Patent ID: 6868711

Claim:
A method for monitoring mechanical wear caused by a first component ( 1 ) on a second component ( 2 ), wherein the first component ( 1 ) is movable relative to the stationary second component ( 2 ) and wherein the first and second components ( 1 , 2 ) are at least at times in mechanical contact with a another, the method comprising the steps of: arranging at least one sensor head ( 4 ) in a wear area to be monitored of the second component ( 2 ); connecting a light guide ( 10 ) to the at least one sensor head ( 4 ), wherein the light guide ( 10 ) has a forward end with a metal coating ( 11 ); guiding a measuring signal in the form of light into the light guide ( 10 ) and reflecting the light on the metal coating ( 11 ); causing the metal coating ( 11 ) to be mechanically worn by the first component ( 1 ) upon reaching a predetermined wear limit; measuring an intensity of the light reflected on the metal coating ( 11 ); and dectecting a drop in the Intensity of the light reflected on the metal coating ( 11 ) when the predetermined wear limit is reached.