Track Roller Bearing Lubrication Monitoring via Sensor Fastening Screw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring devices for lubrication conditions of track roller bearings in tracked vehicles require structural modifications and are costly to retrofit or install, making them impractical for both new and existing vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A fastening screw equipped with a temperature sensor and RFID transponder is used to monitor lubrication conditions, allowing easy retrofitting and installation without modifying the vehicle's structure, using readily available sensor arrangements and a reader that can be attached at a suitable location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are integrated directly into the bearing bushing or roller assembly, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the fastening screw as an intermediary element to transmit temperature from the bearing bushing area to the temperature sensor. The screw is in thermal contact with the bearing bushing through the roller assembly, allowing indirect temperature measurement without integrating sensors directly into the bearing components. This resolves the contradiction by achieving sufficient measurement precision through the intermediary fastening screw while avoiding the complexity of direct sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing tracked vehicles are retrofitted with monitoring devices, then lubrication condition monitoring capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to required modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication condition monitoring capabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the fastening screw multi-functional by integrating both the temperature sensor and RFID transponder into components that are already part of the roller assembly structure. The fastening screw serves its original mechanical function of securing the roller while simultaneously serving as a mounting platform for monitoring components. This eliminates the need for separate sensor housings or structural modifications, enabling easy retrofitting of existing vehicles while maintaining lubrication monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system utilizes existing structural elements (the fastening screw and roller assembly) to provide sensor mounting and signal transmission functions. The fastening screw itself becomes part of the sensing system, eliminating the need for additional mounting structures or modification work on existing vehicles. This self-service approach allows straightforward retrofitting while preserving the original vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If multiple sensors are integrated into the roller assembly, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex sensor arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (temperature sensing via temperature sensor and identification/data storage via RFID transponder) into a single integrated assembly mounted on the fastening screw. This merged configuration eliminates the need for separate mounting locations and reduces the operational complexity of handling, installing, and maintaining multiple discrete sensors. The combined approach preserves comprehensive measurement capability while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables cost-effective and straightforward monitoring of lubrication conditions in track roller bearings, reducing maintenance costs and preventing unexpected failures by providing real-time feedback on temperature and wear.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor (9) and an RFID transponder (10), wherein the temperature sensor (9) is arranged at least partially in the longitudinal bore (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an RFID transponder (10), wherein the temperature sensor (9) is arranged at least partially in the longitudinal bore (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID electromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12595825B2Device for monitoring the lubrication condition of a bearing of a track roller of a running gear of a tracked vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 BELLCO SRL

AI summary

A device for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearing of a track roller of a running gear of a tracked vehicle by means of temperature monitoring, wherein the track roller has at least one bearing journal, wherein the track roller is mounted in a frame of the tracked vehicle via the bearing journal, wherein a sensor arrangement is arranged in the region of the bearing journal, wherein the sensor arrangement is set up to transmit temperature data measured by the sensor arrangement wirelessly to a further processing device.