Hydrodynamic bearings having strain sensors
US6766697B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2233/00
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrodynamic bearing includes a fiber optic sensor for measuring static and dynamic bearing forces or loads during operation. The fiber optic sensor is positioned within the bearing through the most direct load path, which is through the pad support for a tilting pad style bearing. In additional to being positioned in the pad support of a tilting pad bearing, the sensor is also placed 1) inside the pad support or on the pad support structure, and 2) oriented perpendicularly with the shaft centerlines. After the sensor location is chosen and the sensor is properly positioned, a calibration procedure is utilized to determine the relationship between the radial load and measured strain for the specific bearing. Once the calibration factor has been determined, the sensor may be utilized in the bearing to measure load during operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.