Patent ID: 12196549

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations described herein are directed to determining an amount of wear of an idler assembly of an undercarriage assembly of a machine. Typically, as an idler (of the idler assembly) experiences wear, an idler block (of the idler assembly) is moved to maintain an amount of tension, of the undercarriage assembly, at an operating level. In this regard, implementations described herein are directed to determining an amount of wear of the idler (and/or of the idler assembly) based on movements of the idler block to adjust the amount of tension. The idler block may be moved along a wear component of the idler assembly.

A sensor system may be used to determine a distance associated with movements of the idler block along the wear component. For example, the sensor system may be used to determine a distance between a current position of the idler block and a prior position of the idler block. The distance may be used to determine the amount of wear of the idler. The sensor system may be provided in a wear component of the idler assembly and/or in the idler block.

In some implementations, the sensor system may include one or more proximity sensor devices. The one or more proximity sensor devices may be provided in the wear component of the idler assembly. Alternatively to the one or more proximity sensor devices, the sensor system may include one or more magnetic components and a magnetic detection component. As an example, the magnetic detection component may be a Hall effect sensor device. The one or more magnetic components may be provided in the wear component and the magnetic detection component may be provided in the idler block.

Alternatively to the one or more magnetic components and the magnetic detection component, the sensor system may include one or more switch components and a magnetic component. As an example, the one or more switch components may be electromechanical switches operated by a magnetic field, such as reed switches. The magnetic field may be generated by the magnetic component. The one or more switch components may be provided in the wear component and the magnetic component may be provided in the idler block.

In some examples, the sensor system may generate sensor data indicating the movement of the idler block from a first position (e.g., the prior position) to a second position (e.g., the current position). A controller may receive the sensor data and determine a distance value of a distance between the first position and the second position. The controller may determine an amount of wear of the idler and/or the idler assembly based on the distance value. For example, the controller may perform a mathematical operation on the distance value to determine the amount of wear of the idler.

The controller may determine whether the amount of wear satisfies a wear threshold, and cause the machine to perform an action based on determining whether the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold. In some situations, the controller may determine whether the amount of wear satisfies multiple wear thresholds. For example, a first wear threshold may indicate that the idler has a sufficient amount of remaining life. A second wear threshold may indicate that the idler is approaching an amount of wear that requires replacement of the idler. A third wear threshold may indicate that the idler is to be replaced (e.g., to prevent an unintended operation of the machine).

The term “machine” may refer to a device that performs an operation associated with an industry such as, for example, mining, construction, farming, transportation, or another industry. Moreover, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. As an example, a machine may include a construction vehicle, a work vehicle, or a similar vehicle associated with the industries described above.

FIG.1is a diagram of an example machine100described herein. As shown inFIG.1, machine100is embodied as an earth moving machine, such as a dozer. Alternatively, machine100may be another type of track-type machine, such as an excavator.

As shown inFIG.1, machine100includes an engine110, an operator cabin120, operator controls122, a front attachment130, a controller140, an undercarriage assembly150, a sensor system170, and a wireless communication component180.

Engine110may include an internal combustion engine, such as a compression ignition engine, a spark ignition engine, a laser ignition engine, a plasma ignition engine, and/or the like. Engine110provides power to machine100and/or a set of loads (e.g., components that absorb power and/or use power to operate) associated with machine100.

Operator cabin120includes an integrated display (not shown) and operator controls122. Operator controls122may include one or more input components (e.g., integrated joysticks, push-buttons, control levers, and/or steering wheels) to control an operation of machine100. For example, operator controls122may be used to control an operation of one or more implements of machine100(e.g., front attachment130) and/or control an operation of undercarriage assembly150.

For an autonomous machine, operator controls122may not be designed for use by an operator and, rather, may be designed to operate independently from an operator. In this case, for example, operator controls122may include one or more input components that provide an input signal for use by another component without any operator input.

Front attachment130may include a blade assembly. Front attachment130may be referred to as an implement of machine100.

Controller140(e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) may control and/or monitor operations of machine100. For example, controller140may control and/or monitor the operations of machine100based on signals from sensor system170and/or wireless communication component180, as described in more detail below.

Undercarriage assembly150may be configured to propel machine100. Undercarriage assembly150may include sprocket152, rollers154, track links156, and an idler assembly160. Sprocket152may include one or more sprocket segments. Sprocket152may be configured to engage with track links156and to drive track links156. In some examples, rollers154and/or idler assembly160may guide track links156to rotate to propel machine100.

Idler assembly160may include an idler162, an idler block164, and one or more wear components166. In some situations, as idler162experiences wear, an amount of tension in undercarriage assembly150may decrease. In this regard, idler block164may be moved along wear component166toward front attachment130. Moving idler block164in this manner may restore the amount of tension to an operational level.

As shown inFIG.1, idler assembly160may include sensor system170. Sensor system170may include components that are capable of generating sensor data indicating a position of idler block164. The sensor data may be used by controller140to determine an amount of wear of idler162and/or of idler assembly160. For example, controller140may use the sensor data to determine a distance value of a distance traveled by idler block164. Controller140may use the distance value to determine the amount of wear of idler162and/or idler assembly160.

Wireless communication component180may include one or more devices that are capable of communicating with one or more components of machine100, one or more other machines, and/or one or more devices, as described herein. For example, wireless communication component180may receive the sensor data from sensor system170and may provide the sensor data to controller140, to the one or more other machines, and/or to the one or more devices.

Wireless communication component180may include a transceiver, a separate transmitter and receiver, and/or an antenna, among other examples. Wireless communication component180may communicate with the one or more machines using a short-range wireless communication protocol such as, for example, BLUETOOTH® Low-Energy, BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC), Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.154, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, wireless communication component180may communicate with the one or more other machines and/or the one or more devices via a network that includes one or more wired and/or wireless networks.

As indicated above,FIG.1is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described in connection withFIG.1.

FIG.2is a diagram200of an example sensor system170described herein. Sensor system170may include one or more proximity sensor devices. As shown inFIG.2, sensor system170may include a first proximity sensor device210-1, a second proximity sensor device210-2, and a third proximity sensor device210-3(collectively “proximity sensor devices210” and individually “proximity sensor device210”). Proximity sensor devices210may be configured to generate sensor data based on detecting a presence of idler block164as idler block164moves along wear component166(e.g., in a direction identified by an arrow220inFIG.2).

As an example, first proximity sensor device210-1may generate sensor data and provide the sensor data to controller140. The sensor data may indicate (e.g., to controller140) that first proximity sensor device210-1has detected the presence of idler block164. In some situations, the sensor data may include sensor information identifying first proximity sensor device210-1.

The sensor information may include a serial number of first proximity sensor device210-1and/or a media access control (MAC) address associated with first proximity sensor device210-1, among other examples of information that may uniquely identify first proximity sensor device210-1. Based on the sensor information, controller140may determine a location of first proximity sensor device210-1. For example, a memory (associated with controller140) may store sensor location information identifying locations of proximity sensor devices210.

For instance, a data structure may store the sensor location information (identifying the locations of proximity sensor devices210) in association with the sensor information identifying proximity sensor devices210. The data structure may store order information indicating an order in which proximity sensor devices210are provided in wear component166. The order information may include the sensor information identifying proximity sensor devices210.

Controller140may determine the location of first proximity sensor device210-1by performing a lookup of the data structure using the sensor information of first proximity sensor device210-1. Based on the location of first proximity sensor device210-1, controller140may determine a position of idler block164(e.g., a position corresponding to the location of first proximity sensor device210-1). In some examples, controller140may determine the position of idler block164if controller140has not received additional sensor data within a particular amount of time after receiving the sensor data of first proximity sensor device210-1. In some situations, the sensor information of first proximity sensor device210-1may identify a location of first proximity sensor device210-1.

In some implementations, based on determining the location of first proximity sensor device210-1, controller140may determine whether first proximity sensor device210-1is preceded by a preceding proximity sensor device210. For example, based on the order information stored in the data structure, controller140may determine whether first proximity sensor device210-1is preceded by a preceding proximity sensor device210.

If controller140determines that first proximity sensor device210-1is preceded by a preceding proximity sensor device210, controller140may determine a location of the preceding proximity sensor device210, in a manner similar to the manner described in connection with proximity sensor device210-1. Controller140may determine a distance value of a distance between a first position of idler block164(corresponding to the location of first proximity sensor device210-1) and a second position of idler block164(corresponding to the location of the preceding proximity sensor device210). The first position may be a prior position of idler block164and the second position may be a current position of idler block164. Controller140may determine an amount of wear of idler162(and/or of idler assembly160) based on the distance value.

Other proximity sensor devices210may provide sensor data, and controller140may use the sensor data in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection with first proximity sensor device210-1.

As shown inFIG.2, proximity sensor devices210may be provided at different locations in wear component166. In some examples, the different locations may identify different amounts of wear of idler162(and/or idler assembly160). For example, a first location of first proximity sensor device210-1may identify a first amount of wear, a second location of proximity sensor device210-2may identify a second amount of wear, and so on. Accordingly, controller140may determine the amount of wear of idler162(and/or idler assembly160) based on the different locations of proximity sensor devices210(which correspond to different positions of idler block164).

The number and arrangement of devices shown inFIG.2are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown inFIG.2. Furthermore, two or more devices shown inFIG.2may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown inFIG.2may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the example component may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the example component.

FIG.3is a diagram300of an example sensor system170described herein. Sensor system170may include one or more proximity sensor devices. As shown inFIG.3, sensor system170may include a first magnetic component310-1, a second magnetic component310-2, and a third magnetic component310-3(collectively “magnetic components310” and individually “magnetic component310”). Magnetic components310may include magnets and/or electromagnets, among other examples of components that generate magnetic fields. Magnetic components310may be provided in wear component166.

As shown inFIG.3, sensor system170may further include a magnetic detection component320. Magnetic detection component320may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated by a magnetic component310and generate sensor data indicating that the magnetic field has been detected. As an example, magnetic detection component320may be a Hall effect sensor device (e.g., a sensor device that detects a presence and magnitude of a magnetic field using the Hall effect). Magnetic detection component320may be provided in idler block164.

Magnetic detection component320may be configured to generate sensor data based on detecting presence and magnitudes of magnetic fields of magnetic components310as idler block164moves along wear component166(e.g., in a direction identified by an arrow330inFIG.3). For instance, magnetic detection component320may detect a first magnetic field generated by first magnetic component310-1and generate first sensor data indicating that the first magnetic field has been detected, detect a second magnetic field generated by second magnetic component310-2and generate second sensor data indicating that the second magnetic field has been detected, and so on.

Magnetic detection component320may provide the first sensor data to controller140, may subsequently provide the second sensor data to controller140, and so on. In some examples, the first sensor data may include first sequence information indicating that the first sensor data is generated based on a magnetic field that is first detected by magnetic detection component320, the second sensor data may include second sequence information indicating that the second sensor data is generated based on a magnetic field that is subsequently detected by magnetic detection component320, and so on.

Accordingly, controller140may determine locations of magnetic components310based on an order in which the sensor data was received from magnetic detection component320and/or based on the sequence information included in the sensor data. In some implementations, controller140may obtain order information indicating an order in which magnetic components310are provided in wear component166. The order information may further indicate locations of magnetic components310in wear component166. The order information may be stored in a data structure of a memory associated with controller140.

Based on receiving the first sensor data prior to any other sensor data and/or based on the first sensor data including the first sequence information, controller140may use the order information to determine that the first sensor data was generated based on detecting the first magnetic field of first magnetic component310-1. Controller140may determine the location of first magnetic component310-1using the order information. The order information may indicate that first magnetic component310-1is provided first in wear component166. Controller140may determine the locations of other magnetic component310based on sensor data associated with the other magnetic components310in a similar manner. Controller140may determine the amount of wear of idler162based on the locations of magnetic components310in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection withFIG.2and proximity sensor devices210.

While the foregoing example has been described with respect to magnetic components310and magnetic detection component320being provided in particular portions of idler assembly160, in some examples, magnetic components310and magnetic detection component320may be provided in different portions. For example, magnetic components310may be provided in idler block164and magnetic detection component320may be provided in wear component166.

The number and arrangement of devices shown inFIG.3are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown inFIG.3. Furthermore, two or more devices shown inFIG.3may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown inFIG.3may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the example component may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the example component.

FIG.4is a diagram400of an example sensor system170described herein. Sensor system170may include one or more switch components. As shown inFIG.4, sensor system170may include a first switch component410-1, a second switch component410-2, and a third switch component410-3(collectively “switch components410” and individually “switch component410”). Switch components410may be provided in wear component166.

In some examples, a switch component410may be an electromechanical switch that is actuated based on a magnetic field. As shown inFIG.4, for example, first switch component410-1may include a pair of metal contacts412-1. The pair of metal contacts412-1may be open in an initial state and may be closed when a magnetic field is present (e.g., when a magnetic field is applied). After the pair of metal contacts412-1are closed, first switch component410-1may generate sensor data.

As shown inFIG.4, sensor system170may further include a switch magnetic component420. Switch magnetic component420may be a magnet (e.g., switch magnetic component420may generate a magnetic field). In some examples, switch magnetic component420may be elongated to enable the magnetic field to be continuously applied to switch components410to maintain the pairs of metal contact in a closed position. For example, the elongated shape of switch magnetic component420may enable the magnetic field to be applied to first switch component410-1after idler162has moved past switch component410-1, enable the magnetic field to be applied to first switch component410-1and second switch component410-2after idler162has moved past first switch component410-1and second switch component410-2, and so on.

Switch components410may be configured to generate sensor data based on detecting a presence of idler block164as idler block164moves along wear component166(e.g., in a direction identified by an arrow430inFIG.4). Switch components410may generate the sensor data and provide the sensor data to controller140in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection withFIG.2. As an example, first proximity sensor device210-1may generate sensor data and provide the sensor data to controller140. The sensor data may indicate (e.g., to controller140) that first switch component410-1has detected the presence of idler block164based on detecting the magnetic field of witch magnetic component420.

In some situations, the sensor data may include sensor information identifying first proximity sensor device210-1. Controller140may receive the sensor data, determine the locations of switch components410, and determine the amount of wear of idler162(and/or of idler assembly160) in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection withFIG.2.

While the foregoing example has been described with respect to switch components410and switch magnetic component420being provided in particular portions of idler assembly160, in some examples, switch components410and switch magnetic component420may be provided in different portions of idler assembly160.

The number and arrangement of devices shown inFIG.4are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown inFIG.4. Furthermore, two or more devices shown inFIG.4may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown inFIG.4may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the example component may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the example component.

FIG.5is a diagram of an example system500described herein. As shown inFIG.5, system500includes controller140, sensor system170, wireless communication component180, and a device510associated with machine100. Some of the elements ofFIG.5have been described above in connection withFIGS.1-4.

Controller140may include one or more processors and one or more memories. A processor may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or a combination of hardware and software. A processor may be capable of being programmed to perform a function.

A memory may store information and/or instructions for use by a processor to perform the function. In some examples, the memory may store sensor location information identifying locations of components of sensor system170in wear component166. Additionally, the memory may store order information indicating an order in which components of sensor system170are provided in wear component166. The sensor location information and the order information may be used to determine positions of idler block164, as explained herein.

In some situations, when performing the function, controller140may control an operation of machine100based on the sensor data provided by sensor system170. For instance, controller140may determine an amount of wear of idler162(and/or of idler assembly160) based on sensor data from sensory system170. Based on the amount of wear, controller140may control the operation of machine100.

Device510may include a display included in operator cabin120. Additionally, or alternatively, device510may include a user device of an operator of machine100, a user device of a site manager associated with machine100, and/or a user device of an owner of machine100. Additionally, or alternatively, device510may include a back office system (e.g., that monitors an operation of machine100).

In some examples, controller140may receive the sensor data provided by sensor system170. Controller140may receive the sensor data from sensor system170. Alternatively, sensor system170may provide the sensor data to wireless communication component180and wireless communication component180may provide the sensor data to controller140. In some examples, wireless communication component180may provide the sensor data to device510.

Sensor system170may generate the sensor data in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection withFIGS.2-4. Controller140may determine the locations of components of sensor system170and determine positions of idler block164based on the locations in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection withFIGS.2-4.

Controller140may determine a distance value of a distance between a current position of idler block164and a prior position of idler block164in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection withFIGS.2-4. Controller140may determine the amount of wear of idler162(and/or of idler assembly160) based on the distance value. In some situations, controller140may perform a mathematical operation using the distance value to determine the amount of wear. For example, controller140may perform a mathematical operation using the distance value and a factor. For instance, controller140may multiply the distance value by the factor, controller140may divide the distance value by the factor, among other examples.

In some instances, the factor may be based on a dimension of idler162and/or based on dimensions of other components of idler assembly160. For example, the factor may be based on a diameter of idler162, based on a thickness of idler162, and/or based on a length of idler block164, among other examples.

Controller140may compare the amount of wear and a wear threshold to determine whether the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold. In some instances, controller140may compare the distance value and a distance threshold. Controller140may determine that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold based on determining that the distance value satisfies the distance threshold.

In some examples, controller140may cause machine100to perform the action based on determining whether the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold. For instance, controller140may provide a notification to device510. As an example, controller140may provide the notification to wireless communication component180, and wireless communication component180may provide the notification to device510. The notification may provide information identifying the amount of wear.

In some situations, based on determining that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold, the notification may include information indicating that idler162(and/or idler assembly160) will be experiencing a failure and a recommendation to replace idler162(and/or idler assembly160). In some implementations, controller140may predict a time to failure based on information regarding a current utilization of machine100, information regarding historical utilization of machine100, information regarding an age of idler162(and/or idler assembly160), and/or information regarding a date of installation of idler162(and/or idler assembly160), among other examples.

In some situations, when causing machine100to perform the action, controller140may provide a command to restrict an operation of machine100based on determining that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold. For example, controller140may provide a command to derate engine110. For instance, controller140may provide the command to an engine controller associated with engine110to cause engine110to be derated.

In some examples, the different locations of the components of sensor system170may identify different wear thresholds. For example, a first location of first proximity sensor device210-1may identify a first wear threshold, a second location of proximity sensor device210-2may identify a second wear threshold, and so on. The first wear threshold may indicate that idler162(and/or idler assembly160) has a sufficient amount of remaining life. The second wear threshold may indicate that idler162(and/or idler assembly160) is approaching an amount of wear that requires replacement of the idler. The third wear threshold may indicate that idler162(and/or idler assembly160) is to be replaced (e.g., to prevent an unintended operation of the machine).

Accordingly, controller140may cause machine100to perform different actions based on the different wear thresholds. For example, based on the first location, controller140may provide a notification that idler162(and/or idler assembly160) has a sufficient amount of remaining life. Based on the second location, controller140may provide a first recommendation to service idler162(and/or idler assembly160). Based on the third location, controller140may provide a second recommendation to replace idler162(and/or idler assembly160).

The number and arrangement of devices shown inFIG.5are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown inFIG.5. Furthermore, two or more devices shown inFIG.5may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown inFIG.5may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the example component may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the example component.

FIG.6is a flowchart of an example process600relating to determining wear of an idler. In some implementations, one or more process blocks ofFIG.6may be performed by a controller (e.g., controller140). In some implementations, one or more process blocks ofFIG.6may be performed by another device or a group of devices separate from or including the controller, such as a sensor system (e.g., sensor system170), a wireless communication component (e.g., wireless communication component180), and/or a device (e.g., device510).

As shown inFIG.6, process600may include receiving, from a sensor system of the machine, sensor data indicating a movement of an idler block of an idler assembly of an undercarriage of the machine (block610). For example, the controller may receive, from a sensor system of the machine, sensor data indicating a movement of an idler block of an idler assembly of an undercarriage of the machine, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.6, process600may include determining, based on the sensor data, that the idler block has moved from a first position to a second position (block620). For example, the controller may determine, based on the sensor data, that the idler block has moved from a first position to a second position, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.6, process600may include determining an amount of wear of an idler of the idler assembly based on the idler block moving from the first position to the second position (block630). For example, the controller may determine an amount of wear of an idler of the idler assembly based on the idler block moving from the first position to the second position, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.6, process600may include determining whether the amount of wear satisfies a wear threshold (block640). For example, the controller may determine whether the amount of wear satisfies a wear threshold, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.6, process600may include causing the machine to perform an action based on determining whether the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold (block650). For example, the controller may cause the machine to perform an action based on determining whether the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold, as described above.

In some implementations, the idler assembly includes a wear component. The movement of the idler block is a movement, along the wear component, from the first position to the second position.

In some implementations, process600includes determining a distance between the first position and the second position, and determining the amount of wear based on the distance.

In some implementations, process600includes determining that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold based on the distance, causing the machine to perform the action comprises providing a notification regarding the amount of wear based on determining that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold, and the notification indicates that the idler assembly is to be replaced based on determining that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold.

In some implementations, process600includes determining that the distance satisfies a distance threshold, and determining that the amount of wear satisfies the wear threshold based on determining that the distance satisfies the distance threshold.

In some implementations, the sensor system includes a proximity sensor device, wherein the proximity sensor device is provided in a wear component of the idler assembly at a location corresponding to the second position, and wherein receiving the sensor data comprises receiving the sensor data based on the proximity sensor device detecting a presence of the idler block at the location.

In some implementations, the sensor system includes a magnetic component and a magnetic detection component, wherein the magnetic component is provided in a wear component of the idler assembly at a location corresponding to the second position, wherein the magnetic detection component is provided in the idler block, and wherein receiving the sensor data comprises receiving the sensor data based on the magnetic detection component detecting a magnetic field generated by the magnetic component.

In some implementations, the sensor system includes a switch component and a switch magnetic component. The switch component is provided, in a wear component of the idler assembly, at a location corresponding to the second position. The switch magnetic component is provided in the idler block. The switch component is configured to generate the sensor data based on detecting a magnetic field generated by the switch magnetic component

AlthoughFIG.6shows example blocks of process600, in some implementations, process600may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted inFIG.6. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process600may be performed in parallel.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Implementations described herein are directed to determining an amount of wear of an idler assembly of an undercarriage assembly of a machine. Typically, as an idler (of the idler assembly) experiences wear, an idler block (of the idler assembly) is moved to maintain an amount of tension, of the undercarriage assembly, at an operating level. In this regard, implementations described herein are directed to determining an amount of wear of the idler (and/or of the idler assembly) based on movements of the idler block to adjust the amount of tension. The idler block may be moved along a wear component of the idler assembly.

Implementations described herein are directed to providing components of a sensor system in wear components of the idler assembly and in the idler block. Providing the components in this manner reduces obstruction to signals (e.g., sensor data) provided by the components. Additionally, providing the components in this manner enables the sensor system to be retro-fit with the machine without extensive removal and re-configuration of large components of the machine.

Determining the amount of wear based on the distance (and/or based on positions of the components of the sensor system) provides several advantages. For example, determining the amount of wear as described herein consumes shorter amounts of time than amounts of time consumed by manually measuring the amount of wear of the idler. Moreover, determining the amount of wear as described herein is less expensive than manually measuring the amount of wear of the idler. Additionally, determining the amount of wear as described herein reduces (or eliminates) inaccuracies that may result from manually measuring the amount of wear of the idler.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason that one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

As used herein, “a,” “an,” and a “set” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”). Further, spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus, device, and/or element in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.