Rotating Wheel Oil Sensor for In-Motion Mining Truck Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring the condition of lubricating oil in heavy machinery, such as mining trucks, are unable to effectively detect defects in mechanical parts while the machinery is in motion due to the static nature of existing sensors, which deteriorate and fail to measure variables effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, autonomous sensor system that rotates with the truck wheels, using a self-leveling or spoon-type mechanism to maintain constant contact with the oil and combine data analysis with electrical signature analysis to detect anomalies in the transmission oil, allowing for continuous and remote monitoring of mechanical engine defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static sensor is used to monitor oil condition, then the sensor structure is simple and easy to install, but the sensor deteriorates and fails to measure variables effectively while the machinery is in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor rotate together with the wheel, transforming it from a static to a dynamic monitoring system. This allows the sensor to maintain constant contact with the oil during motion, ensuring reliable measurements of oil variables while the machinery is in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor system with the wheel structure, integrating the monitoring function into the rotating component. This combination allows the sensor to rotate with the wheel without requiring a separate drive mechanism, maintaining measurement effectiveness while controlling system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a rotating sensor system is implemented to maintain constant oil contact, then measurement reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated with the wheel structure, combining the monitoring function with the existing rotating component. This merger allows the sensor to rotate with the wheel using the wheel's inherent motion, achieving precise oil variable measurements without adding complex separate rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel serves dual functions: as a structural component for vehicle operation and as a mounting platform for the rotating sensor system. This multi-functionality allows the sensor to achieve precise measurements while utilizing the existing rotational motion of the wheel, avoiding additional complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed while the truck is in motion, then early defect detection is enabled, but the system requires complex rotating sensor mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is merged with the wheel structure, allowing continuous oil condition monitoring during motion. The sensor rotates with the wheel, enabling early defect detection through constant oil variable measurement without requiring complex separate rotating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel's inherent rotational motion is utilized to drive the sensor system, making the sensor rotate without requiring an external motor or complex drive mechanism. The wheel essentially serves itself by providing both the mounting platform and the rotational force for the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for constantly monitoring the state of the oil of the wheels of heavy machinery, in particular mining trucks, while they are in motion. Comprising a server; a wireless sensor module attached to the rim of the wheel, obtaining oil measurements from an oil quality sensor, which sends the measurements to the server wirelessly; the sensor, located inside the sensor module; and a spoon-type mechanism which maintains the sensor in permanent contact with the oil inside the wheel, wherein said spoon-type mechanism rotates with the sensor module and the wheel. In addition, it may comprise a receiving antenna module which is located between the sensor module and the server. In addition, it may comprise a transmitter which is located between the receiving antenna module and the server.