System and method for collecting fluid sample from machine

A system for collecting a fluid sample from a machine having a fluid module is provided. The system includes a docking station disposed on the machine. The system also includes a pump selectively disposed in fluid communication with the fluid module of the machine. The pump is configured to draw a fluid from the fluid module. The system further includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV is configured to detachably dock onto the docking station. The UAV is also configured to collect the fluid sample from the pump.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for collecting a fluid sample, and more particularly to the system and method for collecting the fluid sample from a machine having at least one fluid module.

BACKGROUND

Machines, such as construction machines make use of oil for various purposes. Over a period of time, properties of the oil used in a machine may change or the oil may be contaminated by foreign particles. It is therefore advisable to perform analysis of the oil in the machine in order to monitor if the oil in the machine is fit for use or if the oil requires replacement. The oil in the machine is monitored at regular scheduled intervals, based on system requirements. For this purpose, oil samples are collected from the machines that are further analyzed.

Current oil sampling process requires personnel to travel to an operating location of the machine and halt machine operation for the oil sampling. This process can cause unnecessary downtime associated with the machine and also waste resources at the operating location. Oil sampling can also be tedious if set procedures are not followed, commonly introducing errors in the process, which is not desirable.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,672 describes collection and analysis of environmental samples using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). In some examples, the sample is drawn into engagement with a sensor onboard a UAV by the existing fluid flow generated by a rotor fan through a duct of a ducted fan of the UAV. The quality characteristics of the fluid sample may be physically or wirelessly delivered to a remote location. In some examples, samples are drawn into engagement with the sensor by a flexible tube that is attached to an outer surface of the UAV. The flexible tube may allow the UAV to precisely target and collect samples of dust and moisture and other materials from the ground over which the UAV operates.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for collecting a fluid sample from a machine having a fluid module is provided. The system includes a docking station disposed on the machine. The system also includes a pump selectively disposed in fluid communication with the fluid module of the machine. The pump is configured to draw a fluid from the fluid module. The system further includes an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV is configured to detachably dock onto the docking station. The UAV is also configured to collect the fluid sample from the pump.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of collecting a fluid sample from a machine having a fluid module is provided. The method includes deploying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to an operating location of the machine. The method also includes docking the UAV onto a docking station disposed on the machine. The method further includes fluidly connecting a pump with the fluid module of the machine. The system includes controlling the pump to draw a fluid from the fluid module of the machine. The method also includes collecting, via the UAV, the fluid sample from the pump.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for collecting a fluid sample from a machine having a fluid module is provided. The UAV includes a body configured to detachably dock onto a docking station disposed on the machine. The UAV also includes a rotor coupled to the main body, the rotor is configured to provide lift and propel the UAV. The UAV further includes a pump disposed on the body. The pump is configured to be selectively disposed in fluid communication with the fluid module of the machine and draw a fluid from the fluid module. The UAV includes a fluid container detachably coupled to the body. The fluid container is disposed in fluid communication with the pump to receive the fluid sample therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Referring toFIG. 1, an exemplary machine100is illustrated. More specifically, the machine100is a compact wheel loader. Alternatively, the machine100may be any machine including, but not limited to, a skid steer loader, a backhoe loader, an excavator, a shovel, a dozer, a mining truck, an articulated truck, a track type tractor, a forklift, and a crane. The machine100may be any machine known in the art associated with industries including, but not limited to, agriculture, transportation, mining, construction, forestry, and material handling.

The machine100includes a frame102. A power source (not shown) is provided at a rear section104of the machine100. More particularly, the power source is provided within an enclosure106. The power source may be any power source known in the art, such as, an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, power storage device like batteries, and a hybrid engine. The power source is configured to provide power to the machine100for operational and mobility requirements. The machine100includes a set of ground engaging members108, herein embodied as wheels. In another example, the ground engaging member108may include tracks. The ground engaging members108are configured to provide mobility to the machine100. The machine100also includes a drivetrain (not shown) coupled to the power source and the ground engaging members108. The drivetrain may include a transmission system having one or more gears, shafts, differentials, torque convertor, hydraulic pump or motor, and so on. The drivetrain may be configured to transmit motive power from the power source to the ground engaging members108.

The machine100may include one or more work implements pivotally coupled to the frame102. In the illustrated embodiment, a linkage assembly110is provided at a front section112of the machine100. The linkage assembly110includes a linkage member114. The linkage member114is pivotally coupled to the frame102. A work implement116, hereinafter referred to as implement116, is pivotally coupled to the linkage member114. The implement116may be configured to collect, hold, and convey material and/or heavy objects on the ground. Alternatively, the implement116may include any one of a bucket, an auger, a blade, a fork, a hammer, a ripper, or any other known work implement. The linkage assembly110is configured to perform tasks such as, earth moving, excavation, digging, demolition, and the like. Further, the linkage assembly110may be controlled electrically, mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or by a combination thereof.

Referring toFIG. 1, the linkage assembly110includes hydraulic cylinders128for providing a required spatial movement to the linkage member114and the implement116. In an alternate embodiment, the linkage assembly110may include pneumatic cylinders. In various embodiments, the machine100may also include a linkage assembly (not shown) provided at the rear section104of the machine100. The linkage assembly may include an associated work implement (not shown). The machine100also includes an operator cabin130provided on the frame102of the machine100. The operator cabin130includes an operator interface (not shown). The operator interface may include one or more input devices such as pedals, steering, joystick, knobs, levers, switches, display devices, and so on. The input device may assist the operator to operate the machine100.

The machine100may utilize oil for various purposes. Accordingly, the machine100may include a number of fluid modules. The fluid modules may store and supply oil to power hydraulic elements of the machine100. For example, a first fluid module118may be associated with the transmission system and provide transmission oil to the same. In a situation wherein the linkage assembly110of the machine100is hydraulically operated, a second fluid module120may be associated with the linkage assembly110. The second fluid module120may be configured to power the hydraulic cylinder128of the linkage assembly110. Further, when the power source associated with the machine100is embodied as the engine, a third fluid module122may store and supply oil for lubrication purposes of the engine. Based on system requirements, the machine100may include more than three fluid modules without any limitations.

The oil in the machine100is monitored at regular scheduled intervals to check changes in oil properties and/or an infiltration thereof. For this purpose, oil samples are collected from the machine100and are later analyzed. The present disclosure relates to a system200for collecting a fluid sample from the machine100. In one exemplary embodiment, the system200is configured to collect oil samples from the machine100. The system200will now be explained with respect to the collection of oil sample from the machine100. However, the system200may be configured to collect coolant samples from the machine100or any other fluid sample from the machine100, based on requirements.

The system200includes a docking station202. The docking station202is disposed on the machine100. In the illustrated example, the docking station202is provided at the rear section104of the machine100, and on a hood124of the enclosure106. Alternatively, the docking station202may be mounted at a different location, without any limitations.

Referring toFIG. 2, the system200includes a pump204. The pump204is provided in selective fluid communication with each of the fluid modules118,120,122of the machine100. The pump204may be in fluid communication with the respective fluid module118,120,122via a fluid conduit which will be discussed later. The fluid conduit may be generally present on the machine100. The pump204is configured to pressurize and draw the oil sample from one or more fluid modules118,120,122. The pump204may include any known in the art pump. Further, a drive motor206is coupled with the pump204as shown inFIG. 2only. The drive motor206is configured to drive the pump204in order to pressurize and draw the oil sample from one or more fluid modules118,120,122. In one example, the pump204may be provided on the machine100. Alternatively, a pump204′, shown inFIG. 3, may be provided on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)208.

The system200also includes a number of selection valves. The system200disclosed herein includes three selection valves, corresponding to the number of fluid modules. More particularly, the system200includes a first selection valve220, a second selection valve222, and a third selection valve224. Each selective valve220,222,224provides selective fluid communication between the pump204and the respective fluid modules118,120,122. For example, the first selection valve220provides fluid communication between the pump204and the first fluid module118, and so on. The selection valves220,222,224may embody any known type of valve that selectively allows fluid communication between the pump204and the respective fluid modules118,120,122. Each of the selection valves220,222,224may fluidly couple the pump204with one or more locations of the respective fluid modules118,120,122. For example, the first selection valve220may fluidly couple the pump204with a fluid reservoir (not shown) of the first fluid module118, a drain portion (not shown) of the first fluid module118, and the like.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the system200includes the UAV208. The UAV208is configured to be detachably coupled onto the docking station202of the machine100. The UAV208is configured to collect the oil sample from the machine100. More particularly, the UAV208is configured to collect the fluid sample received from the pump204. The UAV208docks at the docking station202when the oil samples are to be collected from the machine100. Further, the UAV208is configured to detach from the docking station202upon collection of the oil sample, and transport the oil sample to a location situated remotely relative to an operating location of the machine100.

The UAV208includes a body210. The body210includes a pair of frame members212provided perpendicular to each other. The body210is configured to detachably dock onto the docking station202provided on the machine100. The UAV208also includes one or more rotors214coupled to the body210of the machine100. The UAV208shown in the accompanying figures includes four rotors214. The rotor214is coupled to the body210, and is configured to provide lift and also propel the UAV208. Each of the rotors214include a drive motor (not shown) configured to rotate a propeller216. In the illustrated embodiment, the UAV208includes four propellers216. Alternatively, the UAV208may include any number of propellers216based on system requirements. Further, the drive motor may be a variable speed motor such that a speed of rotation of the propeller216may be regulated by controlling a speed of the drive motor.

The UAV208also includes a control module218. The control module218is communicably coupled with a controller126present onboard the machine100. The control module218is configured to receive signals from the controller126. More particularly, the control module218is configured to receive signals indicative of one or more operating parameters associated with the machine100. In one example, the operating parameter may include speed of the engine that powers the machine100or a temperature of the oil in one or more fluid modules118,120,122of the machine100. The control module218may also receive additional operating parameters other than those listed herein, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the control module218may also receive signals from an operator or a control module (not shown) positioned at the remote location. The signals may allow the UAV208to be deployed at the operating location of the machine100in order to collect the oil samples. The control module218may also be configured to store a route map in order to guide the UAV208to reach the operating location of the machine100. In an alternate example, the route map may be retrieved from a database (not shown) that is communicably coupled with the control module218.

The control module218is configured to control the pump204to collect the oil sample, based on the operating parameter of the machine100. More particularly, the oil samples are collected from the pump204only when the signals corresponding to the operating parameters received from the controller126corresponds to a predetermined value of the operating parameter. Further, in a situation wherein the operating parameter of the machine100does not correspond to the predetermined value, the control module218is configured to send a signal to the controller126of the machine100to modify and maintain the operating parameter at the predetermined value. Once the operating parameter is at the predetermined value, the control module218actuates and controls the pump204to collect the oil sample.

Further, the drive motor206associated with the pump204is communicably coupled with the control module218and is configured to receive signals therefrom. Based on the signals received from the control module218, the drive motor206is configured to drive the pump204. Additionally, the control module218may receive signals pertaining to the current operating parameters of the machine100from the controller126. The signals may assist in analysis of the oil samples taken from the machine100. The signals are received at the time of collection of the fluid samples from the machine100. The signals may be indicative of operating hours of the machine100, temperature of the oil in one or more fluid modules118,120,122of the machine100, speed of the engine of the machine100, and the like.

The system200includes a fluid container226. The fluid container226is disposed in fluid communication with the pump204. The fluid container226is configured to receive the oil sample therein. The system200may include one or more fluid containers226based on the type of application. Further, the fluid container226may be appropriately sized to receive and hold sufficient amount of the oil sample therein as per system requirements. As shown in the accompanying figures, the fluid container226may be provided on the UAV208. Alternatively, the fluid container226may be provided on the machine100. The system200also includes a fluid conduit228. The fluid conduit228provides fluid communication between the pump204and the fluid container226. At one end, the fluid conduit228is coupled with the fluid container226. Whereas, at a second end, the fluid conduit228is configured to be detachably coupled with the fluid container226. The fluid conduit228may embody any one of a hose, tube, pipe, and the like.

In one embodiment, at least one of the pump204and the fluid container226may be disposed on the machine100. For example, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the pump204may be provided on the machine100whereas the fluid container226may be provided on the UAV208. When the UAV208is docked at the docking station202(seeFIG. 3), the control module218(seeFIG. 2) may control the operation of the pump204(seeFIG. 2) in order to pressurize and introduce the oil sample into the fluid container226. Once the oil sample is received in the fluid container226, the UAV208may detach from the docking station202to transport the oil sample to the location situated remotely relative to the operating location of the machine100.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pump204and the fluid container226of the system200may be provided on the UAV208itself. In such an example, when the UAV208is docked onto the machine100, the UAV208is configured to fluidly connect the pump204with one or more of the fluid modules118,120,122of the machine100, through the respective selection valve220,222,224. Based on the fluid communication and the operation of the pump204, the oil from the respective fluid modules118,120,122is pressurized and drawn by the pump204into the fluid container226, via the fluid conduit228.

Alternatively, both the pump204and the fluid container226may be disposed on the machine100. Further, based on the signals received by the UAV208, the UAV208may be deployed at the operating location of the machine100and docked onto the docking station202in order to collect the fluid container226from the machine100. The UAV208may dock at the docking station202when the machine100is operating or stationary, without any limitations. Further, when the operating parameter is at the predetermined value, the pump204may be controlled by the control module218to draw the oil from the respective fluid modules118,120,122into the fluid container226. Upon collection of the fluid container226, the UAV208is configured to detachably couple the fluid container226thereto.

In some situations, the hose that connects the pump204with the respective fluid module118,120,122is not purged completely after a previous oil sampling operation such that some quantity of the oil is retained in the hose. In such situations, the oil that first enters the fluid container226after the pump204is turned on is the oil that is retained within the hose for an unknown amount of time. Such oil may not be an accurate representation of the oil in the fluid modules118,120,122.

The system200may therefore benefit from an oil cycling procedure wherein the oil retained in the hose is returned back to the respective fluid modules118,120,122until fresh oil reaches the pump204. Accordingly, the system200may include suitable means for the oil cycling procedure in order to cycle the oil retained in the hose back to the respective fluid modules118,120,122. Further, in such an example, the control unit218of the UAV208may be programmed to run the pump204for a specified amount of time in order to cycle the oil retained in the hose back to the fluid modules118,120,122, so that a fresh oil sample could be collected into the fluid container226.

The UAV208may then reach the remote location and deposit the oil samples at the remote location for pick up by a person responsible for analysis. In another example, as the oil samples are received at the remote location, the remote location may incorporate oil analysis equipment and automatically process the oil samples. The results obtained after the analysis may be uploaded to a maintenance database and if required an alert may be generated based on the analysis.

In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV208may additionally and optionally include an oil analysis module (not shown) present onboard the UAV208. The oil analysis module may be configured to perform on board analysis of the oil sample that is collected by the UAV208for analysis. The oil analysis module may be communicably coupled to the oil within the fluid container226. In one example, the oil analysis module may include oil quality sensors (not shown). The oil quality sensors may be configured to sense parameters such as nitration, oxidation, viscosity, density, etc. of the oil present in the fluid container226. In another example, the oil analysis module may include particle counter sensors (not shown). The particle counter sensors may be configured to determine an ISO code of the oil and also type of contaminants in the oil if present.

The oil analysis module may be communicably coupled with the control module218. In a situation wherein the oil sample is fit for further use, the control unit218may send signals to the UAV208to return to the machine100in order to empty the collected oil sample back to the respective fluid module118,120,122. Alternatively, if the oil sample does not meet system and operational requirements, the UAV208may deposit the oil samples at the remote location for further analysis.

The controller126and the control module218may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving signals from components of the system200. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of the controller126and the control module218. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the controller126and the control module218may additionally include other components and may also perform other functions not described herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to the system200that is configured to automate the oil sampling process associated with the machine100. The system200includes the UAV208that is configured to be deployed automatically or on demand to the machine100to collect oil samples. The machine100could be running or stationary during the oil sampling process, and the UAV208could attach to the docking station202to draw out the oil sample at the particular operating condition. Further, the system200has capabilities to record machine parameters such as operating hours, engine speed, oil temperature, and the like at the time of the oil sampling process to ensure accuracy in the analysis of the oil sample.

The oil sampling procedure using the system200does not require the machine100to be halted thereby decreasing the downtime associated with the operation of the machine100. Further, as the system200provides automatic sampling of the oil, the system200reduces any human interference and therefore reduces wastage of dealer/site resources. The system200also eliminates any errors and is a reliable procedure of collecting the oil samples. The system200also includes means to test the oil sample soon after the UAV208collects the oil from the machine. The oil sample is tested on board the UAV208to decide if the oil sample should be returned back to the respective fluid modules118,120,122or if the oil should be deposited for further analysis at the remote location.

FIG. 4is a flowchart for a method400of collecting the oil sample, or any other fluid sample, from the machine100having the fluid module118,120,122. At step402, the UAV208is deployed at the operating location of the machine100. At step404, the UAV208is docked onto the docking station202disposed on the machine100. At step406, the pump204is fluidly connected with the fluid module118,120,122of the machine100.

At step408, the control module218is configured to control the pump204to draw the fluid from the fluid module118,120,122of the machine100. The UAV208includes the control module218. The control module218is disposed in communication with the controller126associated with the machine100. The control module218receives the signal indicative of the operating parameters of the machine100from the controller126.

The control module218controls the pump204to collect the oil sample from the machine100based on the operating parameter of the machine100. Further, the controller126of the machine100is configured to maintain the operating parameter of the machine100at the predetermined value. More particularly, the control module218controls the pump204to collect the oil sample only when the signals pertaining to the operating parameter of the machine100received from the controller126is at the predetermined value. At step410, the oil sample is collected via the UAV208. Further, the collected oil sample is transported via the UAV208to the location situated remotely relative to the operating location of the machine100.