wear on one or more components at the time the one or more components were replaced. The one or more components may be similar to components with which the responder device 192 is associated.

[0061] Assume that the amount of wear on the component does not meet the wear threshold. Controller 140 may provide a notification. The notification may include, among other things, information identifying the component, information identifying the location of the component on machine 100 (e.g., the depth of responder device 192), information identifying the amount of wear on the component (e.g., the amount of wear associated with the location and / or depth), and / or information identifying one or more components associated with and / or belonging to the component.

[0062] The notification may be provided internally to the operator cabin 130, externally to the operator cabin 130, to the operator's equipment of the machine 100, and / or to the back office system 410, among other things.

[0063] Assume that the amount of wear on the component meets the wear threshold. The controller 140 may perform one or more actions in addition to or in the alternative to providing a notification. In this situation, the notification may further indicate replacing and / or repairing the component. With respect to the one or more actions, the controller 140 may adjust the operation of the machine 100 to reduce and / or prevent additional wear on the component. For example, the controller 140 may reduce the speed of the machine 100, reduce the speed to stop the machine 100, and / or immobilize the machine 100, among other things.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, controller 140 may provide instructions to an operator to adjust operation of machine 100 in a manner similar to that described above. Additionally or alternatively, controller 140 may provide service requests to repair components and / or replace components.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, controller 140 may autonomously move machine 100 to a repair facility. Additionally or alternatively, controller 140 may populate a technician's calendar with calendar events to inspect, repair, and / or replace components. Additionally or alternatively, controller 140 may activate an alarm. An alarm may indicate that one or more components should be repaired or replaced.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, controller 140 may provide a replacement request to the first autonomous device to cause the first autonomous device to deliver the replacement component to a location associated with machine 10. The location may include a current location of machine 100, a work site where machine 100 performs multiple operations, a location where machine 100 is parked when machine 100 is not performing operations, a location where machine 100 is parked when machine 100 is undergoing repair and / or replacement. The replacement request may include information identifying a location associated with machine 100.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, to cause the first autonomous device to deliver the replacement component, controller 140 may provide a confirmation request to the second autonomous device to cause the second autonomous device to travel to a location associated with machine 100 and confirm the amount of wear on the component. The confirmation request may include information identifying the location associated with machine 100. The second autonomous device may generate confirmation information based on verifying the component wear information and send the confirmation information to controller 140.

[0068] In some circumstances, the wear information may enable the controller 140 to track the component. For example, based on the wear information, the controller 140 may determine when the component was installed on the machine and / or when the component was replaced on the machine. For example, the controller 140 may analyze the wear information to identify a timestamp (e.g., date and / or time) associated with the first response magnetic signal received from the responder device 192. The controller 140 may determine that the timestamp is associated with the date and / or time that the component was originally installed on the machine 100. In some circumstances, based on determining that the timestamp is associated with the date and / or time that the component was originally installed on the machine 100 and depending on the location of the responder device 192, the controller 140 may predict that the wear information indicates that the component has undergone a minimal amount of wear or has not undergone wear.

[0069] In some circumstances, one or more memories (associated with controller 140) may store a data structure. The data structure may include information about different responder devices 192 in association with the corresponding component and the location of the different responder devices 192 on the corresponding component. Suppose controller 140 determines, based on the data structure, that a responder device 192 is the last responder device 192 associated with the component or is the only responder device 192 associated with the component. Further, assume that wear information indicates that the responder device 192 has been removed from the component. Controller 140 may predict that a timestamp of the last response magnetic signal from responder device 192 correlates with a date and / or time that the component is repaired and / or replaced. Controller 140 may perform similar actions for one or more other components of machine 100.

[0070] Back office system 410 may include one or more devices configured to monitor components of machine 100. Back office system 410 may be remote with respect to machine 100. In some embodiments, back office system 410 may perform actions similar to those described above in connection with controller 140. For example, back office system 410 may receive wear information from controller 140 and / or from reader device 190. Alternatively, back office system 410 may determine the wear information in a manner similar to that described above in connection with controller 140 determining the wear information. Based on the wear information, back office system 410 may perform actions similar to those described above in connection with controller 140.

[0071] The number and arrangement of devices shown in Figure 4 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or a different arrangement of devices than those shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, two or more devices shown in Figure 4 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in Figure 4 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of system 400 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of system 400. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The present disclosure is directed to monitoring machine components using devices that communicate using magnetic signals. For example, the devices may be used to detect the amount of wear on the components and to track the components (e.g., to determine if the components have been installed and / or replaced). The components may include metal and may be components of an undercarriage assembly such as rollers, idlers, track links, track link bushings, and / or sprocket segments, among others. Unlike electromagnetic signals, magnetic signals are not subject to interference that may be caused by metal.

[0073] The devices may communicate using a short-range magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, the devices may communicate according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1902.1 standard. The devices may operate in the long wavelength band using magnetic fields. For example, the devices may operate at wavelengths of about 1.25 miles. Additionally or alternatively, the devices may use lower frequencies, such as about 131 Kz. The information provided by such devices is not subject to reflections and is not blocked by metals (e.g., steel) or liquids. Thus, the information provided by such devices is volumetric (e.g., non-line-of-sight).

[0074] Metal can reflect electromagnetic energy and cause interference with the electromagnetic signals of an RFID system. As a result, the amount of wear (of a component) measured by an RFID system may be inaccurate. Inaccurate measurements of the amount of wear of a component can result in inaccurate predictions regarding the amount of wear of the component. As a result of such inaccurate predictions, the component may fail prematurely or be repaired or replaced prematurely (e.g., because the component may not wear out enough to require replacement or repair).

[0075] The present disclosure solves these problems by monitoring machine components using a device that communicates using magnetic signals. Information identifying the amount of wear on the components (provided by the device) is not subject to interference caused by metals. Thus, the information identifying the amount of wear is more accurate than similar information provided using electromagnetic signals. As a result of the improved accuracy, components can be repaired or replaced when they need to be repaired or replaced (rather than the components being repaired or replaced prematurely).

[0076] Additionally, as a result of the improved accuracy, the apparatus may help reduce the likelihood of a component failing prior to repair and / or replacement of the component. Additionally, as a result of the improved accuracy, the apparatus may preserve computational or machine resources that would otherwise be used to resolve issues associated with inaccurate predictions of the amount of wear of a component (e.g., premature component failure, premature component repair, and / or premature component replacement).

[0077] The foregoing disclosure provides illustrations and descriptions, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure and may be acquired from practicing the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure clearly indicates why one or more implementations cannot be combined. Although specific combinations of features are claimed and / or disclosed herein, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various implementations. Each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, but the disclosure of the various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with all other claims in the set of claims.

[0078] As used herein, "a," "an," and "set" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article "the" and may be used interchangeably with "the one or more." Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on," unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., when used in combination with "either" or "only one of"). Additionally, spatially relative terms, e.g., "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of features to one element or another as shown in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of devices, apparatus, and / or elements during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. Devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be similarly interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a first device (192) configured to be associated with components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) of a machine (100); a second device (190) configured to: provide one or more interrogation magnetic signals to the first device (192); determine whether a response magnetic signal is received from the first device (192) based on providing the one or more interrogation magnetic signals; provide first wear information indicative of a first wear amount of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) based on the response magnetic signal being received from the first device (192); and provide second wear information indicative of a second wear amount of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) based on the response magnetic signal not being received from the first device (192), wherein the second wear amount exceeds the first wear amount.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device (190) is configured to provide the second wear information to a controller (140) of the machine (100) to cause the controller (140) to provide a notification indicative of the second wear amount of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device (190) is configured to provide the second wear information to a controller (140) of the machine (100) to cause the controller (140) to: adjust an operation of the machine (100) to prevent additional wear of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186); provide an instruction to an operator of the machine (100) to adjust the operation of the machine (100); or provide a service request for at least one of repair or replacement of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186).

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device (190) is configured to provide the first wear information to a third device configured to monitor the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186). ​ ​ ​ To provide the second wear information, the second device (190) provides the second wear information to the third device, and causes the third device to provide a service request for at least one of repair or replacement of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), or provide an instruction to an operator of the machine (100) to adjust the operation of the machine (100) to prevent additional wear of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), the system according to claim 1, configured to cause at least one of the above to be performed.

5. The first device (192) is configured to be provided at a position associated with a wear surface of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the position is associated with the second wear amount.

6. A component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) of a machine (100), wherein the component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) has a main body, and a first device (192) configured to provide a first response magnetic signal associated with a first wear amount of the component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), the first device (192) being configured to provide the first response magnetic signal based on a first interrogation magnetic signal, the first device (192), or a second device (190) configured to provide a second response magnetic signal associated with a second wear amount of the component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), the second device (190) being configured to provide the second response magnetic signal based on a second interrogation magnetic signal, the second device (190), and comprising at least one of the above.

7. The main body includes a wear surface and a cavity, the first device (192) is provided in the cavity at a first depth with respect to the wear surface, the first response magnetic signal includes at least one of information for identifying the component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), information for identifying the first device (192), or information for identifying the first depth. The component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) according to claim 6, wherein the first depth is associated with the first wear amount. **Claim 8** The body includes a wear surface and a cavity, the second device (190) is provided at a second depth with respect to the wear surface within the cavity, the second response magnetic signal includes at least one of information for identifying the component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), information for identifying the second device (190), or information for identifying the second depth, the second depth is associated with the second wear amount, the component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) according to claim 6, wherein the second wear amount exceeds the first wear amount. **Claim 9** To provide the first response magnetic signal, the first device (192) is configured to provide the first response magnetic signal in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1902.1 standard, The component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) according to claim 6, wherein to provide the second response magnetic signal, the second device (190) is configured to provide the second response magnetic signal in accordance with the IEEE 1902.1 standard. **Claim 10** The body includes an outer surface, The component (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first device (192) is provided at a position on the outer surface.

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