WO2022056613A1

WO2022056613A1 - Device for measuring and monitoring over bluetooth

Info

Publication number: WO2022056613A1
Application number: PCT/BR2020/050373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guillaume FRANÇOIS GILBERT BARRAULT; Alexandre ANDRÉ FERREIRA
Original assignee: Dynamox S/A
Priority date: 2020-09-21
Filing date: 2020-09-21
Publication date: 2022-03-24

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the sector of systems for monitoring and acquiring temperature and vibration data, and relates more specifically to a data logger device with Bluetooth communication that has contact temperature and vibration sensors to monitor the health of machines and perform triaxial spectral analysis.

Description

MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING DEVICE VIA BLUETOOTH

Technological sector of invention

[01 ] In general, the present invention belongs to the sector of monitoring systems and vibration and temperature data acquisition, and refers, more specifically, to a data logger device with bluetooth communication that has vibration and temperature sensors of contact, which monitors the health of the machines and performs the triaxial spectral analysis.

State of the art

[02] Companies are increasingly looking for cost reduction to be more competitive. The need to increase the useful life of equipment through appropriate techniques is a priority for asset maintenance. The evolution of the implementation of vibration and temperature analysis and monitoring in rotating equipment is identified, based on the concepts of reliability-centered maintenance, using condition-based maintenance techniques, with a focus on the task. [03] Maintenance activities are often performed at time intervals based on the worst case scenario, however, in practice, the structural degradation varies for each asset, making it difficult to predict the failure purely on the time of use. [04] One of the important steps in maintenance is the monitoring of equipment or machines, through data collection through systematic inspections. The most common techniques used include vibration, temperature, ultrasound, visual inspection and other non-destructive analysis. It is a process that seeks to optimize the useful life of the components of machines and equipment and the conditions for the life cycle of the same to be well used. The objectives are to determine in advance the need for maintenance of a part, tool or machine, eliminate unnecessary disassembly for inspection, increase equipment life, reduce unplanned emergency work, and prevent further damage. Through these objectives, it is possible to conclude that maintenance has a greater purpose, which is to reduce costs and increase productivity. [05] Industry professionals commonly use the terms meter, sensor and analyzer synonymously to refer to devices that measure vibration in industrial machinery and equipment. Similar terms may not correctly represent a device or technology.

[06] Sensors are electronic components that respond to physical or chemical stimuli, that is, they detect variations in the environment in which they are inserted. The goal is for the sensor to emit a signal capable of being interpreted by other devices.

[07] Meter is a broader term that includes the above. A meter is a system that aggregates several electronic components and makes it possible to perform parameter measurements.

[08] The function of an analyzer is to provide tools for the interpretation and analysis of the collected measurements.

[09] In many cases, conventional sensor inspections are connected to data collection equipment that requires inspection “routes”, which generally depend on an operator who is able to evaluate/monitor a limited number of sensors. machine to machine in order to collect periodic measurements.

[010] The concept of industry 4.0 brings the digitalization of industrial processes and, without a doubt, machine sensing is included in this. This allows the continuous monitoring of assets and is included in maintenance techniques, through which it is possible to monitor the condition of a machine, based on collected parameters, such as those already mentioned: vibration and temperature.

[01 1 ] Wireless technologies promise to solve this problem by simplifying and reducing installation cost, reducing maintenance associated with wiring failures, reducing the need for a technician to visit each monitoring site, and increasing the amount of data that can be collected.

[012] To realize these benefits in most cases, wireless means of communication must be similar in robustness and function to wireless systems. wired, sensor weight, including stand-alone power supplies less than a wired sensor, and sensor capacity should be similar to its wired counterparts. One of the most effective ways to collect this data is through gauges with sensors, installed on machines or components.

[013] Some studies can illustrate the importance of measurement and monitoring technologies for the sector, as is the case of the analysis carried out by the applicant itself on the unbalance of a motor that feeds the fan of a heat treatment furnace, as accessed at www. dynamox.net/ motor-imbalance.

[014] Another study demonstrates the constant improvement in the sector by the applicant, in a detection of bearing failure in bearing, as accessed at www.dynamox.net/falhas-rolamento.

[015] In view of this, the present device appears that performs the autonomous recording of samples of the vibration parameters in three axes, as well as the contact temperature, in a time interval defined by the user. The identification and information regarding the sensors are included in the data recorded in each unit, which can be carried out through a self-adhesive label or through direct printing on the body of the case.

Novelties and objectives of the invention

[016] The present invention consists of a device with vibration and temperature sensors, managed by a low consumption microcontroller and wireless communication interface (Bluetooth).

[017] The device also has an internal battery with a wide temperature range, and its electronics are protected by a layer of resin and surrounded by an external case made of Lexan plastic.

[018] The operation of the device is based on monitoring the vibration and temperature of remote equipment and machines. It periodically stores this data in its internal memory and through a Bluetooth device (smartphone, tablet or gateway) and with appropriate software, the entire history of these measurements is transferred to servers stored in the cloud. [019] The device monitors the health of the machine and performs triaxial spectral analysis. It takes readings on three orthogonal axes simultaneously or separately from each other, and can be installed in any angular direction. It collects information at user-defined sample intervals and allows the generation of graphs with measurement history. And it uses sensors with MEMS technology (Microcontrollers and Micro Electromechanical Systems), more specifically capacitive for the vibration sensor.

Description of the attached drawings

[020] In order for the present invention to be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, it will be described in a clear, concise and sufficient manner, based on the attached drawings, which illustrate and support it listed below. :

Figure 1 represents the perspective view of the device in its model 1;

Figure 2 represents the exploded perspective view of the device in its model 1;

Figure 3 represents the perspective view of the device in its model 2;

Figure 4 represents the exploded perspective view of the device in its model 2;

Figure 5 represents the perspective view of the devices and the orthogonal reading axes;

Figure 6 represents the operation scheme of the measurement and monitoring device via Bluetooth;

Figure 7 represents the way of fixing the device by fixing element;

Figure 8 represents the way of fixing the device by adhesive;

Figure 9 represents the correct way of fixing the device;

Figure 10 represents the correct positioning of the device;

Figure 11 represents the case with epoxy resin;

Figure 12 represents the mini-pins on the end of the case. Detailed description of the invention

[021] In general, the assembly of the set takes place through the connection of the various components to the rigid plate (5) which is fixed through a fastening element, preferably a screw (4) to the case (6), and the position of the screw (4) may be different if the most lateral or most centralized drilling of the adapter sleeve (1) is considered.

[022] The flexible plate (8) is connected to the acceleration sensor (11) and the flexible plate (12) is connected to the temperature sensor (10), both being fixed to the rigid plate (5). The antenna (not shown in Figures 2 and 4) is fixed to the rigid plate (5).

[023] The board (5) has an LED (14) that indicates through the light signal if the equipment where it is fixed presents vibration or temperature beyond the limits that were defined in the installation:

• 5 alternate flashes (green, red, green, red...) - the system is reset;

• 3 green flashes - start logging operation performed successfully;

• 3 red flashes - successful stop logging operation;

• 1 green flash - monitoring activated and alert state A0 (no alert);

• 1 red flash - monitoring activated and alert state A1 (non-critical);

• 2 red flashes - monitoring activated and alert state A2 (critical).

[024] The battery (2) is fixed to the support (3), depending on the configuration it is possible to have the device with one battery (Figure 2) or two batteries (Figure 4). The battery holder (3) is connected to the set and fixed to the case (6) making contact with the battery connectors (9), the size and positioning of this may be different if the application is for one or two batteries (2).

[025] The battery support (3) may have a different size if considering the use of one or two batteries (2), in the same way that the arrangement of the components on the rigid plate (5) may be differentiated if the drilling is considered more lateral or centralized, as can be seen in the possibilities presented in Figures 1 and 3.

[026] The fixing bush (1) is inserted into the set, through which the device can be fixed using a fixing element, preferably screw (not shown) to the equipment/structure. The way of fixing may vary according to the specifics of the installation and they are presented in more detail in Figures 9 and 10. The position in relation to the case (6) and other components of the device will be different if considering the fixing of the bushing (1 ), as shown in Figures 2 and 4, this fact does not alter or modify the measurement capability of the invention.

[027] The sensors (10) and (1 1 ), fixed on the flexible plates (8) and (12), are connected to the metal clamping bush (1 ), to effectively transmit the vibration and temperature of the structure where the set will be fixed, in order to guarantee stability to the sensor element without affecting the vibration of the fixing structure. The position in relation to the flexible plates (8) and (12) and other components of the device will be different if considering the fixing of the bushing (1), as shown in Figures 2 and 4; it should be noted that this fact does not alter or modify the measuring capacity of the invention.

[028] The case (6) is filled with epoxy resin (Figure 1 1 ). It provides a sealed enclosure to prevent contamination by water, dust, oil and the like, so the device can be used in a variety of harsh industrial environments.

[029] The flexible board system (8) and (12), containing the sensors (10) and (1 1 ), and the antenna are electrically connected to the board (5), so that the device can transmit data via Bluetooth ( 13) to the appropriate receivers, as diagram of Figure 6. The identification and information regarding the sensors are included in the data recorded in each unit, this can be done through a self-adhesive label placed on the case (6) or through direct printing on the body of the case. Even so, the microcontroller (7) that manages the present device has been connected to the board.

device communication

[030] Communication from device to mobile device (with APP installed), or gateway is performed only via Bluetooth - BLE 5.0/2400 - 2483.5 MHz.

Interaction with application and web system

[031] The solution encompasses the use of multiple devices, which monitor the health of the machine and perform triaxial spectral analysis.

[032] As illustrated in Figure 6, after the data is collected, the measurements can be viewed instantly on the smartphone (by the application, which collects the data stored by the device and allows instant readings) or sent by the gateway (an alternative to the data collection. It collects automatically, sending data directly to the Web Platform). The data history is stored and processed on the Web Platform (online platform that allows complete data analysis and has practical tools that support decision making and spectral analysis) for analysis and data collection can be automated through a gateway.

forms of fastening

[033] Devices can be installed in different ways. Frequency bandwidth is especially sensitive to how it is coupled to equipment. The method of attaching the device to the measurement point is one of the most critical factors in obtaining accurate results from practical vibration measurements. Thus, contraindicated fixation results in the appearance of non-pertinent resonances, which can severely limit the useful frequency range of the accelerometer.

[034] Figure 7 illustrates the most common form of fastening in measuring machine vibration. [035] Of these fastening methods, it focuses on the most common methods applied to the condition monitoring of machines, that is: fastening by fastener and by adhesive.

Fixation by fixing element

[036] Depending on the type of machinery and monitoring point, different fixing methods can be used. To obtain the best results, it is recommended to use a fastening element, preferably with a screw.

[037] Screw fastening is typically used for permanently affixed device applications. In general, the use of screws in the fixation is more efficient, essentially by making both parts one.

[038] Figure 7 illustrates the standard fixing on the machine surface. The device is positioned at the measurement point, so that the base is fully supported on the installed surface. The screw (17) and lock washer (18) are tightened using a tightening torque of 11 Nm.

Adhesive fixing

[039] Other cases may completely restrict the option of fixing by fixing element, such as the impossibility of drilling the machinery or the surface with a very thin wall, making it impossible to thread screws.

[040] In these situations, the epoxy resin fixation method (Figure 8) can be used as an alternative, recommending the use of bicomponent epoxy putty in an amount of approximately 2 cm ³ .

From the place of attachment

[041] The fixation method is one of the most critical factors in vibration measurements, after all a proper fixation is essential. The device must be installed on a rigid part of the machine (Figure 9), avoiding regions that may present localized resonance. Preferably, the device should be centered (Figure 10) in relation to critical components such as bearings. Device Differentials

[042] The temperature sensor (10) is fixed to the flexible plate (12) allowing it to be coupled to the beginning of the fixing sleeve (1) in aluminum (with a high degree of conductivity) allowing to reliably measure the temperature of the monitored asset.

[043] The acceleration sensor (11) is also on a flexible plate (8) at the beginning of the aluminum adapter sleeve (1), allowing a better representation of the vibration of the asset coupled to the device and a better repeatability in the production of data.

[044] The resin used has a chemical composition that makes the device a rigid body with a low coefficient of thermal conductance allowing that in less than 3 cm the temperature from the beginning to the top is at least 15 degrees, thus ensuring the integrity of the PCB board (5).

[045] The battery support structure (3) with the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) board (5) and the pin eliminates the need to solder the battery (2) to the board (5), and guarantees a highly reliable position of the two sensors (10) and (11) used with the flexible plates (8) and (12).

[046] The support structure of the PCB board (5) and the pin is completely free of screws and works only with fittings.

[047] The electronics and antenna of the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) processor (13) are fully resined, but even so the resin/antenna coupling, in addition to guaranteeing a total seal, provides a range performance of over 60 meters in free field.

[048] The case (6) made of Lexan has its own cylindrical structure (allowing a fitting of the fixing bush (1), in which a fixing element is inserted) and a recessed concave lens (15) that allows the passage of the LED light (14) on the PCB board (5). The position of the hole for fixing the bushing (1) may be more centralized or more on the side, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, highlighting that this fact does not alter or modify the measurement capacity of the invention. [049] The end of the case (6) in Lexan is equipped with mini pins (16), as shown in Figure 12, distributed along its base to be able to better couple to irregular surfaces. When the fastening element is fully threaded, the mini pins (16) will deform to better fit and form a rigid body on the uneven surface.

[050] The fidelity of the data collected by the wireless device is directly related to the method used for its fixation on the component to be monitored. It is critical that there is a tight coupling to ensure a reliable indicator of the health of the monitored asset. Each fixation method can interfere with the quality of the result obtained. Therefore, it is good to know the different ways of fixing and understand their importance and limitations in terms of vibration spectra.

[051] In addition, it is important to correctly select the type of device for the vibration to be monitored and to define the correct installation location on the machine or component.

[052] The devices measure vibration mainly according to the monitoring axis (Figure 5), so it is important that it is installed in an ideal position of the machine. A firm anchor is also essential, as incorrect adhesion will produce inconsistent data on the state of the machine and its components.

[053] It is important to note that the figures and description made do not have the power to limit the forms of execution of the inventive concept proposed here, but rather to illustrate and make understandable the conceptual innovations revealed in this solution. Thus, the descriptions and images must be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, and there may be other equivalent or similar ways of implementing the inventive concept revealed herein and that do not deviate from the protection spectrum outlined in the proposed solution.

Claims

1- BLUETOOTH MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING DEVICE characterized by the rigid plate (5) which is fixed through a fastening element (4) to the case (6), and comprises microcontroller (7), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) processor ( 13) and LED (14); flexible plate (8) which is connected to the acceleration sensor (11) and the flexible plate (12) which is connected to the temperature sensor (10), both being fixed to the rigid plate (5) with antenna; sensors (10) and (11) which are connected to the metal clamping bush (1), and the flexible plates (8) and (12) and the antenna are electrically connected to the plate (5); battery (2) that is fixed to the support (3), said support (3) being connected to the set and fixed to the case (6) making contact with the battery connectors (9) and fixing bushing (1) that is inserted in the set, and through this it can be fixed with the use of a fastening element to the equipment/structure; and also, to perform readings in three orthogonal axes simultaneously or separately from each other, and can be installed in any angular direction.

2- DEVICE according to claim 1, and characterized in that it can comprise one or two batteries (2).

3- DEVICE according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the fastening element (4) is preferably a screw, and its position is adjusted according to the most lateral or most centralized hole in the fastening sleeve (1).

4- DEVICE according to claims 1, 2 and 3, and characterized in that the battery support (3) has its size and positioning adjusted according to the application for one or two batteries (2), as well as the arrangement of the components on the board rigid (5).

5- DEVICE according to claim 1, and characterized in that the case (6) is made of Lexan polymer, and filled with epoxy resin, and has its own cylindrical structure that allows the fitting of the fixing bush (1), and a recessed concave lens (15) that allows the passage of light from the LED (14) of the board (5). 6- DEVICE according to claims 1 and 5, and characterized in that the case (6) is provided with mini pins (16) distributed along its base to attach to irregular surfaces.

7- DEVICE according to claim 1, and characterized in that the electronics and antenna of the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) processor (13) are fully resined.

8- DEVICE according to claim 1, and characterized in that it can be fixed by a fastening element, preferably by a screw (17) in a set of pressure washer or self-locking (18); and yet, adhesive or epoxy glue can be used in combination.

9- DEVICE according to claim 1, and characterized in that it can be fixed by a two-component epoxy putty, preferably around 2 cm ³ .

10- DEVICE according to claim 1, and characterized in that it can have a magnetic base.