Method for determining wear state of oblong tension or power transmission unit, involves detecting change of length or expansion of wave guide, where wave guide is integrated at or in tension or power transmission unit

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

This invention describes a method and device to determine the wear or fatigue state of elongated tension or power transmission components, such as cables or belts. It works by integrating a wave guide (like an optical fiber made from glass or plastic) into or onto the unit. By sending impulses through the wave guide and measuring changes in signal transit time, the system can detect stretching or wear in the unit, as these changes will alter the impulse’s travel time.

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

• Monitoring wear in industrial conveyor belts or drive belts
• Assessing the health of suspension bridge cables or elevator hoist cables
• Ensuring the safety and integrity of tow ropes, winch cables, or heavy-duty lifting slings
• Maintenance monitoring for power transmission units in manufacturing lines
• Detecting fatigue in cables used in cranes or construction equipment

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables real-time, non-invasive monitoring of wear and degradation in power transmission units
• Improves safety by providing early warning before critical failures occur
• Reduces maintenance costs through condition-based monitoring rather than scheduled replacements
• Can be integrated into existing tension or transmission units with minimal modifications
• Supports automation and remote diagnostics, lowering labor costs and downtime

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method involves detecting a change of the length or an expansion of a wave guide (3), where the wave guide is integrated at or in a tension or power transmission unit (1) with a signal reflected end over the length of the tension or power transmission unit. The impulse (10) is transferred on the basis of a switching circuit (7) over the wave guide, in which the switching circuit is returned. The change in length or expansion of the wave guide is determined from a change of an impulse transit time by the wave guide. The wave guide is a light wave guide made of glass or plastic. An independent claim is included for a device for determining a wear state of an oblong tension or power transmission unit.