Method and apparatus for detecting the rotational speed of a rotary member
US8205503B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S15/88
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The speed of rotation of a rotary member such as a compressor or turbine wheel of a turbocharger is determined by directing an ultrasonic signal into a blade cavity and receiving the reflected signal, which is amplitude modulated by virtue of the passage of the blades across the ultrasonic transducer. The received signal is demodulated to determine the frequency of amplitude modulation of the received signal caused by passage of blades between the first and second locations. This enables the speed of rotation to be calculated. The performance of the turbocharger can thus be optimised in the context of the overall engine system via an engine control module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.