Chain wear monitoring method and apparatus
US6851546B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G43/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatically monitoring the wear of a chain when in operation in a chain drive assembly. First and second markers are applied to the chain at a predetermined distance apart. A first sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the first marker. A second sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the second marker. The sensors generate signals in response to the detection of the markers. When the chain drive is operated the first and second sensors are initially triggered substantially simultaneously by said first and second markers respectively. After the chain extends through wear elongation is identified by detecting a time delay between the triggering of the first and second sensors by the respective markers. One of the sensors is then moved to a position where substantially simultaneous triggering of the sensors by the markers can be resumed. The distance the sensor has to be moved is measured to determine the elongation length of the chain.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.