Tuned vibration detector
AssigneeAllied Corporation
InventorsPhilip M. Anderson, III, Ronald K. Reich, Donald Raskin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention provides a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations having preselected frequencies. The sensor has a plurality of tuning mechanisms each being mechanically resonant with a different preselected vibrational frequency. The resonating vibrational movements of these tuning mechanisms apply varying stresses to a plurality of glassy magnetostrictive elements associated therewith. Each of the magnetostrictive elements is responsive to a different one of the tuning mechanisms. A magnetic biasing element imparts a magnetization to the magnetostrictive elements and a detecting mechanism associated with the magnetostrictive elements detects changes in the magnetization thereof caused by the varying stresses applied thereto.
Claims22
A vibration sensor for detecting vibrations having preselected frequencies, comprising:
- a. a plurality of tuning means each being mechanically resonant with a different preselected vibrational frequency to be detected, and each comprising a frame having a least one mechanical resonant frequency and having at least one cantilevered element extending therefrom;
- b. a plurality of positive magnetostriction glassy metal elements, each connected to a different one of said cantilevered elements to undergo a varying tensile stress in response to vibrational movements of said cantilevered elements, and each connected to said different one of said cantilevered elements with a tensile prestress applied to the glass metal element;
- c. magnetic biasing means for imparting magnetization to said magnetostrictive elements;
- and
- d. means associated with said magnetostrictive elements for detecting changes in the magnetization thereof due to the varying stresses applied thereto.
A vibration sensor adapted for use with a rolling element bearing to detect vibrations due to bearing
- a. a base adapted for mounting to apparatus comprising said bearing;
- b. a frame connected to said base and having a plurality of cantilevered elements extending therefrom, said frame being mechanically resonant with said vibrations at a plurality of frequencies;
- c. a plurality of frequency adjusting means, each being connected to a different one of said cantilevered elements for varying the resonant frequencies of said frame;
- d. a plurality of magnetostricutive elements of positive magnetostriction material, each connected to a different one of said cantilevered elements with a tensile prestress applied thereto and each connected to said cantilevered elements to undergo varying tensile stresses in response to resonating movement of said cantilevered elements;
- e. a magnet associated with said magnetostrictive elements to impart a magnetization thereto;
- and
- f. a coil of electrically conductive material located in proximity to said magnetostrictive element for detecting changes in the magnetization thereof caused by variations of said tensile stresses.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.