Real-Time Load Monitoring in Linear Guideways Using Integrated Inductive Proximity Sensors
More details
Hide details
1
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Dresden University of Technology, Germany
2
Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkzeugmaschinen und Umformtechnik IWU, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Germany
Submission date: 2025-02-07
Final revision date: 2025-04-24
Acceptance date: 2025-05-31
Online publication date: 2025-08-25
Corresponding author
Yutao Lan
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Dresden University of Technology, Germany
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Linear guideways are essential components of manufacturing technology, providing precise motion and supporting significant loads in machine tools and automated systems. Real-time load measurement in these guideways is critical for effective condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. However, the compact and integrated nature of linear guideway systems makes such measurements inherently challenging. This study presents a novel approach to measuring load using relatively inexpensive inductive proximity sensors integrated in the linear guideway. The proposed method estimates the load by analyzing the relative position between the rolling element and the carriage, which is determined using switching signals. The concept of the measurement method was validated in a preliminary study on a 3-axis machine tool and subsequently tested on a fatigue life test rig under various load conditions. The results are promising and demonstrate the potential of this method for real-time load monitoring.
REFERENCES (18)
1.
MOURTZIS D., 2021, Towards the 5th Industrial Revolution: A Literature Review and a Framework for Process Optimization Based on Big Data Analytics and Semantics, Journal of Machine Engineering, 21/3, 5–39,
https://doi.org/10.36897/jme/1....
2.
OHTA H., TANAKA K., 2009, Vertical Stiffnesses of Preloaded Linear Guideway Type Ball Bearings Incorporating the Flexibility of the Carriage and Rail, Journal of Tribology 132 /1,
https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4000....
3.
IHLENFELDT S., MÜLLER J., STAROSZYK D., 2020, Lifespan Investigations of Linear Profiled Rail Guides at Pitch and Yaw Moments, Production at the Leading Edge of Technology, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 294–303,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-....
5.
STAROSZYK D., MÜLLER J., IHLENFELDT S., 2024, Increasing the Service Life Prediction Accuracy of Linear Guideways Considering Real Operating Conditions, Mechanism and Machine Theory 201, 105734,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mech....
6.
STAROSZYK D., MÜLLER J., IHLENFELDT S., 2024, Simplification of the Rolling Contact-Related Lifetime Calculation of Profiled Rail Guides with a Polynomial Regression, Journal of Machine Engineering 24/1, 60–73,
https://doi.org/10.36897/jme/1....
8.
SIMS N.D., BAYLY P.V., YOUNG K.A., 2005, Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators for Milling Tool Stability Lobes, Journal of Sound and Vibration 281 (3-5), 743–762,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.....
9.
KEIL S., 2017, Technology and Practical Use of Strain Gages with Particular Consideration of Stress Analysis Using Strain Gages: with Particular Consideration of Stress Analysis Using Strain Gages, Wilhelm Ernst & Sohn,
https://doi.org/10.1002/978343....
10.
KRAMPERT D., UNSLEBER S., REINDL L., 2020, Measuring Load on Linear Guides in Different Load Scenarios Using an Integrated DLC Based Sensor System, in: SMSI 2020 – Sensors and Instrumentation,
https://doi.org/10.5162/SMSI20....
12.
KRAMPERT D., UNSLEBER S., REINDL L., 2021, Localized Surface Strain Measurement for Load Detection Using Diamond Like Carbon Coating on a Linear Guide, 2021 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC), IEEE,
https://doi.org/10.1109/i2mtc5....
14.
BARTOLETTI C., BUONANNI R., FANTASIA L.G., FRULLA R., GAGGIOLI W., SACERDOTI G., 1998, The Design of a Proximity Inductive Sensor, Measurement Science and Technology, 9/8, IOP Publishing 1180–1190,
https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0....
16.
Texas Instruments, 2021, Sensor Design for Inductive Sensing Applications Using LDC, chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/
https://www.ti.com/lit/an/snoa..., accessed: 2025-04-18.
17.
YANG L., WANG L., ZHAO W., 2020, Hybrid Modeling and Analysis of Multidirectional Variable Stiffness of the Linear Rolling Guideway Under Combined Loads, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science 234 /13, 2716-2727,
https://doi.org/10.1177/095440....