Component monitoring based on magnetic signals

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] The present disclosure generally relates to monitoring components of a machine, and for example, monitoring components based on magnetic signals. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Components of a undercarriage assembly of a machine may wear over time. One technique for detecting component wear involves the use of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. In other words, the amount of wear of 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 of the component.

[0003] In some examples, the component may comprise metal. The 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. An inaccurate measurement of the amount of wear of a component may lead to an inaccurate prediction regarding the amount of wear of the component. As a result of such inaccurate predictions, the components may experience premature failure, or may be repaired or replaced prematurely (e.g., because the component may not be worn 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 the machine at a work site.

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

[0005] Publication '772 discloses estimations of characteristics such as lock tip size, drill bit bluntness, and combinations selected from drilling efficiency, but Publication '772 specifically mentions electromagnetic radiation. As explained above, metals can cause interference with electromagnetic signals.

[0006] This disclosure solves one or more of the problems described above and / or other problems in the art. [Overview of the project]

[0007] 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 interrogation magnetic signals to the first device, determine whether a response magnetic signal is received from the first device based on the provision of one or more interrogation magnetic signals, and selectively provide first wear information indicating a first amount of wear of a component, or second wear information indicating a second amount of wear of a component, wherein the first information is provided when a response magnetic signal is received from the first device, the second wear information is provided when a response magnetic signal is not received from the first device, and the second amount of wear exceeds the first amount of wear.

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

[0009] A machine comprising: a component; a first device associated with the component; a second device configured to provide one or more interrogation magnetic signals to the first device, determine whether a response magnetic signal is received from the first device based on the provision of one or more interrogation magnetic signals, provide first wear information indicating a first amount of wear of the component based on whether a response magnetic signal is received from the first device, and provide second wear information indicating a second amount of wear of the component based on whether a response magnetic signal is not 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 explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary machine described herein. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of an exemplary machine described herein. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows exemplary components of an exemplary machine described herein. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This disclosure relates to monitoring machine components using a device that communicates using magnetic signals. For example, the device may be used to generate information that can be used to determine the amount of wear on a component and to track the component (for example, to determine whether a component has been installed and / or replaced). The component may be a component that is subject to wear. For example, the component may be a component of a lower running gear assembly, such as rollers, idlers, track links, track link bushings, and / or sprocket segments, among others. The component may include metal.

[0012] The device may communicate using a short-range magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, the device may communicate according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1902.1 standard. Unlike electromagnetic signals, magnetic signals are not affected by interference that can be caused by metals. For example, a magnetic signal (generated by the device) is a volumetric magnetic wave that penetrates metals (e.g., steel), water, and / or people. In contrast, an electromagnetic signal (generated by an RFID device) is a line-of-sight electromagnetic wave that is reflected and delayed by metals, water, and / or people. Thus, such electromagnetic signals suffer from inaccuracies. In some embodiments, the device may include a tag (e.g., a RuBee tag or RuBee responder) and a reader (e.g., a RuBee tag reader or RuBee controller). The device (e.g., a RuBee tag and a RuBee responder) may utilize a bidirectional wireless communication protocol for harsh environments.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more devices (e.g., RuBee tags) may be embedded in a cavity of a component at one or more different depths relative to the 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., a RuBee tag) may be embedded in a cavity of a component at a first depth relative to the 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., a RuBee reader) may be provided on the machine. The second device may provide one or more interrogation magnetic signals to the first device. Based on providing one or more interrogation magnetic signals, the second device may determine whether a response magnetic signal is received from the first device.

[0014] Receiving a response magnetic signal from the first device may indicate that the first device is still installed in the cavity and that its components have not been worn down to a first depth (e.g., the components have not been worn down to a first depth). Conversely, if the components have been worn down to a first depth, the first device may be removed from the cavity (e.g., detached from the cavity) and / or damaged. As a result, the first device may lose the ability to communicate with the second device. In this regard, not receiving a response magnetic signal may indicate that the first device has been removed from the cavity and that its components have been worn down to a first depth.

[0015] The second device may provide information indicating the amount of wear on a component (for example, to the machine's controller and / or the back-office system associated with the machine) based on whether the second device can communicate with the first device. For example, the second device may provide first wear information indicating a first amount of wear on a component based on the fact that a response magnetic signal is received from the first device. Alternatively, the second device may provide second wear information indicating a second amount of wear on a component based on the fact that a response magnetic signal is not received from the first device.

[0016] The second wear amount may exceed the first wear amount. The first wear amount may correspond to the component not being worn down to a first depth. The second wear amount may correspond to the component being worn down to a first depth. In some embodiments, based on the response magnetic signal, the second device may provide information that can 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 similar actions on a second tag at a second depth, a third tag at a third depth, and so on. As described above, the first and second devices 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 indicating the amount of wear on the components. Therefore, components may be subject to premature failure or may require premature repair or replacement.

[0018] The term "machine" can refer to any machine that performs actions related to an industry, such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or another industry. Furthermore, one or more devices may be connected to the machine. For example, a 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 exemplary machine 100 as described herein. As shown in Figure 1, machine 100 is embodied as an earthmoving machine such as a bulldozer. Alternatively, machine 100 may be another type of tracked machine such as an excavator.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the machine 100 includes an engine 110, a sensor system 120, an operator cabin 130, an operator control 135, a controller 140, a rear attachment 150, a front attachment 160, a ground engagement member 170, a sprocket 182, one or more idlers 186, one or more rollers 188, a leader device 190, and a responder device 192 (collectively referred to as "responder device 192" and "responder device 192" in this specification).

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

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

[0023] The sensor system 120 may include sensor devices capable of generating signals relating to the operation of the machine 100. The sensor devices of the sensor system 120 may, in particular, include vibration sensors, velocity sensors, and motion sensors. As an example, the sensor devices may include one or more inertial measuring units (IMUs).

[0024] The 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., integrated joysticks, push buttons, control levers, and / or steering wheels) for controlling the operation of the machine 100. For example, the operator controls 135 may be used to control the operation of one or more implements of the machine 100 (e.g., the rear attachment 150 and / or the front attachment 160), and / or to control the operation of the ground engaging members 170.

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

[0026] The controller 140 (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) may control and / or monitor the operation of the machine 100. For example, the controller 140 may control and / or monitor the operation of the machine 100 based on signals from the operator controls 135, from the sensor system 120, and / or from the reader device 190. The controller 140 may determine the amount of wear of one or more components of the machine 100 based on signals from the sensor system 120, from the operator controls 135, and / or from the reader device 190, as will be described in more detail below.

[0027] The rear attachment 150 may include a ripper assembly, a winch assembly, and / or a tow bar assembly. The front attachment 160 may include a blade assembly. The ground engagement member 170 may be configured to propel the machine 100. The ground engagement member 170 may include wheels, tracks, rollers, and / or similar components for moving the machine 100 forward. The ground engagement member 170 may include a lower running body including a track (shown in Figure 1). The track may include track links. In some situations, the track links may include track link bushings and track link pins. As an example, the track may include a first track link 172 and a second track link 174. The first track link 172 includes a first track link bushing 176 and a first track link pin 178. The second track link 174 includes a second track link pin 180.

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

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

[0030] The reader device 190 may generate 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 one or more responder devices 192 using a short-range magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, the reader device 190 may communicate with one or more responder devices 192 in accordance with 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 response magnetic signal (in response to one or more interrogation magnetic signals). The response magnetic signal may be used to generate wear information. The reader device 190 may determine whether a response magnetic signal is received from the responder device 192. The reader device 190 may generate and provide wear information based on whether a response magnetic signal is received from the responder device 192, as will be described in more detail below.

[0032] The responder device 192 may include one or more devices configured to provide a response magnetic signal to the reader device 190. The responder device 192 may communicate with the reader device 190 using a short-range magnetic signaling communication protocol. For example, the responder device 192 may communicate with the reader device 190 in accordance with the IEEE 1902.1 standard.

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

[0034] Information identifying a 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, and information identifying the date and / or time the component was installed in 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] The responder device 192 may be configured to provide a response magnetic signal periodically (for example, every three hours, per shift, or daily). Additionally or alternatively, the responder device 192 may be configured to provide a response magnetic signal based on a trigger (for example, based on the reception of a question 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 can last for 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 the manufacturer of the component, information identifying the model of the component, and / or information identifying the 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, and a motion sensor device. The response magnetic signal may include sensor data from one or more sensor devices.

[0037] As stated above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in relation to Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of machine 100 as described herein. An exemplary component is shown as a first track link 172. As shown in Figure 2, the first track link 172 may include a body 210. The body 210 may include metal. The metal may include, among other things, steel and aluminum. Additionally or alternatively, the body 210 may include rubber material.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the body 210 may include a wear surface 220, a cavity 230, and a track through-hole 240 configured to receive a track link pin. The wear surface 220 may include any surface of the body 210 from which the material wears down during use of the lower running gear assembly. For example, the wear surface 220 may be a surface from which the material wears down through contact with components of the lower running gear assembly and / or other external materials (e.g., the ground).

[0040] The cavity 230 may be configured to receive one or more responder devices 192. As shown in Figure 2, for example, the cavity 230 is configured to receive responder devices 192-1 and 192-2. Figure 2 illustrates the cavity 230 receiving responder devices 192-1 and 192-2, but in some other embodiments, the cavity 230 may receive additional or fewer responder devices 192. The responder devices 192 may be held within the cavity 230 using materials configured to hold objects within the cavity, among other materials such as metal and rubber.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the responder device 192-1 may be provided at a first position associated with the wear surface 220 (for example, within a first threshold distance from the wear surface). For example, the responder device 192-1 may be provided in the cavity 230 to a first depth relative to the wear surface 220. While provided in the cavity 230, the responder device 192-1 may provide one or more response magnetic signals to the reader device 190. In this regard, by providing one or more response magnetic signals to the reader device 190, the responder device 192-1 may provide an indication (for example to the reader device 190) that the responder device 192-1 is provided in the cavity 230 and that the wear surface 220 has not worn down to the first depth.

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

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

[0044] When the wear surface 220 wears down to a first depth, the responder device 192-1 may detach from the cavity 230 and, as a result, become unusable and / or damaged. Therefore, the responder device 192-1 may be unable to provide one or more response magnetic signals to the reader device 190 because the responder device 192-1 is damaged and / or out of communication range for communicating with the reader device 190. In this regard, the inability to provide one or more response magnetic signals to the reader device 190 may provide (for example to the reader device 190) an indication that the responder device 192-1 is not in the cavity 230 and the wear surface 220 has worn down to a first depth.

[0045] Based on an indication (for example, that one or more response magnetic signals are not received from the responder device 192-1), the reader device 190 may generate second wear information indicating a second wear amount of the first track link 172. For example, the second wear information may indicate that the first track link 172 has worn down to a first depth. The first depth (and first position) may be associated with the second wear amount. The second wear amount may exceed the first wear amount.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the responder device 192-2 may be provided at a second position associated with the wear surface 220 (for example, within a second threshold distance from the wear surface). For example, the responder device 192-2 may be provided in the cavity 230 at a second depth relative to the wear surface 220. The second threshold distance may exceed the first threshold distance, and the second depth may exceed 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 response magnetic signals to reader device 190. For example, by providing one or more response magnetic signals to reader device 190, responder device 192-2 may provide an indication that responder device 192-2 is provided in cavity 230 and the wear surface 220 has not worn down to a second depth. Conversely, by failing to provide one or more response magnetic signals to reader device 190, responder device 192-2 may provide an indication that responder device 192-2 is not provided in cavity 230 and the wear surface 220 has worn down to a second depth.

[0048] Based on the responder device 192-2 providing 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 down to a second depth, in a manner similar to that described above. Conversely, based on the responder device 192-2 providing 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 down to a second depth, in a manner similar to that described above. The second depth may be associated with a third wear amount that exceeds the second wear amount.

[0049] While the embodiments described above have focused on components of the lower running body assembly of machine 100, the present disclosure is applicable to other components of machine 100 that are subject to wear, particularly the tips, adapters, base edges, cutting edges, shrouds, and half arrows.

[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 devices of the exemplary component (e.g., one or more devices) may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by another set of devices of the exemplary component.

[0051] Figure 3 is a diagram of an exemplary component of the machine 100 described herein. The exemplary component is shown as a first track link 172. The elements of the first track link 172 are described above in relation to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the first track link 172 may include a concave surface 310 on the outer surface of the first track link 172 (e.g., the outer surface of the body 210). As shown in Figure 3, the concave surface 310 may be configured to receive a responder device 192. The responder device 192 may be provided on the concave surface 310 in different ways. For example, the responder device 192 may 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).

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the responder device 192 may include a battery 320 (described in relation to Figure 1), a memory 330 (described in relation to Figure 1), a processor 340, and a sensor device 350 (described in relation to Figure 1). The memory 330 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) that store information and / or instructions used by the processor 340 to execute functions.

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

[0054] While the embodiments described above have focused on components of the lower running body assembly of machine 100, the present disclosure is applicable to other components of machine 100 that are subject to wear, particularly the tips, adapters, base edges, cutting edges, shrouds, and half arrows.

[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 devices of the exemplary component (e.g., one or more devices) may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by another set of devices of the exemplary component.

[0056] Figure 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system 400 described herein. As shown in Figure 4, the system 400 includes a controller 140, a leader device 190, responder devices 192-1 to 192-N (collectively referred to herein as "responder device 192" and "responder device 192"), and a back-office system 410. The responder device 192 may be associated with one or more components of the lower running gear assembly, as described above.

[0057] The controller 140 may be configured to perform one or more actions based on wear information of the components of the machine 100. These actions are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the reader device 190 may provide wear information to cause the controller 140 to perform one or more actions. The reader device 190 may provide wear information periodically (e.g., every three hours, per shift, daily). Additionally or alternatively, the reader device 190 may provide wear information based on triggers (e.g., based on receiving a response 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, the controller 140 may determine wear information in a manner similar to that described above, in relation to the reader device 190 that determines wear information. For example, the controller 140 may receive one or more response magnetic signals from a responder device 192 associated with a component, and / or non-response information regarding the responder device 192 (e.g., from the reader device 190).

[0059] Non-response information may include, among other things, information indicating that no response magnetic signal has 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 the timestamp of the last response magnetic signal received from the responder device 192; and information identifying the 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 of the component based on one or more response magnetic signals and / or non-response information.

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

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

[0062] The notification may, in particular, 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.

[0063] Assume that the wear level of the component meets the wear threshold. In addition to providing a notification, the controller 140 may take one or more actions. In this situation, the notification may further indicate that the component should be replaced and / or repaired. With respect to one or more actions, the controller 140 may adjust the operation of the machine 100 to reduce and / or prevent additional wear of the component. For example, the controller 140 may, among other things, reduce the speed of the machine 100, reduce the speed and stop the machine 100, and / or immobilize the machine 100.

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

[0065] Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 140 may autonomously move the machine 100 to a repair facility. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 140 may fill the technician's calendar with calendar events for inspecting, repairing, and / or replacing components. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 140 may activate an alarm. The alarm may indicate that one or more components should be repaired or replaced.

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

[0067] Additionally, or alternatively, in order to deliver replacement components to the first autonomous device, the controller 140 may provide a confirmation request to the second autonomous device, causing the second autonomous device to move to a location associated with the machine 100 and confirm the amount of wear on the component. The confirmation request may include information identifying the location associated with the machine 100. Based on confirming the component wear information, the second autonomous device may generate confirmation information and transmit the confirmation information to the controller 140.

[0068] In some situations, wear information may enable the controller 140 to track a component. For example, based on wear information, the controller 140 may determine when a component was installed on the machine and / or when a 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 a 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 the component was first installed on the machine 100. In some situations, based on the determination that the timestamp is associated with the date and / or time the component was first 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 minimal wear or no wear at all.

[0069] In some situations, one or more memories (associated with the controller 140) may store data structures. The data structures may contain information about different responder devices 192 in relation to the corresponding components and the locations of different responder devices 192 on the corresponding components. The controller 140 assumes, based on the data structures, that a responder device 192 is the last responder device 192 associated with a component, or the only responder device 192 associated with a component. Furthermore, it assumes that wear information indicates that the responder device 192 has been removed from the component. The controller 140 may predict that the timestamp of the last response magnetic signal from the responder device 192 correlates with the date and / or time the component is repaired and / or replaced. The controller 140 may perform similar actions on one or more other components of the machine 100.

[0070] The back office system 410 may include one or more devices configured to monitor components of the machine 100. The back office system 410 may be remote to the machine 100. In some embodiments, the back office system 410 may perform actions similar to those described above in relation to the controller 140. For example, the back office system 410 may receive wear information from the controller 140 and / or from the reader device 190. Alternatively, the back office system 410 may determine the wear information in a manner similar to the method described above in relation to the controller 140 determining the wear information. Based on the wear information, the back office system 410 may perform actions similar to those described above in relation to the 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 different arrangements 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 in system 400 (e.g., one or more devices) may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by another set of devices in system 400. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] This disclosure relates 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 components and to track components (e.g., to determine whether components have been installed and / or replaced). Components may include metal and may, among other things, be components of lower running gear assemblies such as rollers, idlers, track links, track link bushings, and / or sprocket segments. Unlike electromagnetic signals, magnetic signals are not subject to interference that may be caused by metal.

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

[0074] Metals can reflect electromagnetic energy, causing interference with the electromagnetic signals of an RFID system. As a result, the amount of wear (of components) measured by the RFID system may be inaccurate. Inaccurate measurements of component wear can lead to inaccurate predictions about component wear. As a result of these inaccurate predictions, components may fail prematurely or be repaired or replaced prematurely (for example, because components may not be worn enough to require replacement or repair).

[0075] This 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 affected by interference caused by metal. Therefore, 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 are in need of repair or replacement (rather than being repaired or replaced prematurely).

[0076] Furthermore, as a result of improved accuracy, the device may help reduce the likelihood of components failing before they are repaired and / or replaced. Additionally, as a result of improved accuracy, the device may conserve computational or mechanical resources that would otherwise be used to address problems associated with inaccurate predictions of component wear (e.g., premature component failure, premature component repair, and / or premature component replacement).

[0077] The foregoing disclosures provide examples and explanations, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosures and may be obtained from the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosures explicitly state why one or more implementations cannot be combined. Certain combinations of features are described in the claims and / or disclosed herein, but these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. Each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, but the disclosure of 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.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referred to in relation to the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless otherwise explicitly stated. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive in a series of uses and may be used interchangeably with “and / or” unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, when used in combination with “either” or “only one of”). Furthermore, as shown in the figure, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and similar terms, may be used herein to describe the relationship between features of one element or another, for the sake of clarity. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of equipment, apparatus, and / or elements in use or operation, in addition to the orientations shown in the figure. Equipment may be oriented in other ways (by 90-degree rotation or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. It is a system, A first device (192) configured to be associated with the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) of the machine (100), The second device (190), One or more interrogation magnetic signals are provided to the first device (192), Based on providing one or more interrogation magnetic signals, it is determined whether a response magnetic signal is received from the first device (192). Based on the fact that the response magnetic signal is received from the first device (192), first wear information is provided indicating a first amount of wear of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186). The system comprises a second device (190) configured to provide second wear information indicating a second amount of wear of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) based on the fact that the response magnetic signal is not received from the first device (192), A system wherein the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) include metal, the interrogation magnetic signal and the response magnetic signal are configured to penetrate the metal, unlike electromagnetic signals, the first wear amount corresponds to the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) not being worn to a predetermined depth, the second wear amount corresponds to the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) being worn to the predetermined depth, and the second wear amount exceeds the first wear amount.

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

3. In order to provide the second wear information, the second device (190) The second wear information is provided to the controller (140) of the machine (100), and the controller (140) is instructed to: In order to prevent further wear of the aforementioned components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), the speed of the machine (100) may be reduced, or the speed of the machine (100) may be reduced to stop the machine (100), or the machine (100) may be immobilized. To provide the operator of the machine (100) with a command to reduce the speed of the machine (100), to reduce the speed of the machine (100) and stop the machine (100), or to immobilize the machine (100), or The system according to claim 1, configured to allow at least one of the following to be performed: providing a service request for at least one of the repair or replacement of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186).

4. In order to provide the first wear information, the second device (190) The first wear information is provided to a third device configured to monitor the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), In order to provide the second wear information, the second device (190) The second wear information is provided to the third device, and the third device performs the following actions: To provide a service request for at least one of the repair or replacement of the aforementioned components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), The system according to claim 1, configured to cause at least one of the following to be performed: reduce the speed of the machine (100) to prevent additional wear of the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186); reduce the speed of the machine (100) to stop the machine (100); or provide a command to the operator of the machine (100) to immobilize the machine (100).

5. The first device (192) is configured to be provided at a position associated with the 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 amount of wear.

6. The components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) of the machine (100) are, The main unit and A first device (192) configured to provide a first response magnetic signal associated with a first wear amount of the aforementioned components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), The first device (192) is configured to provide the first response magnetic signal based on the first interrogation magnetic signal, or A second device (190) configured to provide a second response magnetic signal associated with a second wear amount of the aforementioned components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), The second device (190) comprises at least one of the second devices (190), wherein the second device (190) is configured to provide the second response magnetic signal based on the second interrogation magnetic signal, and the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) include metal, and the interrogation magnetic signal and the response magnetic signal are configured to penetrate the metal, unlike electromagnetic signals.

7. The aforementioned body includes a wear surface and a cavity, The first device (192) is provided in the cavity to a first depth relative to the wear surface, The first response magnetic signal includes at least one of the following: information identifying the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), information identifying the first device (192), or information identifying the first depth. The component according to claim 6 (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), wherein the first depth is associated with the first amount of wear.

8. The aforementioned body includes a wear surface and a cavity, The second device (190) is provided in the cavity to a second depth relative to the wear surface, The second response magnetic signal includes at least one of the following: information identifying the components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), information identifying the second device (190), or information identifying the second depth. The second depth is related to the second amount of wear, The component according to claim 6 (172, 174, 182, 184, 186), wherein the second amount of wear exceeds the first amount of wear.

9. In order 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 components (172, 174, 182, 184, 186) according to claim 6, wherein the second device (190) is configured to provide the second response magnetic signal in accordance with the IEEE 1902.1 standard.

10. The aforementioned body includes its 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.

Images