Device and method for monitoring a chain parameter
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
G01B-011/24
G01N-021/95
G01N-021/84
G01L-005/10
G01L-025/00
B62J-099/00
G01B-011/06
출원번호
US-0896850
(2014-06-10)
등록번호
US-9429489
(2016-08-30)
국제출원번호
PCT/IL2014/050520
(2014-06-10)
국제공개번호
WO2014/199376
(2014-12-18)
발명자
/ 주소
Goldstein, Michael D.
출원인 / 주소
DANIMAR LTD.
대리인 / 주소
Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
0인용 특허 :
15
초록▼
Provided is a system for measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain, wherein the chain has a repetitive structure such as a chain link or teeth in a cogged belt. The system includes at least one image sensor positioned and configured to receive light from the moving chain, and a processor functio
Provided is a system for measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain, wherein the chain has a repetitive structure such as a chain link or teeth in a cogged belt. The system includes at least one image sensor positioned and configured to receive light from the moving chain, and a processor functionally associated with the image sensor. The processor is configured to obtain, from a signal stream received from the image sensor, a chain parameter characterizing the chain while the chain moves. An Image Monitoring Unit (IMU) may be assembled proximal the chain of a bicycles or of a spin bike, and a Human Computer Interface (HCI) unit including a display and functionally associated with the IMU, allows a user to view measurement results of a chain parameter and to operate the system. Further provided is a method of measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain.
대표청구항▼
1. A system for measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain, the chain having repetitive structure, the system comprising at least one image sensor positioned and configured to receive light from said moving chain, said light being affected by said repetitive structure when said chain moves, anda
1. A system for measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain, the chain having repetitive structure, the system comprising at least one image sensor positioned and configured to receive light from said moving chain, said light being affected by said repetitive structure when said chain moves, anda processor functionally associated with said image sensor, said processor being configured to receive a signal stream from said image sensor, said signal stream being related to said light received by said image sensor, and further configured toobtain from said signal stream at least one chain parameter characterizing said chain, including a momentary elastic stretching of said repetitive structure of the chain, while said chain moves;wherein the system is configured to be assembled onto a bicycle or a spin-bike having a chain, and to measure said at least one chain parameter of said chain. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said chain comprises a cogged belt or a toothed belt or a perforated belt. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said chain is in a chain drive. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one chain parameter further include at least one from the group consisting of elongation of a segment of the chain, strain, tensile strain, tension of the chain, force applied to the chain, chain speed, momentary chain speed, power delivered by the chain, momentary power delivered by the chain and energy delivered by the chain during a time interval. 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising an optical element optically positioned between said chain and said image sensor. 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said optical element is selected from the group consisting of a lens, a mirror, a prism and a beam splitter. 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a light source, aligned and configured to emit light so as to light said chain. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said light source generates pulses of light. 9. The system of claim 7 wherein said processor is functionally associated with said light source and configured to control said emitted light. 10. The system of claim 7 further comprising a photo-detector configured to receive light from said chain, said light being affected by said repetitive structure when said chain moves, said photo-detector being functionally associated with said processor. 11. The system of claim 10 wherein a photo detector signal received from said photo-detector by said processor is employed as a synchronization signal and said processor controls a light intensity of said light source. 12. The system of claim 1 wherein said image sensor comprises a linear image sensor comprising a linear array of pixels. 13. The system of claim 12 wherein said image sensor comprises two linear image sensors arranged to receive light from two regions on said chain, said two regions being shifted a distance d relative one another, said distance d being larger than a distance between two consecutive repetitive structures of said chain. 14. The system of claim 1 wherein said image sensor comprises a 2D image sensor and the system is configured to generate an image of a silhouette of a segment of said chain. 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said processor is configured to receive image data of said chain from said 2D image sensor and to measure a distance associated with said image data to obtain said at least one chain parameter. 16. The system of claim 15 wherein said processor is configured to calculate said at least one chain parameter by comparing image data received from said 2D image sensor when the chain moves, to a reference image data of said chain. 17. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display, functionally associated with said processor for displaying to a user a measurement result of said at least one chain parameter, and an input device configured to enable a user to command the system. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein an Image Monitoring Unit, comprising said image sensor, is configured to be assembled proximal a chain of a bicycle or of a spin bike, and configured to communicate with a Human Computer Interface unit (HCI), comprising said display. 19. The system of claim 18 wherein said Image Monitoring Unit and said Human Computer Interface unit are functionally associated wirelessly. 20. The system of claim 19 wherein said HCI comprises a portable personal device selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a notebook computer and a PDA. 21. A method of measuring a momentary elastic stretching of a repetitive structure of a moving chain, the method comprises: providing the system of claim 1, andusing the system, calculating a distance associated with said repetitive structure of said chain. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said step of calculating a distance comprises obtaining an image of said repetitive structure, when said chain moves. 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising a calibration step, said calibration step comprises obtaining an image of said repetitive structure, when said chain is subjected to a substantially zero force, andmeasuring said distance using said image.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (15)
Urbanzyk, Kai, Apparatus and method for measuring the stretch of a chain which circulates endlessly in the apparatus.
Alan Cote ; Jean-Joseph Cote ; John C. Croy ; Seppo Nissila FI, Method and apparatus for measuring power output and for measuring tension and vibrational frequency of a elongate flexible member.
Brown Patrick A. (Fremont MI) Murphy Patrick J. (Muskegon MI) Meade Mark H. (Muskegon MI), Method and apparatus for monitoring wear of a continuous chain.
Gawrisch Wolfgang (Gau-Bischofsheim DEX) Trzebiatowski Thomas (Wiesbaden DEX), Method and device for determining the change in thickness and/or orientation within a strip of optically active material.
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