Fault prediction of components of a track assembly by a direct oil contact sensor device

Abstract

Fault prediction of components of a track assembly by a direct oil contact sensor device In some embodiments, one or more devices (178, 180) can determine whether an electrical circuit is closed or open, the electrical circuit includes an electrode (330) of a sensor device (180), the electrical circuit is closed based on the electrode (330) being immersed in a lubricant within a cavity of a component of a track assembly (170, 172, 174, 176, 178) of the machine, and the electrical circuit is open based on the electrode (330) not being immersed in the lubricant within the cavity. One or more devices (178, 180) may generate sensor data indicating that the level of lubricant within the cavity does not meet a level threshold based on determining that the electrical circuit is open. One or more devices (178, 180) may cause the machine (100) to perform an action based on the sensor data indicating that the level does not meet the level threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to predicting failures of track assembly components and, for example, predicting failures by a direct oil contact sensor device.

Background Art

[0002] Components of a machine's track assembly can be lubricated by oil to enable proper operation of the track assembly. The components can include idlers and rollers. In some examples, the oil can be contained in a cavity of the component.

[0003] Over time, the oil may leak out of the cavity. If a significant amount of oil leaks, the components may not be sufficiently lubricated. In some examples, after the components are not sufficiently lubricated, the operator may continue to operate the machine. Operating the machine in this way can cause damage to the components, can cause damage to other components of the track assembly, and ultimately can cause damage to the machine.

[0004] International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021240288 ('288 publication) discloses a track pin assembly comprising a pin having a first shaft end and a second shaft end configured to engage corresponding outer links of a joint. The '288 publication further discloses that the pin includes a first cavity defining a tank for containing lubricating oil or grease. The '288 publication further discloses that the pin includes a second cavity disposed at the second shaft end of the pin and opening to the second shaft end of the pin.

[0005] The '288 publication further discloses that the pin includes a sensor having a sensor element disposed within the second cavity and configured to determine a temperature and generate a signal indicative of the determined temperature. The '288 publication discloses that the pin includes a sensor disposed within the second cavity, but does not address detecting wear of the pin.

[0006] The system of the present disclosure solves one or more of the above problems and / or other problems in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In some embodiments, the system includes a component of a machine's track assembly and a sensor device configured to be provided within an oil reservoir of the component. The sensor device is configured to determine whether an electrical circuit including electrodes of the sensor device is closed or open. The electrical circuit is closed based on the electrodes being immersed in oil within the oil reservoir, and the electrical circuit is open based on the electrodes not being immersed in oil within the oil reservoir. Based on determining that the electrical circuit is open, the sensor device is configured to generate sensor data indicating that an oil level of the oil within the oil reservoir does not meet a level threshold, and a controller configured to cause an action to be performed on the machine based on the sensor data.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method implemented by one or more devices of a machine includes determining, by a sensor device of the machine, whether an electrical circuit is closed or open, the electrical circuit including electrodes of the sensor device, the electrical circuit being closed based on the electrodes being immersed in a lubricant within a cavity of a component of a track assembly of the machine, and the electrical circuit being open based on the electrodes not being immersed in the lubricant within the cavity; generating, by the sensor device, sensor data indicating that a level of the lubricant within the cavity does not meet a level threshold based on determining that the electrical circuit is open; and causing, by a controller of the machine, an action to be performed on the machine based on the sensor data indicating that the level does not meet the level threshold.

[0009] In some embodiments, a machine includes a track assembly and a sensor device provided within a cavity of a component of the track assembly, the sensor device configured to determine whether an electrical circuit including electrodes of the sensor device is closed or open, the electrical circuit being closed based on the electrodes being immersed in a lubricant within the cavity and open based on the electrodes not being immersed in the lubricant within the cavity, and the sensor device configured to generate sensor data indicating that an oil level of an oil reservoir does not meet a level threshold based on determining that the electrical circuit is open, and a controller configured to provide a notification based on the sensor data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The embodiments described in this specification relate to predicting failures of components of a machine's track assembly by determining whether a component has insufficient lubrication due to oil loss and providing a notification that the component has insufficient lubrication. For example, the system described in this specification may include a sensor device provided in an oil reservoir of a component (e.g., an oil reservoir within a shaft of a component). The sensor device can be a battery-powered signal transmitter configured to be immersed in the oil in the oil reservoir.

[0012] The sensor device may include an electrode that is part of an electrical circuit. When the oil level in the oil reservoir meets a level threshold, the electrode is immersed in the oil and can come into contact with the oil, thereby closing the electrical circuit. Conversely, when the oil level in the oil reservoir does not meet the level threshold, the electrode may not be immersed in the oil and may not be able to contact the oil, thereby opening the electrical circuit.

[0013] The sensor device can determine whether the electrical circuit is open or closed based on whether the electrode is immersed in the oil. Based on determining that the electrical circuit is open, the sensor device can generate sensor data indicating that the oil level in the oil reservoir does not meet the level threshold. In some examples, the sensor data may be wirelessly transmitted to a controller of the machine. Based on the sensor data, the controller can provide a notification indicating that the oil level in the oil reservoir does not meet the level threshold and / or indicating that the component will fail. By providing the notification in this way, the controller can prevent the machine from being operated when the component has insufficient lubrication.

[0014] The term "machine" may refer to a device that performs operations related to industries such as, for example, mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or other industries. Further, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. As an example, the machine may include a construction vehicle, a work vehicle, or a similar vehicle related to the above industries.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a machine 100 described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the machine 100 is embodied as an earthmoving machine such as a dozer. Alternatively, the machine 100 may be another type of track-type machine such as an excavator.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the machine 100 includes a chassis 104, an engine 110, a sensor system 120, an operator cab 130, an operator control unit 132, a controller 140, a rear attachment portion 150, a front attachment portion 160, a ground engaging member 170, a sprocket 172, one or more idlers 174, one or more track links 176, one or more rollers 178, one or more sensor devices 180, and a wireless communication component 182.

[0017] The engine 110 can 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 supplies power to the machine 100 and / or a set of loads related to the machine 100 (e.g., components that absorb power and / or operate using power). For example, the engine 110 can supply power to one or more control systems (e.g., the controller 140), the sensor system 120, the operator cab 130, and / or the ground engaging member 170.

[0018] The engine 110 can supply power to the implements of the machine 100 used in mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or other industries. For example, the engine 110 can supply power to components (such as one or more hydraulic pumps, one or more actuators, and / or one or more electric motors) to facilitate the control of the rear attachment portion 150 and / or the front attachment portion 160 of the machine 100.

[0019] 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, among other examples, speed sensor devices, load sensor devices, pressure sensor devices, position sensor devices, temperature sensor devices, vibration sensor devices, and / or motion sensor devices.

[0020] The operator cab 130 includes an integrated display (not shown) and an operator control unit 132. The operator control unit 132 may include one or more input components (such as an integrated joystick, push buttons, control levers, and / or a steering wheel) for controlling the operation of the machine 100. For example, the operator control unit 132 may be used to control the operation of one or more implements (such as the rear attachment portion 150 and / or the front attachment portion 160) of the machine 100 and / or to control the operation of the ground engaging member 170.

[0021] In the case of an autonomous machine, the operator control unit 132 may not be designed for use by an operator and, rather, may be designed to operate independently of the operator. In this case, for example, the operator control unit 132 may include one or more input components that provide input signals used by other components without operator input.

[0022] The controller 140 (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) can control and / or monitor the operation of the machine 100. For example, the controller 140 can control and / or monitor the operation of the machine 100 based on signals from the sensor device 180 and / or the wireless communication component 182, as described in more detail below.

[0023] The rear attachment portion 150 can include a ripper assembly, a winch assembly, and / or a drawbar assembly. The front attachment portion 160 can include a blade assembly. The front attachment portion 160 and / or the rear attachment portion 50 may be referred to as implements of the machine 100. The ground engaging member 170 may be configured to propel the machine 100. The ground engaging member 170 can include wheels, tracks, rollers, and / or similar components for propelling the machine 100. The ground engaging member 170 can include a track assembly including tracks (as shown in FIG. 1). The track can include a track link 176.

[0024] The sprocket 172 can include one or more sprocket segments. The sprocket 172 can be configured to engage the ground engaging member 170 to drive the ground engaging member 170. In some examples, one or more idlers 174 and / or one or more rollers 178 can guide the track as the track rotates to propel the machine 100. In some examples, the sprocket 172 can be part of the transmission of the machine 100. The sprocket 172, the idler 174, and / or the roller 178 can be components of the track assembly.

[0025] Components of the track assembly (e.g., sprocket 172, idler 174, track link pins of track link 176, and / or roller 178) may include an oil reservoir configured to store oil. The oil can lubricate the components to enable proper operation of the track assembly. Sensor device 180 may include one or more devices configured to determine whether the level of oil in the oil reservoir meets a level threshold and to generate sensor data indicating whether the oil level meets the level threshold (e.g., indicating whether the oil level enables the components to be sufficiently lubricated). In some examples, the sensor data can include information identifying sensor device 180 and / or information identifying the components.

[0026] As described in more detail below, sensor device 180 may be provided in the oil reservoir of a component, and another sensor device 180 may be provided in the oil reservoir of another component of the track assembly, and so on. In some examples, the sensor data can be provided to controller 140 (e.g., via wireless communication component 182). Controller 140 can control the operation of machine 100 based on the sensor data, as described in more detail below.

[0027] Wireless communication component 182 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, as described herein. For example, wireless communication component 182 can receive sensor data from sensor device 180 and provide the sensor data to controller 140, one or more other machines, and / or one or more devices.

[0028] The wireless communication component 182 can include, among other examples, a transceiver, a separate transmitter and receiver, and / or an antenna. The wireless communication component 182 can communicate with one or more machines, among other examples, using a short-range wireless communication protocol such as, for example, BLUETOOTH (R) Low-Energy, BLUETOOTH (R), Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.154. Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless communication component 182 can communicate with one or more other machines and / or one or more devices via a network that includes one or more wired and / or wireless networks.

[0029] As described above, FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a component 200 of the track assembly described herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the component 200 is shown as a roller similar to the roller 178 described above in connection with FIG. 1. Alternatively, the component 200 may be an idler such as the idler 174 described above in connection with FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the component 200 may include a shaft 210. In some examples, the shaft 210 may include a cavity configured to receive and store a lubricant, as described in more detail below. For example, the shaft 210 may include an oil reservoir configured to receive and store oil. In some examples, the cavity may further be configured to receive a sensor device 180, as described in more detail below.

[0031] As described above, FIG. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of component 200 described in this specification. As shown in Figure 3, component 200 may include sensor device 180, shaft 210, sealing component 310 (individually "sealing component 310", collectively "sealing component(s) 310"), and cavity 320. Some of the elements in Figure 3 have been described above in connection with Figures 1 and 2. In some embodiments, sensor device 180 may be a battery-powered signal transmitter (or, a battery-powered transmitter). For example, sensor device 180 may include a power source (e.g., a battery) for supplying power to sensor device 180, and a communication component (similar to wireless communication component 182) for transmitting sensor data generated by sensor device 180. For example, sensor device 180 may wirelessly transmit sensor data to wireless communication component 182 and / or controller 140.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, sensor device 180 may include electrode 330. Electrode 330 may be configured to determine whether the level of lubricant within cavity 320 meets a level threshold. In some examples, sensor device 180 may be preconfigured with information identifying the level threshold. Additionally, or alternatively, machine 100 may receive information identifying the level threshold from an operator's user device, a site administrator's user device, and / or an owner's user device of machine 100. Additionally, or alternatively, machine 100 may receive information identifying the level threshold from a back-office system.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 210 can include a cavity 320. The cavity 320 can be configured to store a lubricant. In some examples, the lubricant can be oil, and the cavity 320 can be an oil reservoir configured to store oil. The lubricant can be configured to impart conductivity to an electrical circuit including the electrode 330. For example, the electrical circuit can be closed based on the electrode 330 being immersed (and / or in contact) in the lubricant within the cavity 320. In this regard, the electrode 330 can be immersed in the lubricant such that the electrode 330 and the lubricant form a closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, the electrical circuit can be opened based on the electrode 330 not being immersed (and / or in contact) in the lubricant within the cavity 320. The electrode 330 may not be immersed (and / or not in contact) in the lubricant as a result of the lubricant depleting over a period of time.

[0035] In some examples, the sensor device 180 can be configured to determine whether the electrical circuit is open and, based on determining whether the electrical circuit is open, can be configured to generate sensor data. In some examples, the sensor data can indicate whether the level of the lubricant within the cavity 320 (e.g., the oil level of the oil in the oil reservoir) meets a level threshold. For example, the sensor data can include first sensor data indicating that the level of the lubricant does not meet the level threshold based on the sensor device 180 determining that the electrical circuit is open.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensor device 180 can determine the period during which the electrical circuit is open and, based on that period, can generate first sensor data. For example, the sensor device 180 may not generate first sensor data based on determining that the electrical circuit is open for a first period. However, the sensor device 180 can generate first sensor data based on determining that the electrical circuit is open for a second period that exceeds the first period.

[0037] By generating the first sensor data in this way, the sensor device 180 can prevent the first sensor data from being generated too early (for example, when the component 200 is temporarily provided at an angle that prevents the electrodes 330 from being immersed in the lubricant, the first sensor data is not generated). Instead of the sensor data including the first sensor data, the sensor data can include second sensor data indicating that the level of the lubricant satisfies a level threshold based on a determination that the electrical circuit is closed.

[0038] The sealing component 310 can be configured so that the lubricant does not leak. For example, the sealing component 310 can be configured to hold the lubricant in a suitable conduit associated with the component and keep the component sufficiently lubricated.

[0039] As described above, FIG. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may be different from the examples described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the system 400 described in this specification. As shown in FIG. 4, the system 400 includes a controller 140, a plurality of sensor devices 180 (collectively "sensor device(s) 180", individually "sensor device 180"), a wireless communication component 182, and a device 410 coupled to the machine 100. Some of the elements in FIG. 4 have been described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

[0041] The controller 140 can include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor can be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The processor can be programmed to execute functions. The memory can store information and / or instructions used by the processor when executing functions. For example, when executing functions, the controller 140 can control the operation of the machine 100 based on the sensor data provided by the sensor device 180.

[0042] In some examples, each sensor device 180 may be included in a corresponding component of the track assembly of the machine 100. In this regard, the sensor information identifying the sensor device 180 may be stored in a data structure together with component information identifying the component in which the sensor device 180 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 180 may include, among other examples, the serial number of the sensor device 180 and / or the media access control (MAC) address associated with the sensor device 180. The component information of the components of the track assembly may include, among other examples, the part number of the component and / or the serial number of the component.

[0043] The device 410 may include a display included in the operator cab 130. Additionally or alternatively, the device 410 may include a user device of an operator of the machine 100, a user device of a site administrator associated with the machine 100, and / or a user device of an owner of the machine 100. Additionally or alternatively, the device 410 may include a back-office system (e.g., that monitors the operation of the machine 100).

[0044] In some examples, the controller 140 may receive sensor data provided by the sensor device 180 (e.g., included in the component 200). The controller 140 may receive sensor data from the sensor device 180. Alternatively, the sensor device 180 may provide the sensor data to the wireless communication component 182, and the wireless communication component 182 may provide the sensor data to the controller 140. In some examples, the wireless communication component 182 may provide the sensor data to the device 410.

[0045] The sensor device 180 can generate sensor data in a manner similar to the method described above in connection with FIG. 3. The sensor data can include sensor information that identifies the sensor device 180 and component information that identifies the component 200. In some examples, the controller 140 can cause the machine 100 to perform an action based on the sensor data. For example, based on the sensor data including the first sensor data, the controller 140 can provide a notification to the device 410. As an example, the controller 140 can provide the notification to the wireless communication component 182, and the wireless communication component 182 can provide the notification to the device 410.

[0046] In some examples, the notification can include sensor information, component information, information indicating that the component 200 will fail, a first recommendation for performing a maintenance check on the component 200, and / or a second recommendation for replacing the component 200. In some embodiments, the controller 140 can predict the time to failure based on information regarding, among other examples, the current utilization of the machine 100, information regarding the usage history of the machine 100, information regarding the lifespan of the component 200, and / or information regarding the installation date of the component 200.

[0047] In some examples, when causing the machine 100 to perform an action, the controller 140 can issue a command to limit the operation of the machine based on the sensor data including the first sensor data. For example, the controller 140 can issue a command to reduce the load on the engine 110. For example, the controller 140 can provide a command to the engine controller associated with the engine 110 to reduce the load on the engine 110.

[0048] In some examples, the controller 140 can cause the machine 100 to perform the above-described actions based on various level thresholds. For example, the controller 140 can provide a first recommendation based on determining that the level of the lubricant does not meet a first level threshold. Alternatively, the controller 140 can provide a second recommendation based on determining that the level of the lubricant does not meet a second level threshold and / or can provide a command to reduce the load on the engine 110. The first level threshold may be greater than the second level threshold.

[0049] Although the foregoing examples have been described with respect to the sensor device 180 included in the oil cavity of a roller (e.g., as roller 178), the sensor device 180 may be included in different components of the track assembly, such as, among other examples, the sprocket 172, the idler 174, and the track link pins of the track link 176. As an example, with respect to the track link pins, the sensor device 180 can be inserted into the oil cavity of the track link pins. In this regard, the electrodes 330 of the sensor device 180 can be laid parallel to the annular structure around the oil cavity of the track link pins. By providing the electrodes 330 in this configuration, the sensor device 180 can detect the level of the lubricant regardless of the orientation of the track link pins and the orientation of the sensor device 180 within the track link pins.

[0050] As an example, when the controller 140 detects movement of the machine 100 and determines that the sensor device 180 has provided first sensor data (based on the sensor device 180 determining that the electrical circuit is open), the controller 140 can determine that the level of the lubricant does not meet the level threshold. Alternatively, when the controller 140 detects movement of the machine 100 and determines that the sensor device 180 has provided second sensor data (based on the sensor device 180 determining that the electrical circuit is closed), the controller 140 can determine that the level of the lubricant meets the level threshold.

[0051] The number and arrangement of the devices shown in FIG. 4 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or devices with different arrangements compared to the devices shown in FIG. 4. Further, two or more devices shown in FIG. 4 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in FIG. 4 may be implemented as a plurality of distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices of exemplary components (e.g., one or more devices) may perform one or more functions described as being performed by other sets of devices of exemplary components.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example process 500 related to predicting failures of components of a track assembly. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of FIG. 5 may be performed by one or more devices (e.g., controller 140 and / or sensor device 180). In some embodiments, one or more process blocks of FIG. 5 may be performed by one or more devices separate from, or including, one or more devices, such as a wireless communication component (e.g., wireless communication component 182), and / or a device (e.g., device 410).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, process 500 can include determining whether an electrical circuit is closed or open (block 510). For example, one or more devices can determine whether an electrical circuit is closed or open as described above, the electrical circuit includes electrodes of a sensor device, and the electrical circuit is closed based on the electrodes being immersed in a lubricant within a cavity of a component of the machine's track assembly, and the electrical circuit is open based on the electrodes not being immersed in the lubricant within the cavity.

[0054] The sensor device can be a battery-powered signal transmitter. The sensor device can be configured to be immersed in oil or in oil within an oil reservoir.

[0055] As further shown in FIG. 5, process 500 can include generating sensor data (block 520) based on determining that an electrical circuit is open. For example, one or more devices may generate sensor data indicating that the level of lubricant in the cavity does not meet a level threshold based on determining that the electrical circuit is open, as described above.

[0056] In some embodiments, generating sensor data includes determining that the electrical circuit has been open for a period of time and generating sensor data based on determining that the electrical circuit has been open for a period of time. In some examples, process 500 can include wirelessly transmitting the sensor data to a controller.

[0057] As further shown in FIG. 5, process 500 can include causing a machine to perform an action (block 530) based on sensor data indicating that a level does not meet a level threshold. For example, one or more devices can cause a machine to perform an action based on sensor data indicating that a level does not meet a level threshold, as described above.

[0058] In some embodiments, causing a machine to perform an action includes providing a notification. The notification includes information identifying the sensor device, information identifying the component, information indicating that the component will fail, a first recommendation for servicing the component, or a second recommendation for replacing the component.

[0059] The sensor data may be first data, and the notification may be a first notification. Process 500 can include generating second sensor data indicating that the level of lubricant in the cavity meets a level threshold based on determining that the electrical circuit is closed, and providing a second notification indicating that the level of lubricant in the cavity meets a level threshold based on the second sensor data.

[0060] In some embodiments, causing the machine to perform an action includes one or more of providing a command to restrict the operation of the machine based on sensor data, providing a first command to schedule maintenance checks of components based on sensor data, or providing a second command to order replacement of components based on sensor data.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a block example of process 500. In some embodiments, process 500 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks in a different arrangement compared to the blocks shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more blocks of process 500 may be executed in parallel.

Industrial Applicability

[0062] The embodiments described herein relate to predicting failures of components of a machine's track assembly by determining when lubrication of the components is insufficient and providing a notification indicating that the lubrication of the components is insufficient. For example, the system described herein can include a sensor device that is a battery-powered signal transmitter configured to be immersed in oil within an oil reservoir of a component.

[0063] The sensor device can include electrodes that are part of an electrical circuit. If the level of oil in the oil reservoir does not meet a level threshold, the electrodes may not be immersed in the oil and may not be able to contact the oil, thereby opening the electrical circuit. The sensor device can determine that the lubrication of the component is insufficient based on the electrical circuit being open.

[0064] By determining whether the lubrication of the component is insufficient, when the lubrication of the component is insufficient, the machine can be prevented from being operated. Therefore, by determining whether the lubrication of the component is insufficient, several advantages can be provided. For example, by determining whether the lubrication of the component is insufficient, damage to the components can be prevented, damage to other components of the track assembly can be prevented, and ultimately, damage to the machine can be prevented.

[0065] The foregoing disclosure provides illustrations and explanations, but is not intended to be comprehensive or to limit the implementation to the exact form disclosed. Changes or variations may be made in view of the above disclosure or obtained from the practice of the implementation. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein can be combined unless explicitly shown otherwise in the foregoing disclosure as to why one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even if a particular combination of features is recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various implementations. Each of the dependent claims listed below may directly depend on only one claim, but in the disclosure of the various implementations, each dependent claim is included in combination with all other claims in the claim set.

[0066] As used herein, the articles "a", "an", and "set" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". Further, the article "the" as used herein is intended to include one or more items referred to in relation to the article "the" and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least in part based on" unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and, unless otherwise specifically noted (e.g., when used in combination with "either" or "only one of"), may be used interchangeably with "and / or". Further, for ease of description herein, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "above", "over", etc. may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated. Spatially relative terms are intended to include different directions of the device, apparatus, and / or element during use or action in addition to the direction shown in the figures. The device may be oriented in other directions (90-degree rotation or other directions), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. It is a system, Components of the track assembly (170, 172, 174, 176, 178) of machine (100), A sensor device (180) is configured to be provided in the oil reservoir (320) of the component, wherein the sensor device (180) is It is determined whether the electrical circuit including the electrode (330) of the sensor device (180) is closed or open. The electrical circuit is closed based on the fact that the electrode (330) is immersed in the oil in the oil reservoir (320). The electrical circuit is open based on the fact that the electrode (330) is not immersed in the oil in the oil reservoir (320). Based on the determination that the aforementioned electrical circuit is open, A sensor device (180) is configured to generate sensor data indicating that the oil level of the oil in the oil reservoir (320) does not meet a level threshold, A system comprising a controller configured to cause the machine (100) to perform an action based on the sensor data.

2. In order to cause the machine (100) to perform the action, the controller: It is configured to provide notifications to one or more devices (410) associated with the machine (100), The aforementioned notice is, Information identifying the sensor device (180), The component identification information, or The system according to claim 1, including information indicating that the aforementioned component is likely to fail.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component includes a roller (178), an idler (174), or a track joint.

4. The aforementioned sensor data is first sensor data, The aforementioned sensor device (180) further, Based on the determination that the aforementioned electrical circuit is closed, The system according to claim 1, configured to generate second sensor data indicating that the oil level in the oil reservoir (320) satisfies the level threshold.

5. The aforementioned sensor device (180) further, It is determined that the electrical circuit is open for a first period of time. It is determined that the electrical circuit is open for a second period that exceeds the first period. The system is configured to generate the sensor data based on the determination that the electrical circuit is open for the second period of time. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor data is not generated based on the determination that the electrical circuit is open for the first period of time.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (180) is configured to be immersed in the oil in the oil reservoir (320).

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (180) is a battery-powered signal transmitter.

8. A method carried out by one or more devices (178, 180) of a machine (100), wherein the method is The sensor device (180) of the machine (100) determines whether the electrical circuit is closed or open, The aforementioned electrical circuit includes the electrode (330) of the sensor device (180), The electrical circuit is closed based on the fact that the electrode (330) is immersed in lubricant in the cavities of the components of the track assembly (170, 172, 174, 176, 178) of the machine (100), The aforementioned electrical circuit is determined to be open based on the fact that the electrode (330) is not immersed in the lubricant in the cavity, Based on the determination by the sensor device (180) that the electrical circuit is open, To generate sensor data indicating that the level of the lubricant in the cavity does not meet the level threshold, A method comprising: causing the machine (100) to perform an action based on the sensor data indicating that the level does not meet the level threshold, using the controller (178) of the machine (100).

9. The generation of the aforementioned sensor data is Determining that the aforementioned electrical circuit is open for a certain period of time, The method according to claim 8, comprising generating sensor data based on the determination that the electrical circuit is open for the specified period of time.

10. To cause the machine (100) to perform the action is Including providing notice, The aforementioned notice is, Information identifying the sensor device (180), Information identifying the aforementioned component, Information indicating that the aforementioned component is likely to fail, A first recommendation for maintenance and inspection of the aforementioned component, or The method according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a second recommendation for replacing the component.

11. The aforementioned sensor data is first data, and the aforementioned notification is first notification. The aforementioned method, Based on the determination that the aforementioned electrical circuit is closed, To generate second sensor data indicating that the level of the lubricant in the cavity satisfies the level threshold, The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a second notification, based on the second sensor data, that the level of the lubricant in the cavity satisfies the level threshold.

12. To cause the machine (100) to perform the action is The method according to claim 9, comprising providing a command to restrict the operation of the machine (100) based on the sensor data.

13. The sensor device (180) is a battery-powered signal transmitter. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 9, further comprising wirelessly transmitting the sensor data to the controller (178) using the sensor device (180).

14. Based on the sensor data, provide a first command for scheduling maintenance and inspection of the component, or The method according to claim 9, further comprising providing a second command for ordering the replacement of the component based on the sensor data.

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