thepatentsearchfirm.com€¦ · Web viewThe following search summary is provided to give the client a bird’s eye view of the present search. The inference drawn by us is subjective

Invalidity Search Report-Quick(Detailed Report)

Client Ref. No.: XXXXXXXXXX TPSF Ref. No: XXXXXXXXXX

For: Client

May 11, 20XX

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Client Logo

Table of Content

1 Search Overview & Background..........................................................................................32 Search Scope.......................................................................................................................3

2.1 Objective of the Search................................................................................................3

2.2 Assumptions.................................................................................................................3

2.3 Data Sources.................................................................................................................3

3 Relevance Criteria...............................................................................................................43.1 Relevant Results...........................................................................................................4

3.2 Related Results.............................................................................................................4

3.3 Interesting Results........................................................................................................4

4 Search Results.....................................................................................................................54.1 Key Features to be mapped..........................................................................................5

4.2 Summary of Search Results..........................................................................................6

4.3 Conclusion of Search Results........................................................................................7

4.4 Detailed Analysis of Search Results..............................................................................8

4.4.1 Relevant Results....................................................................................................8

4.4.2 Related Results....................................................................................................18

4.4.3 Interesting Results...............................................................................................27

5 Methodology.................................................................................................................... 336 Search Strategy.................................................................................................................34

6.1 Search Strings.............................................................................................................34

6.2 Term Set.....................................................................................................................35

6.3 Relevant Classes Identified.........................................................................................35

6.4 Glossary of Specific Search Operators Used...............................................................36

7 Sanity List (Documents not included in this report)..........................................................378 Non-Disclosure..................................................................................................................379 Disclaimer......................................................................................................................... 37

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1 Search Overview & Background

Client asked The Patent Search Firm to conduct a Prior Art Search to identify patent and non-patent references that could affect the validity of the patent application ‘EPXXXXXXX’ that is related to ‘Device for Monitoring the Rotational Speed of a Wind Turbine’.

TPSF has gone through the patent applications EPXXXXXXX and has developed the following understanding:

The invention discloses an apparatus for monitoring a rotational speed of a wind turbine. The wind turbine comprises a rotor shaft which is driven by the rotor and ends into a gear unit, a generator shaft which connects an output shaft of the gear unit with a generator/converter unit. The apparatus comprises a first rotational speed detection unit for the rotor shaft and a second rotational speed detection unit for the generator shaft. Each rotational speed detection unit comprises at least two rotational speed sensors working independently of each other. The apparatus also comprises a processing unit for the rotational speed configured to compare the measured values of the first rotational speed detection unit with the measured values of the second rotational speed detection unit, taking into account a gear ratio, and to generate an error signal for a rotational overspeed/shaft defect if the rotational speed values differ by more than a predetermined threshold value.

VARIANT COVERAGE SEARCH LANGUAGE

QuickPatent Search in US, EP and WO [All Full Text]

EnglishNon-Patent Search

2 Search Scope

2.1 Objective of the Search

The objective of our search will be to capture documents that disclose gearbox system with speed detecting units on shaft.

2.2 Assumptions

Assumptions1. Thomson Innovation and Questel Orbit databases were used for conducting Patent searches.2. Google, Scholar and Science-Direct were used for conducting non-patent searches.3. The term 'Patent' has been used as a collective term for Patents and Published Applications.4. The comprehensiveness of this search has been governed by the upper cap on the effort to be invested.5. This search has been carried out as per our Quick Variant and covers US, EP and WO jurisdictions using keywords in English language.

2.3 Data Sources

Data SourcesFor Bibliographic Data (including title, abstract):Thomson InnovationQuestel OrbitEspacenet

For Non-Patent Searches:Google ScholarScience-Direct

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Google Patents

3 Relevance Criteria

Documents identified from the search were manually analyzed and tagged as relevant, related and interesting. Provided below is the description of each category

3.1 Relevant ResultsThose patent and non-patent references were considered as Relevant that disclosed a gearbox system comprises a speed detecting unit located on the (low speed) input shaft of the gearbox and a speed detecting unit located on the (high speed) output shaft of the gearbox. Both of the detecting units have at least two speed sensors. The speeds measured by the detecting units are compared and an error signal is generated if the speed measures differ by more than a predetermined amount.

3.2 Related ResultsThose patent and non-patent references were considered as Related that disclosed a transmission system comprises a speed detecting unit located on the input side of the transmission and a speed detecting unit located on the output side of the transmission. The speeds measured by the detecting units are used by the processor for generating error signal and/or rectifying errors.

3.3 Interesting ResultsThose patent and non-patent references which appeared to be potentially related, however, could not be categorized as relevant or related were marked as Interesting Results. Note that this list has just been provided to give you an idea of what else exists in the art and is not meant to be comprehensive.

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4 Search Results

4.1 Key Features to be mapped

The following pointers have been identified based on the claim elements. All the relevant and/or related results identified in the search are mapped on these key features to properly depict their significance.

Wind turbine comprises:1. A rotor shaft which is driven by the rotor and ends into a gear unit.2. A generator shaft which connects an output shaft of the gear unit with a generator/converter

unit.3. A first rotational speed detection unit for the rotor shaft.4. A second rotational speed detection unit for the generator shaft.5. A processing unit for the rotational speed, to which measured signals of the rotational speed

detection units is applied.6. The processing unit generates an error signal for a rotational overspeed if a certain maximum

value for the rotational speed is exceeded.7. Each rotational speed detection unit comprises at least two rotational speed sensors working

independently of each other.8. The processing unit for the rotational speed is configured to compare the measured values of

the first rotational speed detection unit with the measured values of the second rotational speed detection unit, taking into account a gear ratio, and to generate an error signal for a shaft defect if the rotational speed values differ by more than a predetermined threshold value.

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4.2 Summary of Search ResultsThe results of the search have been presented in the report below. The analysis below provides bibliographic details of the identified references and relevant excerpts from the identified references. The Patent number / Non-patent title provided is also hyperlinked to the complete document, which includes all the figures and text.

You can access the web-link of the document by clicking over the Patent number / Non-patent title. (If you are viewing in MS Word, then you’ll need to press your control key while you click.)

LEGEND:*Patent Number This result is identified as relevant#Patent Number This result is identified as related

This feature is not explicitly disclosed but can be inferred

INVALIDITY AGAINST ‘EPXXXXXXX’Results

Relevant Results Related Results1 2 3 4

Key Features *US3096590 *US6494046 #US4955258 #WO8101444Key Feature 1:A rotor shaft which is driven by the rotor and ends into a gear unit.

No Yes No Yes

Key Feature 2:A generator shaft which connects an output shaft of the gear unit with a generator/converter unit.

No Yes No Yes

Key Feature 3:A first rotational speed detection unit for the rotor shaft.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Key Feature 4:A second rotational speed detection unit for the generator shaft.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Key Feature 5:A processing unit for the rotational speed, to which measured signals of the rotational speed detection units are applied.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Key Feature 6:The processing unit generates an error signal for a rotational overspeed if a certain maximum value for the rotational speed is exceeded.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Key Feature 7:Each rotational speed detection unit comprises at least two rotational speed sensors working independently of each other.

Yes Yes No No

Key Feature 8:The processing unit for the rotational speed is configured to compare the measured values of the first rotational speed detection unit with the measured values of the second rotational speed detection unit, taking into account a gear ratio, and to generate an error signal for a shaft defect if the rotational speed values differ by more than a predetermined threshold value.

Yes Yes Yes No

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http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO8101444&F=8

http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?DB=worldwide.espacenet.com&II=0&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=19900911&CC=US&NR=4955258A&KC=A

http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=US6494046&F=0


4.3 Conclusion of Search ResultsThe following search summary is provided to give the client a bird’s eye view of the present search. The inference drawn by us is subjective to our understanding and is done to provide the best case scenario; the client may interpret the references in a different way.

We identified two relevant results:Document ‘US3096590’ discloses a method and apparatus of measuring the uniformity of gearings. The apparatus comprises two magnetic heads located at input shaft of gear train for measuring rotational speed of the input shaft of the gear train. Similarly, two magnetic heads located at output shaft of gear train for measuring rotational speed of the output shaft of the gear train. The measurement of input shaft sensors and output shaft sensors are compared for detecting any transmission fault in the gear train.

Document ‘US6494046’ discloses a turbo engine comprises a shaft for power transmission. Turbine rotor and a power-recipient unit (fan) are connected via the shaft. Two speed sensors are located on the input side (turbine rotor side) of the shaft for detecting rotational speed/frequency of the shaft at input end. Similarly, two speed sensors are located on the output side (fan side) of the shaft for detecting rotational speed/frequency of the shaft at output end. Sensor measurements from the input side speed sensors are compared with sensor measurements from the output side speed sensors. If the measurements from input side speed sensors and output side speed sensors are equal (i.e. gear ratio 1:1 because it’s on the same shaft) then the system is working fine. If the measurements from input side speed sensors and output side speed sensors are differ by more than a predetermined threshold value then it detects the shaft defect/rupture/failure.

We also identified two related results:Document ‘US4955258’ discloses an automation transmission unit. A sensor is located on input shaft for detecting the number of revolutions input to the transmission. Similarly, a sensor is located on output shaft for detecting the number of revolutions output from the transmission. It also includes a processer for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with the detected number of input revolutions and the number of detected output revolutions. It also includes a comparator for determining a failure in the mechanical portion of the transmission by making a comparison between the formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio.

Document ‘WO8101444’ discloses a wind-power plant. It comprises a transducer is located on the input shaft of the transmission and other transducer is located on the output shaft of the transmission. With the help of the measurements of the input and output transducers the rotation speed of transmission (gear unit) is controlled.

On the basis of identified relevant documents we have found the characterizing features of the invention of the Target Patent (EPXXXXXXX).

Also, on combining the identified related documents as mentioned above, we believe that we have inferentially identified all the features of Independent Claim No. 1 of the Target Patent (EPXXXXXXX).

However, it must be noted that we have not identified any SINGLE document that discloses a wind turbine having a gearbox wherein two speed sensors are located on the input shaft of the gearbox and two speed sensors are located on the output shaft of the gearbox. These sensors measure values of the input and output shaft speeds which are compared in order to indicate a gearbox fault.

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4.4 Detailed Analysis of Search Results

4.4.1 Relevant ResultsThis is the list of most relevant hits available in the art for the given invention identified in the search. Please note that the focus was on identifying the closest hits and not on identifying all the hits comprehensively. Accordingly, the list might not be comprehensive and there might be more documents that are similar (i.e., having the equal or slightly lower relevance) to the documents listed below. Also, the search is restricted to English language and US, EP and WO jurisdictions.

1. US3096590 TPSF comments: The invention discloses a method and apparatus of measuring the uniformity of gearings. The apparatus comprises two magnetic heads located at input shaft of gear train for measuring rotational speed of the input shaft of the gear train. Similarly, two magnetic heads located at output shaft of gear train for measuring rotational speed of the output shaft of the gear train.

Title Publication Date

Filing Date Priority Date Inventor/

Author Assignee

METHOD OF MEASURING THE UNIFORMITY OF GEARINGS

August 9, 1963

October 13, 1959

January 7, 1958

KAREL STEPANEK W E SYKES LTD

AbstractNADrawing

Key Feature 1:A rotor shaft which is driven by the rotor and ends into a gear unit.

NA

Key Feature 2:A generator shaft which

NA

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connects an output shaft of the gear unit with a generator/converter unit.Key Feature 3:A first rotational speed detection unit for the rotor shaft.

[Text from Description]On the shaft 3 is furthermore fixed a magnetic head 5 for reading a pre-recorded magnetic track on a cylindrical carrier 6 rotated by the tubular output shaft of an electric motor 7 about the axis of the shaft 3. This cylindrical carrier 6 is arranged on a metal wheel provided on its cylindrical surface with a suitable coating layer adapted for receiving a magnetic record, and carries two identical records placed axially side-by-side. The other recorded magnetic track is read by a stationary magnetic head 8.

TPSF Comment: Two magnetic heads (5 and 8) are used for measuring rotational speed of input shaft (3).


[Text from Description]A friction clutch 20 has a driver member 21 secured on the shaft 4 for joint rotation. The driver member 21 is axially movable on the shaft 4 between two positions as indicated by the double arrow 22. The part of the apparatus connected to the gear 2 by the shaft 4 is analogous to the apparatus associated with shaft 3. A magnetic head 9 is fixed on a holder 23 which can be attached either to the frame of the apparatus in a manner not further illustrated, or coupled to the shaft 4 by the driver member 21 in one axial position of the latter. The cylindrical carrier 10 is mounted rotatably on the shaft 4 and is adapted to be driven either by the auxiliary electric motor 11, or by the shaft 4 when the driver member 21 is in its other axial position. The magnetic head 9 reads or records one track on the carrier 10 whereas a stationary head 12 reads or records another track.

TPSF Comment: Two magnetic heads (9 and 12) are used for measuring rotational speed of shaft (4).


[Text from Description](1) Playing back the recorded track.—The gearing to be measured is rotated at a slow speed. For example, the shaft 3 is rotated once every 100 seconds by the motor 18. The magnetic head 9 initially is fixed on the frame of the apparatus and the drum 10 is connected with the shaft 4. The drum 6 is rotated by the motor 7 at any convenient speed, such as 10 revolution per second. On the drum 6 there is recorded a predetermined number of magnetic oscillations (for example 5000) whose wave-length is precisely uniform. This record is permanent and is used for the measurement of all gearings. When the drum 6 is rotated at the speed of 10 revolutions per second, a signal is induced in the pick-up head 8. The signal has a frequence given by the number of oscillations on the drum 6 and by the speed of rotation of the drum. In the present numerical example, the frequence is 50,000 cycles per sec. In the pick-up head 5 a signal is induced, the frequency of which is determined by the number of oscillations on the drum 6 and by its speed relative to the shaft 3. In the present case, if the drum 6 rotates at 10 revolutions, and the head 5 rotates in the opposite di-rection at one hundredth of a revolution per second, a frequency of 50,050 cycles per sec. is obtained. Both signals (from the heads 5 and 8) are fed to the mixer 13 wherefrom a signal at the frequency difference is obtained, that is, at 50,050-500,000=50 c.p.s. This difference fre-quency is determined by the number of oscillations on the drum 6 and the speed of the shaft 3, and is independent of the rotary speed of the drum 6. The 50 cycle signal obtained is fed to the magnetic heads 9 and 12 by way of a switchboard 14.

(2) Measurement of the uniformity of the gearing -- The gears to be measured are

9

rotated at a slow speed as during transmission of the magnetic record. The arrangement of the measuring equipment on the shaft 3 (speed of the head 5 and of the -dram 6) is the same as for the transmission of the magnetic record. The magnetic head 9, however, is coupled mechanically with the shaft 4, and the -drum 10 is disengaged from this shaft and is rotated by 'an -auxiliary electric motor 11 at a speed of, for example, 10 revolutions per second. In the heads 9 and 12, there are thus induced signals of different frequencies which are fed to the frequency discriminator 15 to produce an output of a frequency equal to the difference of the input frequencies. This difference is again determined by the number of oscillations on the drum 10 and by the speed of the shaft 4. In view of the fact that this number of oscillations is twice the number of oscillations on the drum 6 and the speed of the shaft 4 is half that of the shaft 3, the frequency of the signal of the head 12 is 10X 10,000=100,000 cycles per sec., and the signal frequency of the head 9 which rotates in a direction opposition to that of the drum 10 is 100,000+ 1 /2oo X 10,000=-100,050. cycles per sec. The magnetic track on the drum 6 induces in the head 8: (10 X 5000)=--50,000 cycles per sec. and at rotation in a direction opposite to that of the head 5, a frequency of 50,050 is induced in this head. The difference amounts in both cases to 50 cycles.



(2) Measurement of the uniformity of the gearing -- The gears to be measured are rotated at a slow speed as during transmission of the magnetic record. The arrangement of the measuring equipment on the shaft 3 (speed of the head 5 and of the -dram 6) is the same as for the transmission of the magnetic record. The magnetic head 9, however, is coupled mechanically with the shaft 4, and the -drum 10 is disengaged from this shaft and is rotated by 'an -auxiliary electric motor 11 at a speed of, for example, 10 revolutions per second. In the heads 9 and 12, there are thus induced signals of different frequencies which are fed to the frequency discriminator 15 to produce an output of a frequency equal to the difference of the input frequencies. This difference is again determined by the number of oscillations on the drum 10 and by the speed of the shaft 4. In view of the fact that this number

10

of oscillations is twice the number of oscillations on the drum 6 and the speed of the shaft 4 is half that of the shaft 3, the frequency of the signal of the head 12 is 10X 10,000=100,000 cycles per sec., and the signal frequency of the head 9 which rotates in a direction opposition to that of the drum 10 is 100,000+ 1 /2oo X 10,000=-100,050. cycles per sec. The magnetic track on the drum 6 induces in the head 8: (10 X 5000)=--50,000 cycles per sec. and at rotation in a direction opposite to that of the head 5, a frequency of 50,050 is induced in this head. The difference amounts in both cases to 50 cycles.

The frequency difference of the signals from the heads 5 and 8 which are connected to the mixer 13 produces an output signal of 50 cycles per second from the latter which signal is fed over the switchboard 14 to a phase comparator 16 which also receives the output from the mixer 15. The latter output has a frequency corresponding to the frequency difference of the signals from the heads 9, 12, that is, of 50 cycles per second.

The output of the phase comparator 16 is recorded by the registering apparatus 17. The phase angle of the two input signals at the phase comparator 16 fluctuates periodically during each revolution of the drum 10 owing to lack of uniformity of its record. The periodicity of these fluctuations is determined by the speed of rotation of the drum, in the instant case, 10 revolutions per sec. Moreover, the phase angle between the phase comparator inputs varies due to the lack of uniformity of the gearing. The heads 5 and 9 do not rotate accurately at a speed ratio of 1:2 because of the lack of uniformity of the gearing. This phase angle variation is cyclic at a frequency of 1/200 cycle per second corresponding to the rotary speed of the head 9. If therefore the registering apparatus 17 is arranged to record only frequencies from 0 to 5 cycles per second, a frequency of 10 cycles per second will no longer be recorded and the influence of the lack of uniformity of the magnetic record on the drum 10 will thereby be eliminated. The record of the apparatus 17 then corresponds to the sum error of the gearing under measurement. As one revolution of the shaft 4 takes 200 sec., and the apparatus 17, which registers the sum error of the gearing under measurement, has a frequency range of 0 to 5 cycles per second, it can register an error which changes 200 X5=1,000 times during one revolution of the shaft 4, that is, 1,000 times during one revolution of the gearing under measurement. The apparatus in this numerical example indicates all harmonic components of non-uniformity in the range from 0 to 1000.


[Text from Description]On the shaft 3 is furthermore fixed a magnetic head 5 for reading a pre-recorded magnetic track on a cylindrical carrier 6 rotated by the tubular output shaft of an electric motor 7 about the axis of the shaft 3. This cylindrical carrier 6 is arranged on a metal wheel provided on its cylindrical surface with a suitable coating layer adapted for receiving a magnetic record, and carries two identical records placed axially side-by-side. The other recorded magnetic track is read by a stationary magnetic head 8.

A friction clutch 20 has a driver member 21 secured on the shaft 4 for joint rotation. The driver member 21 is axially movable on the shaft 4 between two positions as indicated by the double arrow 22. The part of the apparatus connected to the gear 2 by the shaft 4 is analogous to the apparatus associated with shaft 3. A magnetic head 9 is fixed on a holder 23 which can be attached either to the frame of the apparatus in a manner not further illustrated, or coupled to the shaft 4 by the driver member 21 in one axial position of the latter. The cylindrical carrier 10 is mounted rotatably on the shaft 4 and is adapted to be driven either by the auxiliary electric motor 11, or by

11

the shaft 4 when the driver member 21 is in its other axial position. The magnetic head 9 reads or records one track on the carrier 10 whereas a stationary head 12 reads or records another track.

TPSF Comment: Two magnetic heads (5 and 8) are used for measuring rotational speed of input shaft (3). Similarly, two magnetic heads (9 and 12) are used for measuring rotational speed of input shaft (3).



(2) Measurement of the uniformity of the gearing -- The gears to be measured are rotated at a slow speed as during transmission of the magnetic record. The arrangement of the measuring equipment on the shaft 3 (speed of the head 5 and of the -dram 6) is the same as for the transmission of the magnetic record. The magnetic head 9, however, is coupled mechanically with the shaft 4, and the -drum 10 is disengaged from this shaft and is rotated by 'an -auxiliary electric motor 11 at a speed of, for example, 10 revolutions per second. In the heads 9 and 12, there are thus induced signals of different frequencies which are fed to the frequency discriminator 15 to produce an output of a frequency equal to the difference of the input frequencies. This difference is again determined by the number of oscillations on the drum 10 and by the speed of the shaft 4. In view of the fact that this number of oscillations is twice the number of oscillations on the drum 6 and the speed of the shaft 4 is half that of the shaft 3, the frequency of the signal of the head 12 is 10X 10,000=100,000 cycles per sec., and the signal frequency of the head 9 which rotates in a direction opposition to that of the drum 10 is 100,000+ 1 /2oo X 10,000=-100,050. cycles per sec. The magnetic track on the drum 6 induces in the head 8: (10 X 5000)=--50,000 cycles per sec. and at rotation in a direction opposite to that of the head 5, a frequency of 50,050 is induced in this head. The difference amounts in both cases to 50 cycles.

The frequency difference of the signals from the heads 5 and 8 which are connected

12

to the mixer 13 produces an output signal of 50 cycles per second from the latter which signal is fed over the switchboard 14 to a phase comparator 16 which also receives the output from the mixer 15. The latter output has a frequency corresponding to the frequency difference of the signals from the heads 9, 12, that is, of 50 cycles per second.

The output of the phase comparator 16 is recorded by the registering apparatus 17. The phase angle of the two input signals at the phase comparator 16 fluctuates periodically during each revolution of the drum 10 owing to lack of uniformity of its record. The periodicity of these fluctuations is determined by the speed of rotation of the drum, in the instant case, 10 revolutions per sec. Moreover, the phase angle between the phase comparator inputs varies due to the lack of uniformity of the gearing. The heads 5 and 9 do not rotate accurately at a speed ratio of 1:2 because of the lack of uniformity of the gearing. This phase angle variation is cyclic at a frequency of 1/200 cycle per second corresponding to the rotary speed of the head 9. If therefore the registering apparatus 17 is arranged to record only frequencies from 0 to 5 cycles per second, a frequency of 10 cycles per second will no longer be recorded and the influence of the lack of uniformity of the magnetic record on the drum 10 will thereby be eliminated. The record of the apparatus 17 then corresponds to the sum error of the gearing under measurement. As one revolution of the shaft 4 takes 200 sec., and the apparatus 17, which registers the sum error of the gearing under measurement, has a frequency range of 0 to 5 cycles per second, it can register an error which changes 200 X5=1,000 times during one revolution of the shaft 4, that is, 1,000 times during one revolution of the gearing under measurement. The apparatus in this numerical example indicates all harmonic components of non-uniformity in the range from 0 to 1000.

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2. US6494046 TPSF comments: The invention discloses a turbo engine comprises a shaft for power transmission. Turbine rotor and a power-recipient unit (fan) are connected via the shaft. Two speed sensors are located on the input side (turbine rotor side) of the shaft for detecting rotational speed/frequency of the shaft at input end. Similarly, two speed sensors are located on the output side (fan side) of the shaft for detecting rotational speed/frequency of the shaft at output end. Sensor measurements from the input side speed sensors are compared with sensor measurements from the output side speed sensors.

Title Publication Date Filing Date Priority

DateInventor/ Author Assignee

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOGNITION OF A SHAFT RUPTURE IN A TURBO-ENGINE

December 17, 2002

January 29, 2001

December 14, 1998

HAYESS BURKHARD

ROLLS ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND

AbstractThis invention relates to a method for the detection of a shaft failure in a turbomachine with the object of initiating thereupon an appropriate speed-limiting action, more particularly a rapid fuel shut-off on an aero gas-turbine system, in which a torque-exerting turbine rotor and a torque-recipient unit are connected via the shaft (3) to be monitored for failure, said shaft being supported at its ends in at least two roller bearings (6, 7). In this method, the rotational frequencies (fn1, fn2) of the two shaft ends of the shaft compared with each other continually and essentially in real time, with a failure of the shaft (3) inferred if the rotational frequency (fn2) of the roller bearing (7) on the side of the turbine rotor exceeds the rotational frequency (fn1) of the roller bearing (6) on the side of the torque-recipient unit. Preferably, the rotational frequency of the respective shaft end is determined by way of Fast-Fourier Transmission and an arithmetic processor via separate measuring channels for each roller bearing (6, 7), with recourse being taken to one or more typical roller bearing frequencies emitted by these roller bearings during their rotation (FIG. 1).Drawing

14



[Text from Claims]1. Method associated with the detection of a shaft failure in a turbomachine, in which a torque-exerting turbine rotor and a torque-recipient unit are connected via a shaft to be monitored for failure, wherein the shaft is supported essentially at the ends in at least two roller bearings, the method comprising:

determining rotational frequencies of the two shaft ends in the roller bearings by sensing and analyzing a vibration spectrum of each roller bearing, and comparing the rotational frequencies continually and essentially in real time; andinferring a failure of the shaft if the rotational frequency of the shaft end in the roller bearing on a side of a turbine rotor exceeds the rotational frequency of the shaft end in the roller bearing on the side of the torque-recipient unit by a predetermined amount.

TPSF Comment: The invention discloses a shaft which is connected with turbine rotor. The invention fails to disclose that shaft ends into a gear unit.


[Text from Claims]1. Method associated with the detection of a shaft failure in a turbomachine, in which a torque-exerting turbine rotor and a torque-recipient unit are connected via a shaft to be monitored for failure, wherein the shaft is supported essentially at the ends in at least two roller bearings, the method comprising:

determining rotational frequencies of the two shaft ends in the roller bearings by sensing and analyzing a vibration spectrum of each roller bearing, and comparing the rotational frequencies continually and essentially in real time; andinferring a failure of the shaft if the rotational frequency of the shaft end in the roller bearing on a side of a turbine rotor exceeds the rotational frequency of the shaft end in the roller bearing on the side of the torque-recipient unit by a predetermined amount.

TPSF Comment: The invention discloses a shaft which is connected with torque-recipient unit. The invention fails to disclose that the shaft is output shaft of gear unit.


[Text from Abstract]This invention relates to a method for the detection of a shaft failure in a turbomachine with the object of initiating thereupon an appropriate speed-limiting action, more particularly a rapid fuel shut-off on an aero gas-turbine system, in which a torque-exerting turbine rotor and a torque-recipient unit are connected via the shaft (3) to be monitored for failure, said shaft being supported at its ends in at least two roller bearings (6, 7). In this method, the rotational frequencies (fn1, fn2) of the two shaft ends of the shaft compared with each other continually and essentially in real time, with a failure of the shaft (3) inferred if the rotational frequency (fn2) of the roller bearing (7) on the side of the turbine rotor exceeds the rotational frequency (fn1) of the roller bearing (6) on the side of the torque-recipient unit. Preferably, the rotational frequency of the respective shaft end is determined by way of Fast-Fourier Transmission and an arithmetic processor via separate measuring channels for each roller bearing (6, 7), with recourse being taken to one or more typical roller bearing frequencies emitted by these roller bearings during their rotation (FIG. 1).

[Text from Description]Two measuring sensors 8a and 8b in the form of acceleration pickups are coupled to the fan-side roller bearing 6. Two such measuring sensors 9a and 9b in the form of

15

acceleration pickups are further provided on the roller bearing 7 on the side of the turbine rotor. This redundancy of the acceleration pickups on the roller bearings 6, 7 serves, in particular, the operational safety. Should one of the acceleration pickups 8a, 8b or 9a, 9b fail, a measuring signal will be provided by its counterpart.


[Text from Abstract]This invention relates to a method for the detection of a shaft failure in a turbomachine with the object of initiating thereupon an appropriate speed-limiting action, more particularly a rapid fuel shut-off on an aero gas-turbine system, in which a torque-exerting turbine rotor and a torque-recipient unit are connected via the shaft (3) to be monitored for failure, said shaft being supported at its ends in at least two roller bearings (6, 7). In this method, the rotational frequencies (fn1, fn2) of the two shaft ends of the shaft compared with each other continually and essentially in real time, with a failure of the shaft (3) inferred if the rotational frequency (fn2) of the roller bearing (7) on the side of the turbine rotor exceeds the rotational frequency (fn1) of the roller bearing (6) on the side of the torque-recipient unit. Preferably, the rotational frequency of the respective shaft end is determined by way of Fast-Fourier Transmission and an arithmetic processor via separate measuring channels for each roller bearing (6, 7), with recourse being taken to one or more typical roller bearing frequencies emitted by these roller bearings during their rotation (FIG. 1).

[Text from Description]Two measuring sensors 8a and 8b in the form of acceleration pickups are coupled to the fan-side roller bearing 6. Two such measuring sensors 9a and 9b in the form of acceleration pickups are further provided on the roller bearing 7 on the side of the turbine rotor. This redundancy of the acceleration pickups on the roller bearings 6, 7 serves, in particular, the operational safety. Should one of the acceleration pickups 8a, 8b or 9a, 9b fail, a measuring signal will be provided by its counterpart.


[Text from Description]These two pieces of information are then supplied to a comparator 18 for evaluation which is also capable of real-time processing. In this connection, it is irrelevant whether the comparison of the two rotational frequencies fn1, fn2 is made by hardware or/and software. The only important factor is that the information is processed in the real-time frame. The rotational frequencies +fn1 +- SIGMA 1 } and +fn2 +- SIGMA 2 } will be considered as matching if, as a result of the comparison, the overlap of the measurement distributions is found to be within the limits described further below. The cases +fn1 + SIGMA 1 }=+fn2 - SIGMA 2 } and +fn2 + SIGMA 2 }=+fn1 - SIGMA 1 } are here considered as marginal cases of match.


[Text from Description]If the rotational frequency fn1 of the fan 2a and the rotational frequency fn2 of the turbine rotor 2c are found to match under the above conditions, there is no need to take a suitable speed-limiting action, in particular a rapid shut-off of the fuel supplied to the combustion chamber 23 of the aero engine. If, however, the comparison comes to the result that +fn1 + SIGMA 1 } is smaller than (<) +fn2 - SIGMA 2 }, failure of the shaft 3 can be inferred. In this case, then, a speed-limiting action will have to be taken, in particular a safety shut-off of the fuel supply via a fuel manifold 19.

Key Feature 7:Each rotational speed detection unit comprises at least two rotational speed sensors working

[Text from Description]Two measuring sensors 8a and 8b in the form of acceleration pickups are coupled to the fan-side roller bearing 6. Two such measuring sensors 9a and 9b in the form of acceleration pickups are further provided on the roller bearing 7 on the side of the turbine rotor. This redundancy of the acceleration pickups on the roller bearings 6, 7

16

independently of each other.

serves, in particular, the operational safety. Should one of the acceleration pickups 8a, 8b or 9a, 9b fail, a measuring signal will be provided by its counterpart.


[Text from Description]Two measuring sensors 8a and 8b in the form of acceleration pickups are coupled to the fan-side roller bearing 6. Two such measuring sensors 9a and 9b in the form of acceleration pickups are further provided on the roller bearing 7 on the side of the turbine rotor. This redundancy of the acceleration pickups on the roller bearings 6, 7 serves, in particular, the operational safety. Should one of the acceleration pickups 8a, 8b or 9a, 9b fail, a measuring signal will be provided by its counterpart.

For each of the two roller bearings 6 and 7, a separate measuring channel of identical design is provided. Since only one measuring signal is required per roller bearing 6 or 7, respectively, the two measuring sensors 8a and 8b are connected to an OR gate 10. Similarly, the measuring sensors 9a and 9b are connected to an OR gate 11.

From the above frequencies, the arithmetic processors 16 and 17 will separately calculate the rotational frequency fn1 on the roller bearing 6 and the rotational frequency fn2 on the roller bearing 7, using the equations (A) to (D) specified further above. The rotational frequency fn1 is that of the torque-recipient unit or fan 2a, and the rotational frequency fn2 is that of the low-pressure turbine rotor 2c.

These two pieces of information are then supplied to a comparator 18 for evaluation which is also capable of real-time processing. In this connection, it is irrelevant whether the comparison of the two rotational frequencies fn1, fn2 is made by hardware or/and software. The only important factor is that the information is processed in the real-time frame. The rotational frequencies +fn1 +- SIGMA 1 } and +fn2 +- SIGMA 2 } will be considered as matching if, as a result of the comparison, the overlap of the measurement distributions is found to be within the limits described further below. The cases +fn1 + SIGMA 1 }=+fn2 - SIGMA 2 } and +fn2 + SIGMA 2 }=+fn1 - SIGMA 1 } are here considered as marginal cases of match.

If the rotational frequency fn1 of the fan 2a and the rotational frequency fn2 of the turbine rotor 2c are found to match under the above conditions, there is no need to take a suitable speed-limiting action, in particular a rapid shut-off of the fuel supplied to the combustion chamber 23 of the aero engine. If, however, the comparison comes to the result that +fn1 + SIGMA 1 } is smaller than (<) +fn2 - SIGMA 2 }, failure of the shaft 3 can be inferred. In this case, then, a speed-limiting action will have to be taken, in particular a safety shut-off of the fuel supply via a fuel manifold 19.

17

4.4.2 Related ResultsThis is the list of closely related hits available in the art for the given invention identified in the search. Please note that the focus was on identifying the closest hits and not on identifying all the hits comprehensively. Accordingly, the list might not be comprehensive and there might be more documents that are similar (i.e., having the equal or slightly lower relevance) to the documents listed below. Also, the search is restricted to English language and US, EP, EP and WO jurisdictions.

3. US4955258 TPSF comments: The invention discloses an automation transmission unit. A sensor is located on input shaft for detecting the number of revolutions input to the transmission. Similarly, a sensor is located on output shaft for detecting the number of revolutions output from the transmission. It also includes a processer for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with the detected number of input revolutions and the number of detected output revolutions.

Title Publication Date

Filing Date Priority Date Inventor/

Author Assignee

DEVICE AND METHOD OF FAIL-SAFE CONTROL FOR ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

September 11, 1990

December 7, 1988

December 28, 1987

ITO YASUNOBU; SUZUKI KENJI

AISIN AW CO

AbstractIn a fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission to be mounted on a vehicle, a sensor for the number of revolution input to a T/M is newly provided for the electronically controlled automatic transmission, and an actual gear ratio of the T/M is calculated in accordance with the number of revolution input to the T/M and the number of revolution output from the T/M or the car speed. If the calculated actual gear ratio is coincided with the formal gear ratio, it is determined that the state is normal, while if they are not coincided with each other, it is determined that the T/M is in a failure state. As a result of this, failure detection of the T/M is performed. Therefore, in a case when the T/M is in a failure state, a driver can take a measure, for exmple, by performing an emergency control. Furthermore, the occurrence of the failure can be displayed by a detected failure displaying device so that the driver can take a measure such as a repair.Drawing

18



NA


NA


[Text from Claims]1. A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission including at least one shift solenoid for effecting gear changes and a mechanical portion, said shift solenoid operating responsive to a shift command based on the degree of throttle opening and the speed of the transmission output, said device comprising:(a) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions input to said transmission;(b) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions output from said transmission or a car speed sensor;(c) means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with said detected number of input revolutions and said number of detected output revolutions;(d) means for obtaining a formal gear ratio responsive to shift lever position;(e) comparison means for determining a failure in the mechanical portion of said transmission by making a comparison between said formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio; and(f) timing means for preventing said determination of failure for a predetermined period of time beginning with a change of the shift solenoid and ending after a new gear stage responsive to said change is stabilized.

[Text from Abstract]In a fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission to be mounted on a vehicle, a sensor for the number of revolution input to a T/M is newly provided for the electronically controlled automatic transmission, and an actual gear ratio of the T/M is calculated in accordance with the number of revolution input to the T/M and the number of revolution output from the T/M or the car speed. If the calculated actual gear ratio is coincided with the formal gear ratio, it is determined that the state is normal, while if they are not coincided with each other, it is determined that the T/M is in a failure state. As a result of this, failure detection of

19

the T/M is performed. Therefore, in a case when the T/M is in a failure state, a driver can take a measure, for exmple, by performing an emergency control. Furthermore, the occurrence of the failure can be displayed by a detected failure displaying device so that the driver can take a measure such as a repair.


[Text from Claims]1. A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission including at least one shift solenoid for effecting gear changes and a mechanical portion, said shift solenoid operating responsive to a shift command based on the degree of throttle opening and the speed of the transmission output, said device comprising:(a) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions input to said transmission;(b) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions output from said transmission or a car speed sensor;(c) means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with said detected number of input revolutions and said number of detected output revolutions;(d) means for obtaining a formal gear ratio responsive to shift lever position;(e) comparison means for determining a failure in the mechanical portion of said transmission by making a comparison between said formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio; and(f) timing means for preventing said determination of failure for a predetermined period of time beginning with a change of the shift solenoid and ending after a new gear stage responsive to said change is stabilized.


[Text from Claims]1. A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission including at least one shift solenoid for effecting gear changes and a mechanical portion, said shift solenoid operating responsive to a shift command based on the degree of throttle opening and the speed of the transmission output, said device comprising:(a) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions input to said transmission;(b) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions output from said transmission or a car speed sensor;(c) means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with said detected number of input revolutions and said number of detected output revolutions;(d) means for obtaining a formal gear ratio responsive to shift lever position;(e) comparison means for determining a failure in the mechanical portion of said transmission by making a comparison between said formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio; and(f) timing means for preventing said determination of failure for a predetermined period of time beginning with a change of the shift solenoid and ending after a new gear stage responsive to said change is stabilized.[Text from Description]In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides, in a fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission: a sensor for detection of the number of revolutions input to the transmission; a sensor for the number of revolutions output from the transmission or a car speed sensor; means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with the sensed number of input revolutions, and the sensed number of output revolutions or the car speed obtained from the car speed sensor; means for obtaining a formal gear ratio; and means for detecting failures in a mechanical portion of the transmission by making a comparison between the formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio are provided.

Key Feature 6: [Text from Claims]

20

The processing unit generates an error signal for a rotational overspeed if a certain maximum value for the rotational speed is exceeded.

1. A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission including at least one shift solenoid for effecting gear changes and a mechanical portion, said shift solenoid operating responsive to a shift command based on the degree of throttle opening and the speed of the transmission output, said device comprising:(a) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions input to said transmission;(b) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions output from said transmission or a car speed sensor;(c) means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with said detected number of input revolutions and said number of detected output revolutions;(d) means for obtaining a formal gear ratio responsive to shift lever position;(e) comparison means for determining a failure in the mechanical portion of said transmission by making a comparison between said formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio; and(f) timing means for preventing said determination of failure for a predetermined period of time beginning with a change of the shift solenoid and ending after a new gear stage responsive to said change is stabilized.[Text from Description]In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides, in a fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission: a sensor for detection of the number of revolutions input to the transmission; a sensor for the number of revolutions output from the transmission or a car speed sensor; means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with the sensed number of input revolutions, and the sensed number of output revolutions or the car speed obtained from the car speed sensor; means for obtaining a formal gear ratio; and means for detecting failures in a mechanical portion of the transmission by making a comparison between the formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio are provided.


NA


[Text from Claims]1. A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission including at least one shift solenoid for effecting gear changes and a mechanical portion, said shift solenoid operating responsive to a shift command based on the degree of throttle opening and the speed of the transmission output, said device comprising:(a) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions input to said transmission;(b) a sensor for detecting the number of revolutions output from said transmission or a car speed sensor;(c) means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with said detected number of input revolutions and said number of detected output revolutions;(d) means for obtaining a formal gear ratio responsive to shift lever position;(e) comparison means for determining a failure in the mechanical portion of said transmission by making a comparison between said formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio; and(f) timing means for preventing said determination of failure for a predetermined period of time beginning with a change of the shift solenoid and ending after a new

21

gear stage responsive to said change is stabilized.[Text from Description]In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides, in a fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission: a sensor for detection of the number of revolutions input to the transmission; a sensor for the number of revolutions output from the transmission or a car speed sensor; means for calculating an actual gear ratio in accordance with the sensed number of input revolutions, and the sensed number of output revolutions or the car speed obtained from the car speed sensor; means for obtaining a formal gear ratio; and means for detecting failures in a mechanical portion of the transmission by making a comparison between the formal gear ratio and the thus-calculated gear ratio are provided.

TPSF Comment: The invention discloses the use of input speed and output speed of transmission for calculating actual gear ratio. This actual gear ratio is compared with formal gear ratio. The invention fails to explicitly disclose the comparison of input speed and output speed of the transmission.

22

4. WO8101444 TPSF comments: The invention discloses a wind-power plant. It comprises a transducer is located on the input shaft of the transmission and other transducer is located on the output shaft of the transmission. With the help of the measurements of the input and output transducers the rotation speed of transmission (gear unit) is controlled.



WINDMILL TRANSMISSION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS

May 28, 1981

November 12, 1980

November 14, 1979 NYGREN K

ALLMAENNA INGBYRAN; NYGREN K

AbstractA wind-power plant in which the variable input speed of a variable wind turbine is converted to a substantially constant output speed of an electric generator comprises a speed holding system arranged between the output shaft (2) of the wind turbine (1) and the input shaft of the generator (26). This speed holding system includes at least one speed variator (20) connected to a signal processing device (25). The variator (20) is connected, via a variator shaft (21), to a first gear (22) of a planet gear arrangement. The first gear (22) meshes with a second gear (13) which is fixedly connected to a gear ring (11). This gear ring (11) is fixedly connected to the output shaft (2) of the turbine (1), the arrangement being such that in the event of a change in wind speed, the rotational speed of the generator input shaft is maintained constant as the blade-pitch is changed in response to said change in wind speed.Drawing


[Text from Abstract]A wind-power plant in which the variable input speed of a variable wind turbine is converted to a substantially constant output speed of an electric generator comprises a speed holding system arranged between the output shaft (2) of the wind turbine (1) and the input shaft of the generator (26). this speed holding system includes at least one speed variator (20) connected to a signal processing device (25). the variator (20) is connected, via a variator shaft (21), to a first gear (22) of a planet

23


gear arrangement. the first gear (22) meshes with a second gear (13) which is fixedly connected to a gear ring (11). this gear ring (11) is fixedly connected to the output shaft (2) of the turbine (1), the arrangement being such that in the event of a change in wind speed, the rotational speed of the generator input shaft is maintained constant as the blade-pitch is changed in response to said change in wind speed.

[Text from Description]An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 2. In the Figure there is shown a propeller 1 comprising, in the illustrated embodiment, blades which can be pivoted or rotated about their respective long axes by known control means not shown. The propeller 1 is connected to a shaft 2 which is journalled for rotation in a bearing 3. Fixedly connected to the shaft 2 is a yoke 4 having at respective ends thereof bearings 6 and 7 for planet gears 9 and 8 respectively. The planet gears 8 and 9 mesh with a sun gear 10 and a gear ring 11.


[Text from Abstract]A wind-power plant in which the variable input speed of a variable wind turbine is converted to a substantially constant output speed of an electric generator comprises a speed holding system arranged between the output shaft (2) of the wind turbine (1) and the input shaft of the generator (26). this speed holding system includes at least one speed variator (20) connected to a signal processing device (25). the variator (20) is connected, via a variator shaft (21), to a first gear (22) of a planet gear arrangement. the first gear (22) meshes with a second gear (13) which is fixedly connected to a gear ring (11). this gear ring (11) is fixedly connected to the output shaft (2) of the turbine (1), the arrangement being such that in the event of a change in wind speed, the rotational speed of the generator input shaft is maintained constant as the blade-pitch is changed in response to said change in wind speed.

TPSF Comment: From the above excerpt and figure, it can be seen that generator shaft connects an output shaft of the gear unit with a generator unit.


[Text from Description]The speed variator is of a kind known per se and may comprise a hydrostatic transmission which includes a variabledisplacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, which by way of an alternative may conversely be driven as a motor or a pump, or said variator may be a mechanically or electrically operating speed variator. The output shaft 21 of the speed variator 20 is fixedly connected to a gear 22 which meshes with the gear 13. A transducer 23 indicates the rotational speed of the turbine, while a transducer 24 indicates the rotational speed of a generator 26.

24

Signals from the transducers are processed in a known manner in a control means 25, which is arranged to send command signals to the speed variator 20.


[Text from Description]The speed variator is of a kind known per se and may comprise a hydrostatic transmission which includes a variabledisplacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, which by way of an alternative may conversely be driven as a motor or a pump, or said variator may be a mechanically or electrically operating speed variator. The output shaft 21 of the speed variator 20 is fixedly connected to a gear 22 which meshes with the gear 13. A transducer 23 indicates the rotational speed of the turbine, while a transducer 24 indicates the rotational speed of a generator 26. Signals from the transducers are processed in a known manner in a control means 25, which is arranged to send command signals to the speed variator 20.


[Text from Description]The speed variator is of a kind known per se and may comprise a hydrostatic transmission which includes a variabledisplacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, which by way of an alternative may conversely be driven as a motor or a pump, or said variator may be a mechanically or electrically operating speed variator. The output shaft 21 of the speed variator 20 is fixedly connected to a gear 22 which meshes with the gear 13. A transducer 23 indicates the rotational speed of the turbine, while a transducer 24 indicates the rotational speed of a generator 26. Signals from the transducers are processed in a known manner in a control means 25, which is arranged to send command signals to the speed variator 20.


The speed variator is of a kind known per se and may comprise a hydrostatic transmission which includes a variabledisplacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, which by way of an alternative may conversely be driven as a motor or a pump, or said variator may be a mechanically or electrically operating speed variator. The output shaft 21 of the speed variator 20 is fixedly connected to a gear 22 which meshes with the gear 13. A transducer 23 indicates the rotational speed of the turbine, while a transducer 24 indicates the rotational speed of a generator 26. Signals from the transducers are processed in a known manner in a control means 25, which is arranged to send command signals to the speed variator 20.

The described gear box is of a known planet-gear design.

It is characterized in that the rotational speed-of the gear ring of said planet-gear system is controlled by the output speed of the transmission via a speed variator. By suitable dimensioning of the transmission, the major part of the power transmitted is transfered over the mechanical part of the transmission, resulting in a high efficiency.

The described transmission enables the speed of the turbine to vary within well defined limits while still obtaining a constant transmission output speed so as to enable a synchronous generator to be used.

TPSF Comment: The invention fails to explicitly disclose about generates an error signal for a rotational overspeed if a certain maximum value for the rotational speed is exceeded.

Key Feature 7:Each rotational speed detection unit comprises at least two rotational speed sensors working

NA

25

independently of each other.Key Feature 8:The processing unit for the rotational speed is configured to compare the measured values of the first rotational speed detection unit with the measured values of the second rotational speed detection unit, taking into account a gear ratio, and to generate an error signal for a shaft defect if the rotational speed values differ by more than a predetermined threshold value.

NA

26

4.4.3 Interesting ResultsThis list is just indicative in nature to give you some idea of what else is available in the art. Note that the list is not meant to be comprehensive.

5. US5675095



ROTATIONAL TORQUE SENSOR

October 7, 1997

June 30, 1995

June 30, 1995

BALLANTYNE W JOHN

CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY

Abstract:A torque measuring apparatus that uses proximity devices coupled to reference rings on input and output shafts that have periodically undulating circumferential boundaries. The regular changes in the proximity of the circumferential surfaces to their proximity sensors is used to determine torque.Drawings

27


6. US4885690


Date Inventor/ Author Assignee

SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING DRIVING PARAMETERS IN UTILITY VEHICLES

December 05, 1989

September 23, 1987

February 1, 1984

SCHIMMEL JOHANNES; BAUER HARALD; BURIAN GUNTHER; HULLA HEINZ; KAGERER ROBERT; KUBIN HELMUT

STEYR DAIMLER PUCH AG

Abstract:A device and method for optimizing operation of a utility vehicle is disclosed. The optimizing device comprises engine and transmission data sensors which input current operating parameters to a microcomputer having a memory containing optimizing programs, thereby enabling the microcomputer to generate optimized commands which are displayed on indicating means so that an operator can adjust the operating controls.Drawings

28


7. US5896083



SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TAMPERING

April 20, 1999

May 16, 1997

May 16, 1997

WEISMAN II S MILLER; AVERY RICHARD

DETROIT DIESEL CORP

Abstract:A system and method for detecting tampering with a vehicle speed sensor input signal include determining a current gear ratio, comparing the current gear ratio to at least one reference gear ratio to determine a gear ratio difference value, and generating an error signal indicating tampering with the vehicle speed sensor signal when the gear ratio difference value exceeds a first threshold. In one embodiment the step of generating an error signal is performed only when the gear ratio difference value exceeds the first threshold for an elapsed time greater than a predetermined time period. One embodiment includes determining a current engine speed, current vehicle speed, and current transmission gear ratio and storing values for the current engine speed, vehicle speed, and transmission gear ratio in the memory whenever at least one predetermined criterion is satisfied. The system and method calculate difference values between the current engine speed, vehicle speed, and transmission gear ratio and corresponding previously stored respective values. A signal indicating tampering is generated when at least one of the difference values exceeds a corresponding threshold.Drawings

29


8. US20050246083



SINGLE WIRE DUAL SPEED SIGNAL SYSTEM

November 3, 2005

April 30, 2004

April 30, 2004

KOSKI JACK P

GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

Abstract:A control system and method for communicating with a transmission includes a transmission input speed sensor that generates an input speed signal. A transmission output speed sensor generates an output speed signal. A power supply supplies a total current to the transmission input and output speed sensors via a first conductor. A sensor senses the total current supplied to the transmission input and output speed sensors on the first conductor. A calculating module calculates a transmission input speed and a transmission output speed based on the total current.Drawings

30


9. JPS5444106



SPEED CONTROLLING METHOD FOR STEAM TURBINE

April 7, 1979

September 14, 1977

September 14, 1977

KUWAJIMA HIDESUMI HITACHI LTD

Abstract:PURPOSE:To perform safety speed control by arranging a plural number of speed detectors at each end of a turbine shaft and controlling a steam reducing valve by means of the signal of a secondary comparison circuit which compares a plural number of primary comparison circuits which compare each speed at both ends. CONSTITUTION:When a shaft 26 is snapped off between a gear 6 and a high pressure turbine 1, the gear 6 is not driven, so the speed decreases. The speed signals 12 and 13 of speed detectors 8 and 9 show the decrease of speed, but the speed signals 14 and 15 of speed detectors 10 and 11 are normal, and so the output selecting speed signl 19 of a comparison circuit 17 is normal. The selection speed signal 18 of a comparison 19 is normal, and the control signal 21 is normal due to a high value priority circuit 20. Accordingly, when an apparent speed decreases, the speeding of the turbine due to the opening of a reducing valve 24 to increase the turbine speed is removed, and a stable speed conrol can be achieved.Drawings

31

http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=JPS5444106&F=0

32

10. JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

Product Manufacturer Source

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

Jeep (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, previously Chrysler and DaimlerChrysler)

http://www.wjjeeps.com/speed_sensors.htm

AbstractOperation:The Input Speed Sensor provides information on how fast the input shaft is rotating. As the teeth of the input clutch hub pass by the sensor coil, an AC voltage is generated and sent to the TCM. The TCM interprets this information as input shaft rpm.The Output Speed Sensor generates an AC signal in a similar fashion, though its coil is excited by rotation of the rear planetary carrier lugs. The TCM interprets this information as output shaft rpm.

The TCM compares the input and output speed signals to determine the following: Transmission gear ratio Speed ratio error detection CVI calculation

The TCM also compares the input speed signal and the engine speed signal to determine the following: Torque converter clutch slippage Torque converter element speed ratio

Drawings

Publication DateThe publication date of the article (as shown by google) is August 9, 2004.

33



34

5 Methodology

The following methodology was adopted for performing the Invalidity search:

MethodologyTask Details OutputStep I Understanding

TPSF developed a thorough understanding of the technology area and client’s requirements to prepare a strategy for the report

A preliminary strategy for the search was prepared including keyword-based search, citations search, assignee/inventor name search

Step II aKeyword-based Patent Searching

TPSF generated a list of keywords to be used for conducting the patent and non-patent search for the project, as per the preliminary search strategy. Further, the list of search strategy was used to perform patent searches on Thomson Innovation, Questel Orbit patent databases.The patents obtained from the search were analyzed to identify relevant/ related patents.

A set of relevant/related patents

Step II bInventor / Assignee Searching

TPSF conducted Inventor/Assignee search analysis for relevant/related patents.


Step II cClass based Searching

TPSF conducted searches using relevant IPC / CPC classes, with broad key strings to capture any additional patents relevant to the domain.


Step II dPatent Citations Searching

TPSF conducted Forward-Backward and Backward-Forward citation analysis for relevant/related patents obtained from the searches II a, II b and II c.


Step IIINon-Patent Searching

The search strings prepared for the patent search were modified to adapt to searching syntax for non-patent searches. Searches were carried out on Google to obtain a list of non-patent documents matching the keyword criteria. These non-patent documents were screened on the basis of free-information (mostly abstract).

A set of relevant/related non-patent literature

Step IVDeliverable Preparation

An MS Word Document containing the project overview, search strategy, relevance criteria, and the results was prepared.

MS Word Deliverable

35

6 Search Strategy

The following search strings, some combinations and/or some syntactical variations of them were used to conduct searches on Thomson Innovation and Questel Orbit to extract patents for analysis or extract other relevant information to assist in searching.

Similarly, syntactical variations of these strings were run on non-patent databases as well.

6.1 Search Strings

S. No. Search String

1

Claims, Title and Abstract:(((Speed Term Set) 3D (Detect Term Set)) P (Gearbox Term Set))

ANDIPC/CPC:(F01D-021+ OR F05D-2270/021+ OR F03D+ OR G01P-003+ OR G01D-018+ OR G01M-013+)

ANDApplication Date: On or before February 05, 2008

2

Full Specification:((((Speed Term Set) 3D (Detect Term Set)) P (Gearbox Term Set)) AND ((Speed Term Set)10D (Analyze Term Set)))

ANDIPC/CPC:(F01D-021+ OR F05D-2270/021+ OR F03D+ OR G01P-003+ OR G01D-018+ OR G01M-013+)


3

Claims, Title and Abstract:(((Speed Term Set) 3D (Detect Term Set)) AND ((Two Term Set) 3D (Detect Term Set)) AND ((Gearbox Term Set) 3D (Detect Term Set)))


36

6.2 Term Set

Keyword Based Search

Term Set Keywords

Gearbox (((gear+) 2D (box+ OR case? OR casing?)) OR transmission? OR gear_box?? OR gear_cas????)

Speed (Speed+ OR velocit+ OR rotation OR rotational OR revolution? OR RPM?)

Detect (detect+ OR sens+ OR transduc+ OR probe+ OR probing? OR pick_up? OR measur+)

Analyze(Monitor+ OR check+ OR inspect+ OR examin+ OR analy+ OR compar+ OR review+ OR control+ OR regulat+ OR record+ OR measur+ OR Determin+ OR estimat+ OR evaluat+ OR comput+ OR calculat+ OR indicat+ OR observ+ OR calibrat+)

Two (couple? OR doubl+ OR multi+ OR two OR pair+ OR dual+ OR second+)

6.3 Relevant Classes Identified

The following Classes were used in combination with the term sets provided above:

Class Definitions

F03D+Mechanical engineering; lighting; heating; weapons; blasting engines or pumps >> machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring weight and miscellaneous motors; producing mechanical power; or a reactive propulsive thrust, not otherwise provided for >> wind motors

G01P-003+Physics >> measuring; testing >> measuring linear or angular speed, acceleration, deceleration, or shock; indicating presence, absence, or direction, of movement >> measuring linear or angular speed; measuring differences of linear or angular speeds

G01D-018+

Physics >> measuring; testing >> measuring not specially adapted for a specific variable; arrangements for measuring two or more variables not covered in a single other subclass; tariff metering apparatus; measuring or testing not otherwise provided for >> testing or calibrating of apparatus or arrangements provided for in groups g01d1/00 to g01d15/00

G01M-013+ Physics >> measuring; testing >> testing static or dynamic balance of machines or structures; testing structures or apparatus not otherwise provided for >> testing of machine parts

F01D-021+

Mechanical engineering; lighting; heating; weapons; blasting engines or pumps >> machines or engines in general; engine plants in general; steam engines >> non-positive displacement machines or engines, e.g. Steam turbines >> shutting-down of machines or engines, e.g. In emergency; regulating, controlling, or safety means not otherwise provided for

F05D-2270/021

Mechanical engineering; lighting; heating; weapons; blasting engines or pumps >> indexing schemes relating to engines or pumps in various subclasses of classes f01-f04 >> indexing scheme for aspects relating to non-positive-displacement machines or engines, gas-turbines or jet-propulsion plants >> control >> to prevent overspeed

37

6.4 Glossary of Specific Search Operators Used

Operators Definitions

+ Any number of characters (in Questel Orbit)

nW Search for words in the same sentence and appearing within n words of one another, in the written order. If n is omitted, the number defaults to one (in Questel Orbit)

nD Search for words in the same sentence and appearing within n words of one another, but in either order. If n is omitted, the number defaults to one (in Questel Orbit)

S Search terms occur in the same sentence (in Questel Orbit)

P Search for words in the same paragraph (in Questel Orbit)

ADJn Search for words in the same sentence and appearing within n words of one another, in the written order. If n is omitted, the number defaults to one (in Thomson Innovation)

NEARn Search for words in the same sentence and appearing within n words of one another, but in either order. If n is omitted, the number defaults to one (in Thomson Innovation)

SAME Search for words in the same paragraph (in Thomson Innovation)

38

7 Sanity List (Documents not included in this report)

Please note that below listed documents are usually not included in the report for prior art searches unless specifically mentioned by the client to include them:

Any patent (or non-patent) document(s) and its family that has been shared by the client are not included in the final report.

However, please note that we do provide citations of documents that have been shared by the client.

The citations (and its family members) of the target patent (in case of validity searches) are not included in the final report.

However, please note that we do provide those citations of family members of the target patent that are unique and are not present in the list for citations of the target patent.

Family members of the target patent (in case of validity searches) are not included in the final report.

Any document that has been asked by the client to exclude from our search and analysis are not included in the final report.

Patents belonging to same assignee/inventor of the target patent (in case of validity searches) are not included in the final report.

8 Non-Disclosure

The Patent Search Firm or any subsidiary of The Patent Search Firm (Together, “The Patent Search Firm"), or any of their directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives (Together, "PERSONNEL") promise that all client information shall be treated as confidential material, where no part of your information will be used for any purpose whatsoever outside of the intended purpose of completing the search. The Patent Search Firm will neither use, nor cause others to use, nor divulge to third parties un-affiliated with The Patent Search Firm, all or any part of your information, in any way, without your express written consent.

9 Disclaimer

The validity search for the subject patent has been conducted based only on the keywords listed in the document which in turn have been derived from the key features of the invention mentioned in the document. Furthermore, the information contained herein has been obtained from data sources believed to be reliable. The Patent Search Firm disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. No opinion is expressed or implied. Finally, the search results identified are only up to the date of this report. You should consider the search to be a reasonable expenditure of time and money to determine if the patent can be invalidated in view of the search results. The Patent Search Firm strives to ensure the accuracy and completeness of our research services. However, because of the subjective nature of such research and possible incomplete data supplied to us, we cannot warrant that our search reports are 100% complete or error-free.

Neither The Patent Search Firm nor any of their PERSONNEL provides legal services or legal advice in any part of the world. Since The Patent Search Firm is not a law firm, it does not and cannot render legal services or legal advice to the general public and is not engaged in the practice of law.

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