Analytical tachometers

Abstract: Method and apparatus for engine and rotary machine analysis provides a vibration sensor adapted to produce a plurality of superimposed waveforms corresponding to engine or machine operating parameters including rotational speed. Alternatively, exhaust gas pressure sensing may be used to obtain a corresponding waveform pattern. The pattern of waveforms is analysed, for example using a fast fourier transform technique whereby the characteristic pattern of waveforms can be identified and recognised. Changes in pattern can be used to assess the state of wear of a machine.

Description: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for machine analysis comprising sensor means adapted to generate a signal in response to a sensed machine parameter, means for locating said sensor means in relation to a machine to be analysed, said sensor means being adapted to respond to sensed values of said parameter to produce a corresponding signal, signal analysis means adapted to determine from said signal produced by said sensor means a value of said sensed parameter, and said apparatus being automotive analysis apparatus in which said sensor means transmits locally sensed signals from the automotive equipment to be analysed, to relatively remote signal processing equipment adapted to perform analysis thereof. Reference is directed to the following prior patents disclosing analytical apparatus employing vibration sensing devices, namely : US 5,109,700 (Hicho) US 4,980,844 (Demjanenko et al) US 4,683,542 (Taniguti) US 4,988,979 (Sasaki et al) US 4,758,964 (Bittner et al) US 4,352,293 (Kurihara et al) It is considered that the above Hicho reference is representative of the above-cited group of references, and the characterising portion of claim 1 and 6 starts from this disclosure. The Hicho specification discloses a vibration transducer mounted to a rotating machine for sensing vibration thereof. An output electrical signal from the transducer is analysed to generate a display of vibrational displacement per unit time, together with a speed display indicative of rotational speed, and a bearing condition display indicative of bearing condition. This apparatus is not a tachometer apparatus capable of indicating rotational speed over a continuous range of engine speeds, even of the narrowest proportions. The Hicho apparatus is a vibration analyser adapted to enable monitoring of defects in rotating machines and which incidentally is able to indicate rotational speed at the standard rotational speed settings at which such vibrational analysis are conventionally carried out. Such speed analysis is effected by speed analysis means wherein random or sporadic noise is eliminated, and components of the frequency not related to the rotating speed of the machine are eliminated to obtain an accurate estimation of the machine's running speed. Such an approach is not effective in the case of an engine due to the presence in the vibrational pattern of an engine of multiple peaks many of which are not related to engine speed and there is accordingly considerable difficulty in separating the speed-dependent components from the substantial remainder. An embodiment of the present invention relates to tachometers suitable for use in maintenance work on automotive engines and like applications. The embodiments described below include features enabling machine analysis work to be carried out in relation to such engines, such as diagnosis of misfiring faults and the like. The tachometers disclosed in the embodiments are intended essentially for analytical work, such as in engine maintenance and diagnosis, and it is not presently anticipated that such tachometers would find application by way of permanent installation in any one given vehicle for the indication of engine speed. In the tachometer embodiments of the invention, the apparatus operates by spectrally analysing the sensor or accelerometer output signal, identifying a speed-related component in terms of the spectral "signature", and uses the instantaneous position of the relevant portion of the signature to determine the engine speed. The signature contains dominant peaks found to be situated at multiples of the engine's crankshaft revolution frequency, and these can be readily identified within the power spectral density across a wide range of engine speeds. Generally, it was found that for a vehicle with n cylinders, the engine speed was related to the dominant frequency in the power spectral density (f hertz) by :- rpm = 60 x 2/n x f. Subsequent major peaks are also seen at 2f hertz and 3f hertz representing harmonics of the fundamental. Such a signature is described as a "one-two-three signature". There is described and illustrated below a typical example of a power spectral density plot for a four cylinder engine. It is found that different engine configurations have correspondingly forms of signature. For example, for a "V" configuration, a dominant peak at half engine speed may occur, with subsequent major peaks at engine speed and twice engine speed, giving a "one-two-four" signature. An example of such is described and illustrated below. In these embodiments of the invention, the design philosophy with respect to the vibration sensor was firstly to minimise the electronics in the sensor head in order to limit physical size, and secondly to perform as much of the signal processing by software provision so as to maintain maximum control over the system performance. Other embodiments of the invention relate to a diagnostic function arising from the ability of the software system forming part of the analysis function to anaylse the engine vibration signature, taking account of the known harmonic characteristics of the engine configuration in question. Accordingly, the software system can be readily adapted to identify the presence (if any) of additional peaks or the absence of expected peaks in the pattern or signature produced by the engine, such additional peaks corresponding to faults arising from a variety of possible causes, mostly combustion-related. In these other embodiments of the invention a signal from vibration sensor means is analysed to identify the presence (if any) of additional peaks or the absence of expected peaks in the pattern or signature expected from the machine in question, whereby such additional peaks provide an indication of identifiable machine faults. Looking now at the relationship of the invention to the prior art, and general features of the invention, we note that the embodiments disclose arrangements for transmission of signals from a sensor to the corresponding signal analysis apparatus and the general arrangements for processing of the signals whereby the use of the apparatus is rendered convenient and manageable in the confined location of an automotive engine bay. There is disclosed in EP - B- 0 458 053 (Bosch) a motor vehicle test unit in which convenience of operation is provided by means of an arrangement in which the main body of the test apparatus is located in a substantial mobile base unit and this base unit is connected by a manoeuvrable boom arm to a sub-unit which includes control and display means enabling control of the test functions and display of measured values. The sub unit is connected to the automotive engine or other equipment under test by means of short conductor leads from the locally-positioned sub unit, whereby convenience of operation is provided. The arrangement disclosed in the above-mentioned EP specification does have certain advantages in terms of enabling convenient location of the sub unit close to the equipment under test, and convenient location also of the main processing equipment in the base unit which is located in a relatively remote position, but connected to the sub unit by the boom arm. Likewise, the use of short connecting leads from the sub unit to the engine under test enables the connection function to be performed with a minimum of conductor length and risk of entanglement, nevertheless, there are disadvantages of this arrangement. Notably, these disadvantages include the fact that the presence of the base unit and its boom arm represents a physical impediment to other operations on the equipment. Additionally, the use of such an arrangement for the mounting of vibration-sensitive equipment would raise various mechanical difficulties in terms of mechanical isolation of the sensor head. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for convenient sensing of mechanical or electrical or other operating parameters of an automotive or other power driven installation, without the inherent disadvantages of the conventional or known cable connection systems and base unit/boom/sub unit systems. According to the present invention there is provided a method and apparatus as defined in the accompanying claims. In an embodiment, wireless transmission means is adapted to transmit a signal from sensor means in analogue form on a radio frequency data-modulated carrier. This analogue signal is received by a base unit at a convenient remote location and converted to digital form before the signal is analytically processed. Conventional techniques for such data transmission use digital signals with attendant cost and power disadvantages. Known compact non-digital RF transmission/reception apparatus used in alarm control equipment transmits minimal control data (eg alarm on/off signals) and thus merely provides a remote control function. By transmitting the vibration data signal in analogue form on an RF carrier using amplitude modulation (for example), relatively simple radio frequency transmission apparatus can be employed, without the need for digital conversion and the inherent power consumption arising therefrom. This enables the sensor head to be relatively small and low in power consumption whereby convenience of operation is assured and interference between the sensor head and other structures can be minimised or avoided. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :- Fig 1 shows in block diagram form a first embodiment of the invention; Fig 2 shows some constructional relationships of the sensor head assembly forming part of the apparatus of Fig 1; Fig 3 shows a plot of power spectral density against frequency as produced by the system of Fig 1 in the software sub-system, this plot requiring detection of the relevant signature (in this case a four cylinder engine) by the signature detect function also provided in the software sub-system; Fig 4 shows an engine "signature" extracted from a power spectral density plot of the kind shown in Fig 3 and showing the characteristic frequencies and corresponding amplitudes of the relevant three peaks, in this case for a six cylinder engine. A misfire peak is also indicated; and As shown in Fig 1, apparatus 10 for rotary machine analysis, and particularly adapted for engine analysis, whereby the analytical function is capable of providing tachometric data, comprises principal functions of a sensor head 12, a data capture system 14 and a software sub-system 16 including a display function 18. Data capture system 14 and software sub-system 16 constitute a single unit of the entire apparatus 10, namely a signal processing and display unit 20, which receives signals from sensor head 12 from a radio frequency wireless transmitter device 22 (forming part of sensor head 12). A corresponding radio frequency wireless transmission receiver device 24 is provided as part of data capture system 14 to receive the corresponding RF signals. This RF simplex data link, comprising the receiver/transmitter pair 22, 24 is licensed for use in both UK and elsewhere in Europe for the transmission of non-speech analogue signals. The band width of the receiver/transmitter pair allows connection to the signal processing and display unit 20 of up to 4 sensor heads 12 in multiple channels. Turning now to further details of the above-mentioned main elements of the system, we consider first sensor head 12. As indicator at 26, a direct coupling is provided between sensor head 12 and engine block 28. The mode of coupling will be described further below. Sensor head 12 comprises an accelerometer 30, an amplifier 32, and the above-mentioned RF transmitter 22. Data capture system 14 comprises firstly the above-mentioned RF transmission receiver device 24, together with a low pass filter 34, a sample and hold device 36, and an analogue-to-digital converter or ADC device 38. Software sub-system 16 comprises, in addition to display function 18 mentioned above, a power spectral density function 40 and a signature detect function 42. In broad outline, the method of the invention comprises using sensor head 12 to generate a signal related to sensed vibrations by installing the sensor head on engine block 28. The signal produced by sensor head 12 is analysed to determine the rate of rotation of engine 28. This is done by subjecting the signal from sensor head 12 to a method of tachometric analysis based on the vibration-generated signal. The analytical technique deals with the plurality of waveforms produced by the sensor head by recognising a pattern or signature having a harmonic content therein which is characteristic of the configuration of engine being analysed. The signal obtained from data capture system 14 is subjected to power spectral density processing by function 40 and the characteristic engine signature in the resulting plot is recognised by signature detect function 42, whereby the particular peak corresponding to engine speed can be identified by reference to the relevant harmonics and the engine speed therefore displayed by RPM display function 18. These elements of the apparatus 10 will now be considered in more detail. Considering first engine block 28, the typical in-use situation for the tachometric apparatus will be in an analytical function in relation to an engine block 28 of known configuration eg four cylinders in-line or six cylinders in V-configuration (V6), or V8 etc. In some uses of the apparatus 10, the engine configuration may not be known and in such a situation the vibration data obtained may nevertheless be capable of analysis to determine not only the configuration itself (by recognition of the engine's signature) but also the engine speed in a subsequent step. Some details of the construction of the sensor head 12 are shown in Fig 2, namely an accelerometer 44, a thermally insulating mounting 46 for the accelerometer, a magnet 48, an insulation tube 50 and a combined amplifier/RF transmitter/antenna unit located on top of accelerometer 44. It will be understood that the combined unit 52 corresponds to the functions 32 and 22 identified in Fig 1. As regards accelerometer 44 itself, this comprises two main elements, namely a mass which when subjected to an acceleration produces a force, and a Kynar piezo film transducer, to convert the force to an electric charge. The transducer is mounted on a ceramic substrate (not shown). This transducer construction was chosen for its wide frequency range from 5 hertz to 10 kilohertz, with a linear response characteristic (plus or minus one per cent). The construction of the accelerometer also lends itself to low cost production. Accelerometer 44 is firmly mounted on the short length of thermally insulating mounting 46 which is itself firmly bonded to a samarium cobalt magnet, of pull strength 15 kilograms, which allows attachment of the sensor head to engine blocks of almost all kinds, due to the usual availability of steel bolt heads even on alloy engines. Magnet 48 is of annular "pot type" construction. An insulating cylinder is likewise bonded to magnet 48 to isolate accelerometer 44 from electrical contact with (or indeed excessively close proximity to) other electrical systems in the engine compartment. Thus, accelerometer 44 comprises a piezoelectric film sensor and may have a buffered output. Other mechanical forms of accelerometer structure eg a mechanical diaphragm etc are also acceptable. It is important to choose a sensor having the appropriate level of sensitivity so as to produce the requisite amplitude or range of signals for analysis. In this regard, it is of significance that the vibrational signals available from some well-balanced automotive engines are of such low amplitude as to raise significant difficulties if known vibrational analysis equipment (as discussed above in relation to the prior art) were employed. As regards amplifier/transmitter/antenna unit 52, the construction of this may be based upon a known receiver/transmitter pair, for example as used for the transmission of unmodulated RF signals for alarm activation purposes, and therefore circuit data is not provided herein. Accordingly, amplifier/transmitter/antenna unit 52 can be an adapted off-the-shelf radio link device of the alarm signal transmission kind incorporating a signal amplifier and further modified by the addition of modulation means whereby the RF signal is transmitted in amplitude or frequency- modulated form (preferably amplitude-modulated) so as to carry the vibrational signal data. In this manner, the requirements for extremely simple and low cost radio transmission are met, together with the corresponding requirement for compact and lightweight form, for direct mounting on engine block 28. Moreover, in the same way as alarm signal transmission devices have been developed with extremely low power consumption requirements, the adaptation of such a device for this purpose enables this corresponding advantage to be provided also. Thus, sensor head 12 can operate as a self-contained battery-operated unit which mounts directly on engine block 28 by magnetic means 48 with a potentially relatively long self-powered life based on a relatively small battery supply. This enables the signal processing and display unit 20 to be located at any convenient position in the vicinity of sensor head 12, but without any electrical conductors therebetween. Turning now to data capture system 14, it will first be noted that the RF receiver unit 24 complements the transmitter device 22 discussed above and is of corresponding construction, adapted to receive the modulated signal from transmitter 22 and to pass same to the low pass filter 34 and hence to sample and hold device 36 and thus onwards to the ADC unit 38. Thus, data capture system 14 takes the raw signal produced by sensor head 12 and converts its into digital form, and stores it in memory prior to digital signal processing. Low pass filter 34 is of significance in that it represents the only filter function needed by the apparatus 10. Filter 34 is an anti-aliasing filter. The anti-aliasing filter removes frequencies which would otherwise be changed by the sampling rate of the ADC unit. Otherwise however the system 10 is not dependent upon filter functions, and notably does not use these at all for the purposes of signal analysis and identification of tachometric data. Sample and hold function 36 stores the signal data in memory prior to digital signal processing. The ADC function comprises a 12 bit analogue-to-digital processor which allows the analogue data to be quantised into 4096 voltage steps. The data capture system runs in parallel with the signal processing software sub-systems 16, allowing the display function 18 to be updated twice a second. In other words, the RPM-tracking capability of the apparatus 10 in this embodiment can display up to 120 different numerical values for engine speed per minute, whereby relatively rapid response to changing engine speeds, as needed for modern engine-speed-dependent quantitative tests (such as emission analysis) is provided. Turning now to the software sub-system incorporating display function 18, it will be noted that this system receives digital data from ADC unit 38. Power spectral density function 40 subjects the quantised digital signal to a fast fourier transform routine in order to generate the power spectral density data therefrom, for analytical purposes. The power spectral density analysis function carried out in software sub-system 16 may use a well recognised algorithm (see eg "Numerical Recipes in C" published by Cambridge University Press). The plurality of superimposed waveforms present in the data input to software sub-systems 16 is indicated in the micro-plot 56 in Fig 1. This is shown as the output of amplifier unit 32, but is likewise representative of the input to the software sub-system 16. Fig 3 shows the resultant power spectral density "PSD" data obtained for (in this case) a four cylinder engine. As a general rule, it is found that for a vehicle with n cylinders, the engine speed is related to the dominant frequency peak in the PSD plot, namely f hertz, by the equation :- rpm = 60 x 2/n x f. Subsequent major peaks are also seen at 2f hertz and 3f hertz, these representing harmonics of the fundamental. Such a relationship between these harmonic elements of the PSD plot is described as a "1-2-3" signature. Fig 3 shows such a signature for a four cylinder engine including peaks 58, 60 and 62 corresponding to f (engine speed) and 2f and 3f respectively. It has been found that for certain other engine configurations, significantly different forms of signature are observed. Thus, for a V6 engine, a dominant peak at 0.5f hertz may occur, with subsequent major peaks at f and 2f, giving a "1-2-4" signature. Fig 4 shows an idealised signature for a V6 engine running at 1500 rpm with peaks identified at 64, 66 and 68. Turning now to the method for obtaining numerical data from the peak data discussed above, we now discuss the signature detect function 42, which carries out a peak search routine using an algorithm selected in accordance with the engine type, which is known from data relating to engine block 28. Broadly, signature detect function 42 subjects the power spectral density data, such as that shown in Fig 3 to an analysis routine corresponding to the engine configuration in question and enabling identification of the relevant peak (or a related peak) corresponding to the engine rpm frequency "f" for the engine in question. In the case of Fig 3, the peak in question for the 1-2-3 signature of a 4 cylinder engine is known to be peak 58 which is at a multiple of engine speed. In the case of the V6 engine of Fig 4, since peaks 64, 66 and 68 are at 0.5 f and f and 2f, actual engine speed is given by peak 66. Other relationships exist for other engine configurations. In Fig 1, the micro-plot 70 indicates the "signature" which can be obtained from the relevant peaks in the power spectral density plot produced by PSD function 40, which signature is subjected to the analysis routine described herein and performed in signature detect function 42. SIGNATURE DETECT ALGORITHM There now follows in pseudo-code an abbreviated statement of the base algorithm for the signature detect function. The following statement of pseudo-code functions can be readily expanded to a full functional statement and converted by a person skilled in the art to machine code accordingly. The signature detect function 42 thus enables identification of the relevant key engine signature peak which provides the engine RPM for display unit 18, thus enabling display of the engine RPM by display unit 18. It has been found that the apparatus 10 operates successfully on a wide range of both petrol and diesel four cylinder engines, for speeds ranging from tick over at 700 RPM to operation up to 5000 RPM. Illustrative results from test work are shown in the following tabulations. In these, the engine RPM obtained by the apparatus 10 and displayed by display function 18 is shown in the lower horizontal column in each case. The upper horizontal column shows the engine speed set by an existing tachometric system (identified as "prior system"). The numerical values given for the prior system should be interpreted as values at which the engine was held on a visual inspection basis to an accuracy of plus or minus 50 RPM. Table 1 shows the results for a four cylinder diesel engine, table 2 for a four cylinder petrol engine and table 3 for a six cylinder diesel engine. These tabulations were obtained with the sensor head 12 mounted on the engine using the magnetic attachment system described above. It was considered best to site the sensor head at the end of the engine furthest from the fly wheel/gear box assembly in order to minimise the vibration-damping and torque-smoothing effects of these. Locations for the sensor head 12 other than direct mounting on the engine block were tested, including the engine compartment slam panel (usually at radiator location, to take downward slam of closing engine compartment bonnet/hood)/. Table 4 shows the results for the slam panel test for a petrol engine. Diagnostic functions for the basically tachometric apparatus 10 have also been identified and tested. Thus, for example, in the PSD plot of Fig 4, there has been added in broken lines an additional peak 72 centrally between the peaks 64 and 66. Such an additional peak is produced by a cylinder misfire and has been found to be characteristic of such a combustion-related fault. Since, by selection of the appropriate algorithm for the signature detect analysis at function 42, it is already known what pattern of peaks to expect for a given engine, the location and identification of additional peaks represents a relatively straightforward function enabling fairly specific identification of engine function-related faults. Likewise, absence of an expected peak can also be identified and has been found to be likewise related to similar faults. Related conditions which have been found to be identifiable in a similar manner include engine wear (again by abnormal frequency peak detection), idle stability (by identifying trends in idle speed), wheel balancing (by detection of low frequency peaks), engine knock-sensing (by high frequency event analysis). Amongst modifications which could be made in the above embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention are the use of various different kinds of vibration sensing devices, alternative systems for transmission of data from the vibration sensor to the analytical function, modification of the analytical function in terms of its software content, or indeed the use of additional hardware in cases where it is wished to reduce the software element.

Claims: A method of machine analysis comprising :- a) providing sensor means (44) adapted to generate a signal (56) in response to a sensed machine parameter; b) installing said sensor means in relation to a machine (28) to be analysed; c) causing said sensor means to respond to said sensed parameter to produce a corresponding signal (56); and d) analysing said signal (56) to determine a characteristic of said parameter; e) said method of machine analysis being a method of automotive analysis in which said sensor means (44) transmits locally sensed signals from the automotive equipment to be analysed, to relatively remote signal processing equipment (20) adapted to perform analysis thereof; characterised by f) said step of transmission of said locally sensed signals being by wireless transmission in analogue form of a modulated RF carrier signal based on said locally sensed signals from said sensor means (44) for reception by RF receiver means (24) and onward transmission from said RF receiver means to said signal processing equipment (20); g) said step of reception and onward transmission comprising conversion of said signal on which said analysis is performed by said signal processing equipment (20) from analogue to digital form. A method of claim 1 characterised by attaching said sensor means in the form of vibration-responsive sensor means (44) directly to said machine (28) by a structure connected thereto via magnetic means (48). A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the bandwidth of said wireless transmission is arranged to be sufficient for the transmission of sensed signals from a plurality of said sensor means (44). A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which said wireless transmission comprises amplitude modulation of said RF carrier signal. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which said wireless transmission comprises frequency modulation of said RF carrier signal. Apparatus (10) for machine analysis comprising :- a) sensor means (44) adapted to generate a signal (56) in response to a sensed machine parameter; b) means (48) for locating said sensor means in relation to a machine to be analysed; c) said sensor means being adapted to respond to sensed values of said parameter to produce a corresponding signal (56); d) signal analysis means (20) adapted to determine from said signal produced by said sensor means a value of said sensed parameter; e) said apparatus (10) being automotive analysis apparatus in which said sensor means (44) transmits locally sensed signals from the automotive equipment (28) to be analysed, to relatively remote signal processing equipment (20) adapted to perform analysis thereof; characterised by f) said apparatus comprising wireless transmission means (52) adapted to transmit said signal (56) from said sensor means (44) in analogue form as a modulated RF carrier for reception by RF receiver means (24) and onward transmission from said RF receiver means (24) to said signal processing equipment (20) ; and g) said automotive analysis apparatus (10) comprising analogue-to-digital signal conversion means (38) connected to said RF receiver means (24) for converting said received signal on which said analysis is performed by said signal processing equipment from analogue to digital form. Apparatus according to claim 6 characterised by said means (48) for locating comprising mounting means adapted to mount said vibration -responsive sensor means directly on said engine by magnetic means. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 in which the bandwidth of the wireless transmission means (52) is arranged to be sufficient for the transmission of sensed signals from a plurality of said sensor means. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 in which said wireless transmission means (52) comprises modulation means which is adapted to modulates the amplitude of the RF carrier signal whereby said signal (56) from said sensor means (44) is transmitted in amplitude modulated form. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 in which said wireless transmission means (52) comprises modulation means which modulates the frequency of said RF carrier signal whereby said signal (56) from said sensor means (44) is transmitted in frequency modulated form.

Inventors: GEE BERNARD, HOEDE CHRISTIAAN, HOTCHKISS ALASTAIR J, JONES BARBARA L, SMITH PAUL, GEE, BERNARD, HOEDE, CHRISTIAAN, HOTCHKISS, ALASTAIR J., JONES, BARBARA L., SMITH, PAUL
Applicants: SNAP ON EQUIPMENT LTD, SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT LIMITED
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G08C17
IPC codes: G01M15, G01P3