Integrated Sensor System for Condition Monitoring of Electromechanical Cylinders

Abstract

In this work, a sensor system mechanically integrated in an electromechanical cylinder is presented with the goal of measuring relevant quantities for condition monitoring. The system monitors those parts of the cylinder which are mainly affected by wear processes, i.e., spindle drive and ball bearings. Primarily low-cost MEMS sensors, e.g., for acceleration/vibration, IR emission, and position, are integrated on specially designed ring PCBs which are mounted at the front of the spindle ball screw nut allowing, e.g., the detection of spindle defects.