On-line acoustic detection of bearing defects
AssigneeServo Corporation of America
InventorsJoseph E. Bambara, John L. Frarey, Richard L. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to apparatus for the detection of accustic impact frequencies, characteristic of bearing assembly failure during operation, which modulate an acoustic carrier frequency band. This apparatus allows for on-site or field application with high-level of ambient noise such as are present in railroad yards. This apparatus allows for early detection of such failures, so that a repair may be made before damaging heat build-up or catastrophic bearing failure occurs. Additionally, with sufficient early warning in railroad applications, a train may continue running to a railyard for convenient shop repair rather than expensive field repair.
Claims16
An apparatus for monitoring bearing assemblies of railroad cars for defects during operation comprising:
- means for transducing acoustic vibrations produced by said assemblies into a first electric signal;
- means for filtering frequency components not substantially equal to a preselected carrier frequency band substantially in the range from 10 to 12 Kilohertz from said first electrical signal, said filtering means having an output;
- means for receiving said filtering means output, demodulating an envelope which modulates said carrier frequency band, and transmitting said envelope, said envelope having frequency components;
- means for receiving said envelope, analyzing said frequency components of said envelope;
- and
- display means responsive to said analyzing means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.