CA2232053A1 - Bearing temperature warning system - Google Patents
Bearing temperature warning system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2232053A1 CA2232053A1 CA 2232053 CA2232053A CA2232053A1 CA 2232053 A1 CA2232053 A1 CA 2232053A1 CA 2232053 CA2232053 CA 2232053 CA 2232053 A CA2232053 A CA 2232053A CA 2232053 A1 CA2232053 A1 CA 2232053A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M13/00—Testing of machine parts
- G01M13/04—Bearings
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Abstract
The present invention is a system for monitoring temperature changes in wheel bearings of vehicles, preferably trucks. It includes a plurality of sensors positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings. Each of the sensors is adapted to alter the flow of voltage therethrough in relation to the temperature change of the bearings. The system has a display box in the truck for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures. It also includes an electronic control box operatively coupled to each of the wheel bearings sensors and to the display box for receiving the change in voltage in each of said sensors and signalling the appropriate display. The system may also incorporate radio frequency transmitters for transmitting information from the sensors to the display box.
Description
BEARING TEMPERATURE WARNING BY~TEN
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of temperature sensors and specifically for temperature sensors for bearings.
The invention has particular application to wheel bearings for vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The wheels of transport trucks are designed to carry many heavy loclds over long distances safely. However, it is not uncommon for a wheel of a tractor trailer to break off of the trailer cluring use and cause damage to other vehicles on the road. One cause for a wheel to snap off of the truck is the seizure of the wheel bearings in the wheel.
When a wheel bearing malfunctions, the temperature of the bearing increases dramatically. Temperatures within the wheel hubs can reach extreme levels as a result of bearing failures.
Causes for bearing failures include loose mounting bolts, lack of lubricant, contamination, or other causes of high friction.
Excessive temperatures can also be generated by the braking systems for example during constant application of braking pressure on long downgrades or heavy use of the truck brakes in panic braking situations. Often, drivers are not aware of excessively high temperatures in the wheel bearings or that wheel failure is imminent.
Although temperature monitoring systems for wheel bearings are known for use with railroad car wheel journals, these systems are not easily adaptable for use with trucks or other roadway vehicles ancl can not be retrofit onto trucks in a simple and economical manner.
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 There, therefore, remains a need for a wheel bearing temperature monitoring system for use with tractor trailer trucks and other vehicles. There also remains a need for such a system which can be easily and economically retrofit into existing vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of known systems and provides a system for monitoring the temperature change of wheel bearings in each wheel of tractor trailer trucks or other vehicles. The system can easily and economic,~lly be retrofit into existing vehicles.
According to the present invention then, there is provided a system for monitoring temperature changes in wheel bearings comprising a plurality of sensors for monitoring the change in temperature of wheel bearings, positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings to be monitored, each of said sensors ,~dapted to alter the flow of voltage therethrough in relation to the temperature change; display means for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures; and electronic means operatively coupled to each of said sensors and to said display !means for receiving the change in voltage in each of said sensors, comparing said voltage to a pre-determined value, and signalling said display means to display an appropri,ate signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be further described in greater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows the electronic box and display box of one embodiment of the present invention;
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 Figure 2 shows the attachment of a sensor in one embodiment of the present invention to the axle of a truck;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of circuits representing the systems installed onto a trailer and truck; and Figures 4A to 4D are diagrams of the circuit board remote sensors and radio frequency link and parts list for the radio frequency sensor system used in one embodiment of the present nvent lo:n .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, the present invention is a system 1 for monitoring the temperature in wheel bearings on the whee:Ls of a tractor trailer truck. The system 1 comprises an electronic control box 3, a display box 5 electronically connected to the control box 3, and temperature sensors operably connected to the electronic control box 3.
The system 1 monitors the temperature in the bearings of each wheel of the trailer and signals the driver when the temperature in the wheel bearings rises. The display box 5 is contained in the cab of the tractor trailer truck and has a variety of display options indicating different temperature ranges of the bearings in the wheels. The display box 5 also includes an alarm having a buzzer and flashing red light for signalling the driver when dangerous temperatures are reached.
In a preferred embodiment, the display options include indicator lights 7, 9 ranging from solid green indicating the bearings temperature is within a normal, safe range to flashing red indicating that the temperature of the bearings have reached dangerous levels. When dangerous temperatures are reached, the alarm activates the buzzer and flashing red light in the display box '; to indicate that the driver should cease use of the wheels until the bearings cool down to a safe temperature and maintenance is performed.
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 Optionally a LCD display may be utilized to display the status of input from the sensors.
The system 1 monitors the temperature of the bearings in each wheel of the trailer and truck through temperature sensors mounted to the bac:k side (downwind side) of the axle of each wheel. The sensor is preferably positioned approximately 1 to 1 l/2 inches from the inside edge of the bearing closest to the centre of the vehicle. To mount the sensor as shown in Figure 2, the wheel is removed and the sensor lead is thread through the brake drum area and the dust cover. The sensor is su]rounded with thermally conductive material which adheres to the axle area. A stainless steel band may be placed around the thermally conductive material and sensor holding it in position until the material cures thereby ensuring that the sensor remains in the proper position while the wheel is replaced. The sensor's lead is tied off to the terminal strip in the control box 3 and the wheel may be replaced as per regulatory standards.
Depending upon the system and sensors used in the present invention, the temperature sensors have an electrical current travelling through them which changes according to the change in temperature of the wheel bearings. As the temperature of the bearings rises, the electrical current in the sensors varies approximately 18 ~ A/~C temperature change of the bearings Sensors and control boxes suitable for use in the present invention are commercially available at a number of retail outlets and will be described in greater detail below.
The electronic control box 3 is an enclosure mounted on the truck. The box 3 receives a 12 volt DC power supply from the truck engine or ancil:Lary power supply. The sensors are wired to the control box by two-wire low voltage wiring. The control box 3 contains a number of circuits including an CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 electroni,c circuit, comparison circuit, coincidence circuit, detection circuits, and display drivers. The comparison circuit and coincidence circuits are set at pre-determined values. The circuits used in the present invention are common circuits well known in thl- art and widely available at many commercial outlets. A]ternatively, the system may be computeri,zed and the control box may include computer chips containing appropriate circuitry, as will be described in greater c'letail below.
The electronic circuit receives signals from the sensors relating to their voltage level and compares the level to the pre-set values in the comparison circuit. Changes in the voltage ]Level from the comparison circuit values signal the display c~rivers to activate the appropriate display in the display box 5. At the same time, the coincidence circuit, set at a pre-determined value,, monitors the voltage level of the electronic circuit to determine when to initiate and deactivat:e the alarm in the display box 5 in the truck cab.
The display box 5 is mounted in the truck cab in view of the driver. It is connec:ted by cable 11 to the electronic control box 3. The display box 3 contains several indicator lights 7, 9 as well as the alarm buzzer. The lights include a single multicolour light emitting diode display 9 as well as single indicator lights 7 for each sensor on the trailer and truck wheels. The sinqle multicolour light emitting diode display 9 is connected to the display drivers in the electronic control box 3 and activated by the electronic circuit. As the voltage in the sensors change due to the change in temperature of the wheel bearings, the electronic circuit signals the display drivers to illuminate the light of the appropriate colour in the diode display. As the temperature in the bearings reaches the pre-set value of the comparison circuit, for example 70~C, the green indicator CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 light 9 will start to flash and turn amber. This warning allows a driver to take precautions to avoid further temperature rise and investigate the cause of the problem.
Continued heating of the bearing will turn the same light red.
When the pre-set value oflthe coincidence circuit, for example 100~C, is exceeded signalling that dangerous temperatures have been reached in the wheel bearings, the alarm is activated setting off the flashing red light and buzzer. The red light and buzzer alarms can only be turned off by shutting down the power supply or allowing the wheel bearings to cool off. Each wheel sensor is monitoredL individually to allow the problem area to be immediately identified.
The system 1 includes a number of testing procedures to signal a malfunction in the system. When the system 1 is powered on through the ignition switch or other power supply, the system 1 checks all of the sensor inputs using a series of detect:ion circuits to identify any problems. The detection circuits activate the appropriate light displays in the display box 5 to inform the driver of the nature of the malfunction in the system. A steady green light indicates that the system 1 is :Eunctioning properly. No lights indicate, a problem in the control 3 or display box 5 or the connection to the power supply. A flashing green light indicates that a sensor has an open circuit, for example caused by a loose wire. A flashing red light indicates that a sensor has a short circuit for example caused by pinched or crossed wires. Obviously, other colour displays and arrangements may be used. The display box 5 includes a manual push button. When this button is manually depressed, all lights will be tested and indicate if the system 1 is functioning properly. The lights will return to their regular colour when the push button is released.
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 On ]Display Box 5, by pushing and holding the test/reset button for approximately 2-3 programmed seconds and then releasing, the display will show the worst condition reached at each ;sensor since the last time the unit was reset.
5The trip history can be reset by pressing and holding the test/reslet button for a minimum of 8 programmed seconds until the lights dim to half intensity and then releasing the button. The trip history will now reset and the lights will return to the state of a clean trip history. When clearing the trip history, the event is logged in the EE Prom memory for future reference and retrieval.
In control Box 3 a real time clock chip (with battery back-up) and the microprocessor chip make a date and time stamp of each condition change and send it to the EE Prom.
The EE Prom saves up to 500 lines of changes and then through the serial prot chip can be retrieved by a remote computer.
The RS232 port and serial chip allow for log down loading as well as threshold programming and controller configuration for each application, e.g., a truck with four wheels, not six, or a trailer with four wheels, not eight. This also allows changing of registers in the EE Prom through internal programming from the controller chip.
The present invention may incorporate radio frequency (RF) transmitters and microchip processors allowing for easier retrofit of existing vehicles and easier exchange between trailers and trucks. Figure 3 shows one arrangement incorporating radio frequency transmitters and microchip processors. Two systems are set up, one mounted on the trailer and one on the truck. The trailer system comprises a number of temperature censors mounted on the wheel axles.
These sensors send information to a microprocessor which relays the information to a radio frequency transmitter and CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 LED display. The system on the truck also includes sensors on each wheel axle and a microprocessor to receive information from these sensors. This system further includes a radio frequency link receiver to receive coded signals from the radio frequency transmitter with the information gathered from the traiLer sensors. The truck system further includes a LED
display in the truck cab which informs the driver whether the wheel bea,rings are within a safe operating temperature.
The microprocessor used in Figure 3 is an 8-bit CMOS
microcontroller with A/D converter. A diagram of the circuit board remote sensors and RF link is shown in Figure 4 along with the associated parts list for the systems shown. The microprocessor model, PIC 16C74, is manufactured by Microchip Technology Inc. TN and :is commercially available. The temperature sensors used on Figure 3 and shown in Figure 4B
is the LM35 model manufactured by National Semiconductor CorporationTN. This sensc,r is a precision integrated-circuit temperature sensor whose output is linearly proportional to Celsius temperature.
A remote control system designed by MING Engineering &
Products Inc. TN may also be incorporated into the present invention. This system comprises an encoder and transmitter mounted on the trailer unit and a receiver and decoder circuitry or modules mounted on the truck unit. The encoder contains circuitry to tran,smit a coded signal. The signal can contain aLnywhere from 8 to 18 bits giving up to 380 million possible codes. The transmitter sends a coded signal from the encoder circuit by means of a selected transmitting media such as radio frequency. The :receiver's input is connected to an antenna which receives serial data information sent by the radio frequency transmitter. The receiver's output is connected to the decoder's serial data input for analyzation of the coded signal received. The decoder will analyze the CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 coded signal input from the receiver to confirm a match of the coded signal sent by the transmitter/encoder system. Upon accepting a match of the coded signal, a valid transmission can then occur.
To further enhance th,e functionality of the product the control box (3) has a real time clock (Dallas Semiconductor DS1307) (IC3) and battery back-up (standard supply house) to make a time and date stamp record of each condition change and then save it in the EE Prom. The EE Prom can save up to 500 records aLs well as through programmable internal registers modify functionality of the control box for specific applications. Through the RS232 port and its interface chip (IC4, TC~'32CPE/telecom+), the records can be retrieved for historical information and further analysis, as well as allowing access to the software registers.
The present invention has a wide range of applications beyond trucks. For instance industrial/commercial motor bearings (electric) may be monitored. Refrigeration and heating ~;ystems may also be monitored.
With additional sensors the present invention can track liquid level, vibration, line (motion) speed, light, sound levels, distance anywhere a plurality of sensors are required for monit:oring.
Sen~;or points can be daisy chained through RF coded signals f'or additional monitoring sources.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant: to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to g CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the following appended claims.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of temperature sensors and specifically for temperature sensors for bearings.
The invention has particular application to wheel bearings for vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The wheels of transport trucks are designed to carry many heavy loclds over long distances safely. However, it is not uncommon for a wheel of a tractor trailer to break off of the trailer cluring use and cause damage to other vehicles on the road. One cause for a wheel to snap off of the truck is the seizure of the wheel bearings in the wheel.
When a wheel bearing malfunctions, the temperature of the bearing increases dramatically. Temperatures within the wheel hubs can reach extreme levels as a result of bearing failures.
Causes for bearing failures include loose mounting bolts, lack of lubricant, contamination, or other causes of high friction.
Excessive temperatures can also be generated by the braking systems for example during constant application of braking pressure on long downgrades or heavy use of the truck brakes in panic braking situations. Often, drivers are not aware of excessively high temperatures in the wheel bearings or that wheel failure is imminent.
Although temperature monitoring systems for wheel bearings are known for use with railroad car wheel journals, these systems are not easily adaptable for use with trucks or other roadway vehicles ancl can not be retrofit onto trucks in a simple and economical manner.
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 There, therefore, remains a need for a wheel bearing temperature monitoring system for use with tractor trailer trucks and other vehicles. There also remains a need for such a system which can be easily and economically retrofit into existing vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of known systems and provides a system for monitoring the temperature change of wheel bearings in each wheel of tractor trailer trucks or other vehicles. The system can easily and economic,~lly be retrofit into existing vehicles.
According to the present invention then, there is provided a system for monitoring temperature changes in wheel bearings comprising a plurality of sensors for monitoring the change in temperature of wheel bearings, positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings to be monitored, each of said sensors ,~dapted to alter the flow of voltage therethrough in relation to the temperature change; display means for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures; and electronic means operatively coupled to each of said sensors and to said display !means for receiving the change in voltage in each of said sensors, comparing said voltage to a pre-determined value, and signalling said display means to display an appropri,ate signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be further described in greater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows the electronic box and display box of one embodiment of the present invention;
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 Figure 2 shows the attachment of a sensor in one embodiment of the present invention to the axle of a truck;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of circuits representing the systems installed onto a trailer and truck; and Figures 4A to 4D are diagrams of the circuit board remote sensors and radio frequency link and parts list for the radio frequency sensor system used in one embodiment of the present nvent lo:n .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, the present invention is a system 1 for monitoring the temperature in wheel bearings on the whee:Ls of a tractor trailer truck. The system 1 comprises an electronic control box 3, a display box 5 electronically connected to the control box 3, and temperature sensors operably connected to the electronic control box 3.
The system 1 monitors the temperature in the bearings of each wheel of the trailer and signals the driver when the temperature in the wheel bearings rises. The display box 5 is contained in the cab of the tractor trailer truck and has a variety of display options indicating different temperature ranges of the bearings in the wheels. The display box 5 also includes an alarm having a buzzer and flashing red light for signalling the driver when dangerous temperatures are reached.
In a preferred embodiment, the display options include indicator lights 7, 9 ranging from solid green indicating the bearings temperature is within a normal, safe range to flashing red indicating that the temperature of the bearings have reached dangerous levels. When dangerous temperatures are reached, the alarm activates the buzzer and flashing red light in the display box '; to indicate that the driver should cease use of the wheels until the bearings cool down to a safe temperature and maintenance is performed.
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 Optionally a LCD display may be utilized to display the status of input from the sensors.
The system 1 monitors the temperature of the bearings in each wheel of the trailer and truck through temperature sensors mounted to the bac:k side (downwind side) of the axle of each wheel. The sensor is preferably positioned approximately 1 to 1 l/2 inches from the inside edge of the bearing closest to the centre of the vehicle. To mount the sensor as shown in Figure 2, the wheel is removed and the sensor lead is thread through the brake drum area and the dust cover. The sensor is su]rounded with thermally conductive material which adheres to the axle area. A stainless steel band may be placed around the thermally conductive material and sensor holding it in position until the material cures thereby ensuring that the sensor remains in the proper position while the wheel is replaced. The sensor's lead is tied off to the terminal strip in the control box 3 and the wheel may be replaced as per regulatory standards.
Depending upon the system and sensors used in the present invention, the temperature sensors have an electrical current travelling through them which changes according to the change in temperature of the wheel bearings. As the temperature of the bearings rises, the electrical current in the sensors varies approximately 18 ~ A/~C temperature change of the bearings Sensors and control boxes suitable for use in the present invention are commercially available at a number of retail outlets and will be described in greater detail below.
The electronic control box 3 is an enclosure mounted on the truck. The box 3 receives a 12 volt DC power supply from the truck engine or ancil:Lary power supply. The sensors are wired to the control box by two-wire low voltage wiring. The control box 3 contains a number of circuits including an CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 electroni,c circuit, comparison circuit, coincidence circuit, detection circuits, and display drivers. The comparison circuit and coincidence circuits are set at pre-determined values. The circuits used in the present invention are common circuits well known in thl- art and widely available at many commercial outlets. A]ternatively, the system may be computeri,zed and the control box may include computer chips containing appropriate circuitry, as will be described in greater c'letail below.
The electronic circuit receives signals from the sensors relating to their voltage level and compares the level to the pre-set values in the comparison circuit. Changes in the voltage ]Level from the comparison circuit values signal the display c~rivers to activate the appropriate display in the display box 5. At the same time, the coincidence circuit, set at a pre-determined value,, monitors the voltage level of the electronic circuit to determine when to initiate and deactivat:e the alarm in the display box 5 in the truck cab.
The display box 5 is mounted in the truck cab in view of the driver. It is connec:ted by cable 11 to the electronic control box 3. The display box 3 contains several indicator lights 7, 9 as well as the alarm buzzer. The lights include a single multicolour light emitting diode display 9 as well as single indicator lights 7 for each sensor on the trailer and truck wheels. The sinqle multicolour light emitting diode display 9 is connected to the display drivers in the electronic control box 3 and activated by the electronic circuit. As the voltage in the sensors change due to the change in temperature of the wheel bearings, the electronic circuit signals the display drivers to illuminate the light of the appropriate colour in the diode display. As the temperature in the bearings reaches the pre-set value of the comparison circuit, for example 70~C, the green indicator CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 light 9 will start to flash and turn amber. This warning allows a driver to take precautions to avoid further temperature rise and investigate the cause of the problem.
Continued heating of the bearing will turn the same light red.
When the pre-set value oflthe coincidence circuit, for example 100~C, is exceeded signalling that dangerous temperatures have been reached in the wheel bearings, the alarm is activated setting off the flashing red light and buzzer. The red light and buzzer alarms can only be turned off by shutting down the power supply or allowing the wheel bearings to cool off. Each wheel sensor is monitoredL individually to allow the problem area to be immediately identified.
The system 1 includes a number of testing procedures to signal a malfunction in the system. When the system 1 is powered on through the ignition switch or other power supply, the system 1 checks all of the sensor inputs using a series of detect:ion circuits to identify any problems. The detection circuits activate the appropriate light displays in the display box 5 to inform the driver of the nature of the malfunction in the system. A steady green light indicates that the system 1 is :Eunctioning properly. No lights indicate, a problem in the control 3 or display box 5 or the connection to the power supply. A flashing green light indicates that a sensor has an open circuit, for example caused by a loose wire. A flashing red light indicates that a sensor has a short circuit for example caused by pinched or crossed wires. Obviously, other colour displays and arrangements may be used. The display box 5 includes a manual push button. When this button is manually depressed, all lights will be tested and indicate if the system 1 is functioning properly. The lights will return to their regular colour when the push button is released.
CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 On ]Display Box 5, by pushing and holding the test/reset button for approximately 2-3 programmed seconds and then releasing, the display will show the worst condition reached at each ;sensor since the last time the unit was reset.
5The trip history can be reset by pressing and holding the test/reslet button for a minimum of 8 programmed seconds until the lights dim to half intensity and then releasing the button. The trip history will now reset and the lights will return to the state of a clean trip history. When clearing the trip history, the event is logged in the EE Prom memory for future reference and retrieval.
In control Box 3 a real time clock chip (with battery back-up) and the microprocessor chip make a date and time stamp of each condition change and send it to the EE Prom.
The EE Prom saves up to 500 lines of changes and then through the serial prot chip can be retrieved by a remote computer.
The RS232 port and serial chip allow for log down loading as well as threshold programming and controller configuration for each application, e.g., a truck with four wheels, not six, or a trailer with four wheels, not eight. This also allows changing of registers in the EE Prom through internal programming from the controller chip.
The present invention may incorporate radio frequency (RF) transmitters and microchip processors allowing for easier retrofit of existing vehicles and easier exchange between trailers and trucks. Figure 3 shows one arrangement incorporating radio frequency transmitters and microchip processors. Two systems are set up, one mounted on the trailer and one on the truck. The trailer system comprises a number of temperature censors mounted on the wheel axles.
These sensors send information to a microprocessor which relays the information to a radio frequency transmitter and CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 LED display. The system on the truck also includes sensors on each wheel axle and a microprocessor to receive information from these sensors. This system further includes a radio frequency link receiver to receive coded signals from the radio frequency transmitter with the information gathered from the traiLer sensors. The truck system further includes a LED
display in the truck cab which informs the driver whether the wheel bea,rings are within a safe operating temperature.
The microprocessor used in Figure 3 is an 8-bit CMOS
microcontroller with A/D converter. A diagram of the circuit board remote sensors and RF link is shown in Figure 4 along with the associated parts list for the systems shown. The microprocessor model, PIC 16C74, is manufactured by Microchip Technology Inc. TN and :is commercially available. The temperature sensors used on Figure 3 and shown in Figure 4B
is the LM35 model manufactured by National Semiconductor CorporationTN. This sensc,r is a precision integrated-circuit temperature sensor whose output is linearly proportional to Celsius temperature.
A remote control system designed by MING Engineering &
Products Inc. TN may also be incorporated into the present invention. This system comprises an encoder and transmitter mounted on the trailer unit and a receiver and decoder circuitry or modules mounted on the truck unit. The encoder contains circuitry to tran,smit a coded signal. The signal can contain aLnywhere from 8 to 18 bits giving up to 380 million possible codes. The transmitter sends a coded signal from the encoder circuit by means of a selected transmitting media such as radio frequency. The :receiver's input is connected to an antenna which receives serial data information sent by the radio frequency transmitter. The receiver's output is connected to the decoder's serial data input for analyzation of the coded signal received. The decoder will analyze the CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 coded signal input from the receiver to confirm a match of the coded signal sent by the transmitter/encoder system. Upon accepting a match of the coded signal, a valid transmission can then occur.
To further enhance th,e functionality of the product the control box (3) has a real time clock (Dallas Semiconductor DS1307) (IC3) and battery back-up (standard supply house) to make a time and date stamp record of each condition change and then save it in the EE Prom. The EE Prom can save up to 500 records aLs well as through programmable internal registers modify functionality of the control box for specific applications. Through the RS232 port and its interface chip (IC4, TC~'32CPE/telecom+), the records can be retrieved for historical information and further analysis, as well as allowing access to the software registers.
The present invention has a wide range of applications beyond trucks. For instance industrial/commercial motor bearings (electric) may be monitored. Refrigeration and heating ~;ystems may also be monitored.
With additional sensors the present invention can track liquid level, vibration, line (motion) speed, light, sound levels, distance anywhere a plurality of sensors are required for monit:oring.
Sen~;or points can be daisy chained through RF coded signals f'or additional monitoring sources.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant: to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to g CA 022320~3 1998-03-12 be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the following appended claims.
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for monitoring temperature changes in wheel bearings comprising:
a plurality of sensors for monitoring the change in temperature of wheel bearings, positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings to be monitored, each of said sensors adapted to alter the flow of voltage therethrough in relation to the temperature change;
display means for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures;
electronic means operatively coupled to each of said sensors and to said display means for receiving the change in voltage in each of said sensors, comparing said voltage to a pre-determined value, and signalling said display means to display an appropriate signal.
a plurality of sensors for monitoring the change in temperature of wheel bearings, positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings to be monitored, each of said sensors adapted to alter the flow of voltage therethrough in relation to the temperature change;
display means for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures;
electronic means operatively coupled to each of said sensors and to said display means for receiving the change in voltage in each of said sensors, comparing said voltage to a pre-determined value, and signalling said display means to display an appropriate signal.
2. The sensor of claim 1 wherein said electronic means includes a comparison circuit set at a pre-determined value and an electronic circuit for receiving the voltage value from each of said sensors, comparing said value to said pre-determined value in said comparison circuit, and initiating a display signal in said display means.
3. The sensor of claim 2 wherein said display means includes a plurality of lights for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures.
4. The sensor of claim 3 further including an alarm means operably connected to said electronic means for signalling when the temperature of the wheel bearings rises above a pre-determined temperature.
5. The sensor of claim 4 wherein said each of said sensors are electrically coupled to said electronic means.
6. The sensor of claim 4 wherein said sensors interact with said electronic means by radio frequencies.
7. A system for monitoring temperature changes in wheel bearings in wheels comprising:
a plurality of electrical sensors for monitoring the change in temperature of wheel bearings, positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings to be monitored, each of said sensors adapted such that the change in temperature of the wheel bearings alters the flow of voltage through said sensor;
display means for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures, said display means including a plurality of lights;
alarm means operatively connected to said display means for indicating when the wheel bearings reach a pre-determined temperature;
electronic means operatively coupled to each of said sensors, said display means, and said alarm means, said electronic means including a comparison circuit set at a pre-determined value, an electronic circuit for receiving the voltage from each of said sensors and comparing the value to said pre-determined value of said comparison circuit thereby initiating one or more of said lights in said display means, and activating said alarm means when a pre-determined temperature is reached.
a plurality of electrical sensors for monitoring the change in temperature of wheel bearings, positioned in close proximity to the wheel bearings to be monitored, each of said sensors adapted such that the change in temperature of the wheel bearings alters the flow of voltage through said sensor;
display means for indicating whether the temperature of the wheel bearings is above or below pre-determined temperatures, said display means including a plurality of lights;
alarm means operatively connected to said display means for indicating when the wheel bearings reach a pre-determined temperature;
electronic means operatively coupled to each of said sensors, said display means, and said alarm means, said electronic means including a comparison circuit set at a pre-determined value, an electronic circuit for receiving the voltage from each of said sensors and comparing the value to said pre-determined value of said comparison circuit thereby initiating one or more of said lights in said display means, and activating said alarm means when a pre-determined temperature is reached.
8. A system as claimed in claim 7, further including means of temporarily recording and saving worst case conditions reached at each said sensor.
9. A system as claimed in claim 7 or 8, further including means of producing a condition record which includes a time, date and condition of each said sensor at a desired time.
10. A system as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, further includes a 9 pin RS232 port that can be accessed from the outside of said control box to transfer information to and from said microprocessor in said control box (3).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2232053 CA2232053A1 (en) | 1998-03-12 | 1998-03-12 | Bearing temperature warning system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2232053 CA2232053A1 (en) | 1998-03-12 | 1998-03-12 | Bearing temperature warning system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2232053A1 true CA2232053A1 (en) | 1998-09-14 |
Family
ID=4162216
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2232053 Abandoned CA2232053A1 (en) | 1998-03-12 | 1998-03-12 | Bearing temperature warning system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2232053A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1637862A2 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2006-03-22 | NSK Ltd., | Rolling bearing unit with temperature and/or vibration sensor |
| AU2016344639B2 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2019-07-11 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Systems and methods for monitoring wheel hub temperatures and odometry in trailer axles |
-
1998
- 1998-03-12 CA CA 2232053 patent/CA2232053A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1637862A2 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2006-03-22 | NSK Ltd., | Rolling bearing unit with temperature and/or vibration sensor |
| EP1637862A3 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2006-04-05 | NSK Ltd., | Rolling bearing unit with temperature and/or vibration sensor |
| US7241053B2 (en) | 2001-09-11 | 2007-07-10 | Nsk Ltd. | Rolling bearing unit with sensor |
| AU2016344639B2 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2019-07-11 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Systems and methods for monitoring wheel hub temperatures and odometry in trailer axles |
| US10846952B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2020-11-24 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Systems and methods for monitoring wheel hub temperatures and odometry in trailer axles |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |