Device for Early Fault Detection on Machines and/or Their Components

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention is a device for early detection of faults in machines or their components, using seals (such as static or dynamic seals) equipped with sensors. These sensors can measure changes in the seal's physical state (like deformation, stretching, compression, pressure changes, vibrations) caused by wear, faults in the seal itself, or in the parts the seal is protecting. This enables instant detection of various malfunction types using the seal as a multi-purpose sensor.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Monitoring industrial machines for early detection of wear and mechanical faults.
• Detecting seal wear or failures in rotating or reciprocating shafts (e.g., pumps, motors, engines).
• Real-time leak and pressure monitoring in hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
• Automated maintenance and failure alerts in manufacturing equipment.
• Level and pressure sensing in fluid-tight compartments (e.g., gearboxes, tanks).
• Condition monitoring for safety-critical systems (e.g., aerospace, automotive, chemical plants).

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows early detection of many different fault types with a single sensor-equipped seal.
• Reduces machine downtime by enabling predictive and preventive maintenance.
• Increases operational safety by preventing catastrophic seal or component failure.
• Eliminates or simplifies the need for separate sensing devices for level or pressure detection.
• Improves efficiency and lowers maintenance costs by focusing repair efforts where needed.
• Enables continuous, real-time monitoring rather than relying on periodic inspections.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

In an apparatus for early recognition of faults in technical or physical parameters of machines or appliances and/or components thereof, the design is such that the apparatus used for early recognition of faults is at least one static or, in particular, dynamic seal (1) provided for the machine or the component thereof, that the seal (1) is provided with a measuring device (4) for detecting the technical or physical state of the seal (1) itself or a change of state thereof, that the measuring device (4) has at least one sensor element (2) for detecting the change of state of the seal (1) which is brought about by wear or a fault on the seal (1) itself, on the component (5) which is to be sealed by the seal (1) and/or on the overall machine, and that the sensor element (2) detects the resilience of the seal or the resultant deformation thereof and/or the expansion or compression of the seal (1) and/or a pressure-induced alteration in the seal (1) and/or oscillations or vibrations in the machine or in a component (5, 6) thereof.