AU2006254651B2

AU2006254651B2 - Tyne replacement indicator

Info

Publication number: AU2006254651B2
Application number: AU2006254651A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brian Davies
Original assignee: Brian Investments Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Brian Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-06-02
Filing date: 2006-06-02
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-02
Also published as: AU2006254651A1

Abstract

A system (10) for detecting the required replacement of tynes/teeth (14,16) of an earth digger comprising a capsule (32) of fluid (38) which changes to a gas form when released. Wear or breakage causes the embedded capsule, supported by resin (42) and holder (44) to break, releasing the fluid to be detected by a nearby gas analyser, which raises an alarm.

Description

WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 TYNE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting a physical change in a component. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 10 Failure of equipment in materials handling and mine machines results in equipment down time and, ultimately, loss of income. Specific components of machines are known to fail during the operational life of the machine. For 15 example, the tines of a bucket of an excavator are subjected to high loads. When the tip of the tine is loaded, the tine can fail due to excessive shear forces and/or bending moments. For this and other reasons, such components are designed to be replaced. 20 Continued use of the machine after failure of such a component is usually at reduced performance. In the worst case, continued use can result in more serious damage to the machine. Accordingly, operators need to be vigilant 25 for damage to their equipment. To assist the operator, it is known to provide the machine with a small closed circuit television system, which, for example, monitors the bucket. This arrangement relies on the operator to be checking the monitor frequently whilst controlling the 30 machine. The lost tine must often be discovered quickly. If it is removed from the scene it can become mixed up with material being handled. In these situations a lost tine 35 can find its way into processing equipment, such as a rock crusher. This equipment cannot handle a tine and will fail, causing major delays and costs in repair.

WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 -2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, 5 there is provided a system for detecting a physical change in a component, the system comprising: a capsule containing a compound that has a fluid form when released from the capsule, the capsule being supported by the component; and 10 a fluid analyzer for monitoring for the presence of the fluid compound; wherein the physical change of the component causes the capsule to release the compound, on detection of the compound the analyzer produces a signal indicating the 15 presence of compound. In one embodiment the physical change is fracture of the component. In another embodiment the physical change is movement or removal of the component. In another 20 embodiment the physical change is wear of the component beyond a certain amount. In one embodiment the fluid compound is gaseous in atmospheric conditioners. Thus in this embodiment the 25 fluid analyzer is a gas analyzer. In another embodiment the fluid compound is a liquid. Accordingly, a signal indicating the presence of the gaseous compound is indicative of the physical change of 30 the component. Preferably, the compound is predominantly a liquid when inside the capsule and forms a vapour in atmospheric conditions. That is, the liquid is volatile when exposed 35 to the atmosphere.

WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 -3 Preferably, the capsule is located adjacent a common fracture -location in the component and across the fracture location. Alternatively, the capsule is located within the component such that capsule intersects a common 5 fracture location. Preferably, fracture of the component at the common fracture location causes the capsule to rupture. 10 The signal produced by the analyzer may be transmitted to a controller. In one embodiment, the location of the analyzer is fixed relative to the component. Alternatively or additionally, 15 the analyzer is remote from the component. The analyzer may be portable or provided in a fixed location. In one embodiment, the analyzer can be one of a plurality of analyzers which are provided in spaced apart locations. 20 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capsule when used in a system for detecting physical change in a component, the capsule comprising: 25 a hollow body containing a compound that has a fluid form in atmospheric conditions, the body being made of a frangible material and the hollow inside of the body being sealed from the external atmosphere. 30 Preferably, the compound is predominantly a liquid when inside the capsule and forms a vapour in atmospheric conditions. Preferably, the liquid comprises an organic or inorganic liquid. Preferably, the liquid is volatile in atmospheric conditions such that detectable vapour is 35 produced when the liquid is released from the capsule.

-4 Preferably, the capsule further comprises one or more wicks within the body. Preferably each wick is attached to an internal surface of the body. 5 Preferably, the capsule is elongate, such that the body has two spaced apart ends. Each wick can be attached to the one of the spaced apart ends. More preferably, the capsule is generally cylindrical. 10 Preferably, the body is a thin walled vessel. Preferably, the frangible material is glass. Alternatively, the frangible material is a glassy polymer. 15 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanical assembly comprising a first portion having a passage for receiving a capsule, the first portion being provided with a cavity, wherein a first end of the passage opens into the cavity, the 20 passage extending through at least part of the first portion, wherein physical change of the first portion causes the capsule to release a fluid compound into the atmosphere. 25 The capsule may be adhered in place using a settable compound provided within the cavity. A portion of the capsule is positioned in the cavity prior to the settable compound setting. Preferably, the settable compound is an epoxy resin. 30 Preferably, a second end of the passage opens onto an external surface of the first portion. Preferably, the mechanical assembly further comprises a 35 second portion and a fastening means for fastening the second portion to the first portion, such that the second end of the passage is covered by the second portion. 3085509_1 (GHMatters) P57050.AU.1 WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 Preferably, the first portion is a tine holder that can be attached to a support, such as a bucket of an excavator, for example by welding the tine holder to the support. More preferably, the second portion is a tine tip. Even 5 more preferably, the first portion has a protruding tongue and the second portion has a recess for receiving the tongue. Preferably, the mechanical assembly further comprises a 10 plate member that is independently attached to the support such that the plate member is positioned within the cavity. The plate member is provided with a hole through which a part of the capsule extends. Accordingly, if the attachment of the tine holder to the support fractures, 15 the plate member remains attached to the support causing the capsule to rupture during separation of the tine holder from the support. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention 20 there is provided a method for detecting a physical change to a component, the method comprising the steps of: releasing a compound into the atmosphere when the component physical change occurs the compound having a gaseous form in atmospheric conditions; and, 25 monitoring the atmosphere for the presence of the gaseous compound. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 30 In order the that the present invention may be more easily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partial cross section view of a tine 35 assembly provided with a fracture detection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 Figure 2 is a cross section view of a capsule for use in the fracture detection system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded cross section view of the tine assembly of Figure 1; 5 Figure 4 is a cross section view of the tine holder shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-section view of the tine holder, as viewed along the line A-A in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a top view of the tine holder of Figure 10 4; Figure 7 is a partial cross section view of the tine assembly shown in Figure 1, showing a first failure mode of the tine assembly; Figure 8 is a partial cross section view of the tine 15 assembly shown in Figure 1, showing a second failure mode of the tine assembly; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a hydraulic excavator provided with a system for detecting a fracture in a component according to a second embodiment of the 20 present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic view of a system for detecting a fracture in a component according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a schematic side elevation of a rotor of 25 a crushing mill having a system for detecting a physical change in a component according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a schematic side elevation of a blade of the rotor of Figure 11 from the point of view of the arrow 30 AA; and, Figure 13 shows an alternative form of the assembly as provided in Figure 1 with another embodiment of the system of the present invention. 35 WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 -7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1 and 3 show a tine assembly 10 attached to a bucket 12 of an excavator (not shown) . The tine assembly 5 10 comprises a tine holder 14 and a slip-on tine tip 16. The tine holder 14 has a tongue 18 that extends from a main body 20. The main body 20 is welded to the under side of the bucket 12 adjacent the leading edge 22. A 10 hole 24 extends transversely through the tongue 18 is provided for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt or rivet (not shown in the figures). The tine tip 16 has a first pointed end 26 and, at the 15 opposing end, a recessed portion 28 for receiving the tongue 18. A pair of holes 30 extend transversely through the tine tip 16, each opening into the recessed portion 28. When the tine tip 16 is located on the tine holder 14, the pair of holes 30 line up with the hole 24 such 20 that a bolt (not shown) can fasten the tine tip 16 onto the tine holder 14. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a passage 32 extends through the tine holder 16, generally in the direction of the tip 25 26. One end of the passage 32 opens onto the tongue 18 at an opening 34. The other end of the passage opens into a cavity 36. An elongate capsule 38 (which is shown in detail in Figure 2) comprising a sealed, hollow body is provided within the passage 32. The capsule 38 is a thin 30 walled glass vessel, which contains a liquid (not shown). Two wicks 40 are contained within capsule 38, each being attached to a respective end of the capsule 38. The wicks 40 draw at least part of the liquid into the wick material. 35 The liquid is selected to be readily vapourised in atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, the vapour produced WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 -8 by the liquid is distinct from other vapours and gases in the atmosphere such that the possibility of false indication of failure of the tine assembly 10 is reduced. Suitable liquids may comprise a organic liquid having a 5 hydrocarbon backbone. The liquid may also have a particular odour such that presence of the vapourised liquid in the atmosphere can be observed by an operator of the excavator. 10 Attaching the tine 18 to the tine holder 14 closes the opening 34, thus retaining the capsule 38 within the passage 32. To further secure the capsule 38 in the passage 32, the cavity 36 can be at least partially filled with an epoxy resin 42. The capsule 38 is inserted into 15 the passage 32 as the epoxy resin 42 is setting, such that one end of the capsule 38 is within the epoxy resin 42. Prior to welding the tine holder 14 onto the bucket 12, a plate 44 can be welded onto the bucket 12. The plate 44 20 (which is shown in Figure 5) is sized such that it can be received within the cavity 36. A hole 46 is provided within the plate 44 such that a portion of the capsule 38 can protrude therethrough. The plate 44 extends generally transverse to the passage 32. The epoxy resin 42 adheres 25 onto the plate 44. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two failure modes of the tine assembly 10. In Figure 7 the weld between the bucket 12 and the tine holder 14 has fractured, resulting in 30 separation. During the failure the capsule 38 is broken, with the end of the capsule 38 within the cavity remaining attached to the bucket 12. The liquid is released from the capsule 38. Once exposed to atmospheric conditions, the liquid rapidly vapourises, allowing the vapour to 35 propagate from the bucket 12 and the broken tine holder 14.

WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 The epoxy resin 42 and the plate 44 assist the retention of at least part of the capsule 38 on the bucket 12. Accordingly, the capsule is unlikely to remain intact after failure. 5 In Figure 8, the tine holder 14 has sheared adjacent the tongue 18. The shear surface extends through the passage 32 causing the capsule 38 to break, releasing the liquid. 10 A gas analyzer (not shown) with a sensor located nearby the machine is continuously monitoring the air for presence of the vapour from the capsule 38. Upon detection of the vapour, an alarm is triggered which indicates that one of the tine assemblies is damaged. The 15 operator is automatically notified of damage to the machine. The gas analyzer can further comprise a sampling pump and a conduit for directing gas from a selected location to the gas analyzer. A suitable gas analyzer is available from Dr&ger Safety AG & Co. KgaA, such as the 20 Dr&ger Polytron 7000. The wicks 40 retain liquid for a short period of time. This extends the time in which the liquid is released into the atmosphere, which increases the likelihood of the 25 sensor detecting the presence of the vapour in the atmosphere. The plate 44 increases the surface area connecting the epoxy resin 42 to the bucket 12. In the case of the 30 failure illustrated in Figure 7, the likelihood of the capsule 38 being retained within the tine assembly 10 in an unbroken state is reduced. The tine assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is also 35 known to fail by a pin or bolt inserted through holes 30 shearing or failing in some other manner. In this case the tine tip 16 may simply fall off the tongue 18. To WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 - 10 detect this type of failure an additional or an alternate system may be incorporated as shown in Figure 13. This system includes a passage 32' extending through the tongue 18 and into the tine tip 16. An elongate capsule 38' is 5 positioned in the passage 32'. The passage 32' includes a passage portion 90 which is within the tine tip 16. An end portion 92 of the capsule 38' extends into the passage portion 90 and is secured in place, such as by use of epoxy resin. The capsule 38' includes a portion 94 which 10 may be flexible but is also sufficiently frangible or tearable or the like, so that upon removal of the tine tip 16, the portion 94 releases liquid within the capsule 38'. Thus once the tine tip 16 comes off the tongue 18 the portion 94 fails and releases the liquid in capsule 38'. 15 Figure 9 shows a hydraulic excavator 50 provided with a system for detecting a physical change, such as a fracture or removal of a time in the tine assemblies 10 that are attached to the bucket 12. A gas analyzer 52 is provided 20 on the excavator 50. In Figure 9, the gas analyzer 52 is represented schematically. When one of the tine assemblies 10 fails (as shown in Figures 8 and 9) the gas analyzer 52 will detect the presence of vapourised liquid from the capsule of the respective tine assembly 10. The 25 gas analyzer 52 provides a signal to the operator of the excavator 50, notifying the operator of the fracture. Figure 10 illustrates schematically a system 54 for detecting a physical change, such as a fracture or wear in 30 a component or removal of the component, such as a tine assembly 10. The tine assembly 10 is attached to the leading edge of a bucket 12 of an excavator. The system comprises a capsule 38 within the tine assembly 10. A first gas analyzer 56 is provided on a tripod stand 58, 35 and thus is portable such that it can be placed at any desired location. A second gas analyzer 60 is provided on WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 - 11 a mining truck 62. The gas analyzers 56, 60 are depicted schematically. In Figure 10, the tine assembly 10 may have sustained a 5 fracture similar to that shown in Figure 8. Accordingly, the liquid within the capsule 38 has been released and vapourised in the atmosphere. Arrows W indicate the vapour drifting in the atmosphere away from the tine assembly 10. 10 One or both of the gas analyzers 56, 60 detects the presence of vapourised liquid in the atmosphere. A signal 64 is transmitted, via radio waves as indicated by arrows T, to a controller 66 at a central location. Upon receipt 15 of a signal 64 from either of the gas analyzers 56, 60 the controller 66 notifies an operator of damage to the tine assembly 10. The signal may be relayed to the operator of the excavator, as indicated by arrow R. 20 A gas analyzer 56 on a portable stand, such as tripod 58, can be of benefit where a prevailing wind is present that will carry the vapour in a particular direction. The gas analyzer 56 can be positioned in a region where the vapourised liquid is most likely to drift. 25 As shown in Figure 9, a gas analyzer can be installed on the machine itself. Alternatively or additionally, the gas analyzer can be installed at other suitable locations, including on trucks for hauling the material removed by 30 the machine, on a portable stand or at a permanent location. A signal indicating the detection of the vapour can be transmitted from the respective sensor to a central location by any suitable means, including electrical wires. 35 In Figure 11 a rotor 100 of a rotary impact crusher is shown. The rotor 100 has a number, in this case four, WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 - 12 blow bars 102 which strike material 104 being crushed as the rotor 100 rotates as indicated by arrow R. The rotary impact crusher operates a known matter, such that the material struck impacts on impact bars within a vessel 5 surrounding the rotor 100. The blow bars are subject to wear as indicated by the section 104 of one of the blow bars 102 being worn away. When the wear reaches a certain level the blow bars 102 must be replaced or inverted so that a fresh side is exposed. 10 In order to detect the extent of wear of the blow bars 102, the system of detecting a physical change in the blow bars can be employed. In this embodiment the system has one or more passages 108 extending through the blow bar 15 102 as seen in Figure 12. Recessed within each passage 108 is located a capsule 110. The capsule 110 contains a liquid that may be vapourised upon exposure to the atmosphere. The gas detector can then be used to detect release of vapour from the capsule when the capsule 20 ruptures or otherwise releases the vapour. Thus the capsule must be sufficiently recessed within the channel 108 so that the capsule will only rupture when the wear to the blow bar 102 is to the extent that it requires replacement. Alternatively the capsule may be segmented 25 to provide staged release of distinctive vapours, so that the degree of the wear can be monitored, due to the detection of the various types of vapour that are progressively released due to wear of the blow bar 102. 30 It will be appreciated that the present system can be adapted to other applications aside from a tine assembly and a rotor impact crusher / mill. In particular, the capsule system of the present invention may be used in many applications where upon a physical condition being 35 met, a capsule releases a fluid such as a gas or a volatile liquid or some other liquid, which can be detected by an analyzer, such as a gas analyzer.

WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 - 13 It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For 5 example, it will be appreciated that embodiments can also be provided other machines, such as a face shovels and loaders, a bucket wheel excavator, a drag line excavator, the rippers of a tractor, and boom excavators. 10 The system can also be applied to other components which commonly fail by physical change such as fracture, wear, movement or removal of the component at a known location within the component. The capsule can be provided either within the component or provided in a holder and attached 15 to an external surface of the component at the known location. The capsule should be positioned such that, in use, failure by fracture at the known location causes the capsule to rupture, which releases the liquid. 20 It will be appreciated that the capsule can be formed of frangible materials other than glass, such as, for example, glassy polymers. Sufficient stress on the capsule causes the capsule to rupture. 25 It will also be appreciated that the capsule can be arranged to detect a fracture in the form of a crack in the component. Accordingly, a fracture prior to complete failure of the component can be detected. 30 In one variation not illustrated, the tine tip 16 is provided with a passage which aligns with the passage 32 when the tine tip 16 is fastened to the tine holder 14. The capsule 38 is arranged to extend into both the tine holder 14 and the tine tip 16. Accordingly, if the tine 35 connection of the tine holder 14 to the tine tip 16 fails, for example by the fastener shearing, the capsule 38 will WO 2006/128258 PCT/AU2006/000767 - 14 be ruptured. This fracture of the tine assembly 10 can also be detected. Alternative compounds may be provided within the capsule, 5 including a gas or a solid which sublimes in atmospheric conditions. The amount of gas/vapour produced by the compound should allow detection of the presence of the gas/vapour. In addition, the gas/vapour should be uncommon in the atmosphere the component is to be used. 10 In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as 15 "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for detecting a physical change in a 5 component, the system comprising: a capsule containing a compound that has a fluid form when released from the capsule, the capsule being supported by the component; and a fluid analyzer for monitoring for the presence of 10 the fluid compound; wherein the physical change of the component causes the capsule to release the compound, on detection of the compound the analyzer produces a signal indicating the presence of compound. 15

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the physical change is fracture of the component.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the physical 20 change is movement or removal of the component.

4. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the physical change is wear of the component beyond a certain amount. 25

5. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the fluid compound is gaseous in atmospheric conditions.

6. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, 30 wherein the fluid compound is a liquid.

7. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal indicates the physical change of the component. 3 5 3085509_1 (GHMatters) P57050.AU.1 - 16

8. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the compound is predominantly a liquid when inside the capsule and forms a vapour in atmospheric conditions. 5

9. A system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the liquid is volatile when exposed to the atmosphere.

10. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the capsule is located adjacent a common fracture 10 location in the component and across the fracture location.

11. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the capsule is located, within the component such 15 that capsule intersects a common fracture location.

12. A system as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, wherein fracture of the component at the common fracture location causes the capsule to rupture. 20

13. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the signal produced by the analyzer may be transmitted to a controller. 25

14. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the location of the analyzer is fixed relative to the component.

15. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, 30 wherein the analyzer is remote from the component.

16. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the analyzer may be portable or provided in a fixed location. 35

305509.I (GHMaOrs) P57050.A.1 - 17

17. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the analyzer is one of a plurality of analyzers which are provided in spaced apart locations. 5

18. A mechanical assembly comprising a first portion having a passage for receiving a capsule, the first portion being provided with a cavity, wherein a first end of the passage opens into the cavity, the passage extending through at least part of the first portion, 10 wherein physical change of the first portion causes the capsule to release a fluid compound into the atmosphere.

19. An assembly as claimed in Claim 18, wherein a second end of the passage opens onto an external surface of the 15 first portion.

20. An assembly as claimed in Claims 18 or 19, wherein the mechanical assembly further comprises a second portion and a fastening means for fastening the second portion to 20 the first portion, such that the second end of the passage is covered by the second portion.

21. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 18 to 20, wherein the first portion is a tine holder that is 25 attachable to a support, such as a bucket of an excavator, for example by welding the tine holder to the support.

22. An assembly as claimed in Claim 20 or 21, wherein the second portion is a tine tip. 30

23. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the first portion has a protruding tongue and the second portion has a recess for receiving the tongue. 35

24. As assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 23, wherein the mechanical assembly further comprises a plate 3085509_1 (GHMatters) P57050.AU.1 - 18 member that is independently attached to the support such that the plate member is positioned within the cavity.

25. An assembly as claimed in Claims 24, wherein the 5 plate member is provided with a hole through which a part of the capsule extends.

26. An assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 25, wherein the assembly is arranged such that if the 10 attachment of the tine holder to the support fractures, the plate member remains attached to the support causing the capsule to rupture during separation of the tine holder from the support. 15

27. A system or an assembly substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 3085509_1 (GHMatterS) P57050.AU I