Universal Joint Journal Cross Temperature Sensing for Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive shafts used between tractors and agricultural machines lack a reliable method to detect imminent wear in universal joints, particularly in terms of frictional issues and misalignments that lead to increased temperature and power dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A journal cross equipped with temperature sensors, preferably mounted on the base and extending into the journals, measures the temperature of the material and lubricant to detect wear by monitoring temperature increases, with multiple sensor elements connected to a central logic for signal processing and evaluation, allowing for early detection of wear through temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are attached to the journal cross to detect wear, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wear detection systems with a thermal field-based detection approach. Temperature sensors measure heat generation from friction, which indirectly indicates wear conditions, thereby simplifying the overall detection system while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect wear. Instead of directly measuring mechanical wear, the system uses temperature sensors to monitor heat generation from friction, which serves as an intermediate indicator of wear conditions in the universal joint.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are used to monitor each journal, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into segmented sensor elements, with each sensor assigned to monitor a specific journal. This segmentation allows for precise localized temperature measurement of each journal while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality monitoring by placing temperature sensors in proximity to specific heat-generating components (journals). Each sensor element is positioned to monitor the thermal conditions of its assigned journal, enabling localized wear detection without requiring comprehensive system-wide instrumentation.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in lubricant channels near axial ends, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor mounting features and lubricant channel structures into the base design during the manufacturing phase. Temperature sensors are pre-positioned in lubricant channels that are integrated into the base casting or machining process, allowing for precise thermal measurement while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through design integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a reliable and compact method to detect imminent wear in universal joints by accurately monitoring temperature changes, enabling early identification of frictional issues and misalignments, thus preventing damage and ensuring efficient torque transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensor directly measures the temperature of the journal cross. The temperature sensor usually records the current temperature of the material forming the journal cross or of a lubricant (usually grease) contained in the base of the journal cross.
Implementation Method 2
Bearings subject to wear usually have increased coefficients of friction. Moreover, misalignments of individual components of the journal cross moving relative to each other can lead to increased power dissipation in the journal cross, which increases the temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A space-saving method for early determination of wear of a universal joint with four journals projecting from a base is provided and relates to the field of drive technology. The journal cross of the universal joint is provided with a temperature sensor for the purpose of determining wear of the universal joint.