Bearing-sensor integration for a lubrication analysis system
US6324899A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/106
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bearing-sensor integration in which one or more multi-sensor lubrication sensing devices are positioned relative to the bearing to sense in situ certain parameters of the lubricating fluid. The lubrication sensing devices may be positioned on an interior surface of a bearing raceway (i.e, the outer raceway and/or the inner raceway), the bearing's cage, sealing cover, circulating system, a compliant structure positioned within the bearing chamber, a flowgate, and/or a reservoir. The lubrication sensing device(s) may include sensors for measuring certain parameters of the lubricating fluid, such as pH, chemical characteristics, electrical conductivity, temperature and/or viscosity. A processor receives lubrication-related data from the lubrication sensing device(s), processes the lubrication-related data, and provides information relating to lubrication health and/or health of the machine employing the lubricant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.