Erosion monitoring system for ground engaging tool
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsMatthew J. Behmlander, Terri L. Atkinson, Jeremy R. Hammar, Robert L. Meyer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An erosion monitoring system is disclosed for use with a machine. The erosion monitoring system may have an ultrasonic sensor embedded within a replaceable cutting edge of a ground engaging tool connectable to the machine. The erosion monitoring system may also have a wireless communication element associated with the ultrasonic sensor, and a controller mountable onboard the machine in communication with the ultrasonic sensor via the wireless communication element. The controller may be configured to monitor a wear rate of the cutting edge based on signals from the ultrasonic sensor.
Claims13
An erosion monitoring system for a machine, comprising:
- an ultrasonic sensor embedded within a replaceable cutting edge of a ground engaging tool connectable to the machine, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is generally cylindrical and has an axis oriented at an angle of about 90° relative to a terminus of the cutting edge;
- a wireless communication element associated with the ultrasonic sensor;
- a battery associated with the ultrasonic sensor and the wireless communication element, wherein the ultrasonic sensor, the wireless communication element, and the battery are all mounted together within a bore formed inside the cutting edge;
- and
- a controller configured to be mounted onboard the machine in communication with the ultrasonic sensor via the wireless communication element, the controller being configured to monitor a wear rate of the cutting edge based on signals from the ultrasonic sensor, determine a length of the cutting edge, make a comparison of the length of the cutting edge to a threshold length, and selectively generate a notification based on the comparison.
A ground engaging tool, comprising:
- a base member;
- a cutting edge removably connected to the base member, the cutting edge having a bore formed therein;
- an ultrasonic sensor disposed within the bore and configured to generate a signal indicative of a length of the cutting edge, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is generally cylindrical and has an axis oriented at an angle of about 90° relative to a terminus of the cutting edge;
- a battery associated with the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the battery is mounted together with the ultrasonic sensor inside the bore;
- and
- a controller in communication with the ultrasonic sensor, the controller being configured to determine a length of the cutting edge, make a comparison of the length of the cutting edge to a threshold length, and selectively generate a notification based on the comparison.
A machine, comprising:
- a frame;
- an engine supported by the frame;
- a traction device configured to support the frame and be driven by the engine;
- a ground engaging tool connected to the frame and having a base member;
- a cutting edge removably connected to the base member of the ground engaging tool, the cutting edge having a bore formed therein at a connection location between the cutting edge and the base member;
- an ultrasonic sensor embedded within the bore of the cutting edge and having an axis oriented at about 90° relative to a terminus of the cutting edge;
- a wireless communication element associated with the ultrasonic sensor;
- a battery configured to power the ultrasonic sensor and the wireless communication element, wherein the battery is embedded with the ultrasonic sensor within the bore of the cutting edge;
- and
- a controller mounted onboard the machine in communication with the ultrasonic sensor via the wireless communication element, the controller being configured to:
- determine a length of the cutting edge;
- make a comparison of the length of the cutting edge to a threshold length;
- and
- selectively generate a notification based on the comparison.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.