The first condition monitoring sensor for mobile machines
Mobile machines are frequently subjected to harsh working conditions and environments, so smooth operation is crucial. For this reason, it is essential to monitor both the process and the condition of critical components. Vibrations and temperature changes are key characteristics that can provide an early warning of issues such as damage to rolling bearings, dirt deposits on rotating components and inadequate lubrication. Thanks to the CANopen protocol, the new VMB vibration sensor from ifm has been specially designed for mobile machines. It can help recognise costly machine downtime at an early stage and reliably prevent it.
ifm now offers the new VMB condition monitoring sensor that is designed specifically for use in mobile machines. It detects vibrations continuously in all three spatial directions. From the measured values recorded, the sensor calculates proven indicators to evaluate the machine condition: information on fatigue (v-RMS), mechanical friction (a-RMS), shocks (a-Peak), early detection of bearing wear (Crest factor), real-time bearing analysis (BearingScout) and dynamic unbalance analysis at the speed of the driven machine. As an additional wear indicator, the surface temperature is also transmitted. Therefore, the smart sensor provides high-performance condition monitoring in a compact device. Communication with higher-level controller hardware takes place via CANopen. ifm offers a unique product portfolio for the mobile market, enabling communication between machines and a cloud solution and allowing data to be sent directly from remote machines to the cloud. The VMB is optimally equipped to withstand the harsh environmental conditions prevalent in many applications. The measuring cell operates at ambient temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +80 °C, and meets the stringent protection ratings of IP6K7, IP6K8 and IP6K9K. The sensor has also been granted E1 vehicle approval.
High demands due to new technologies
Condition monitoring in mobile machines is also becoming increasingly relevant thanks to new technological milestones. The autonomous operation of mobile machines in sectors such as agriculture, municipal technology and construction is becoming standard practice. This improves cost efficiency and precision while reducing the operator’s workload. There is no longer a machine operator on site who could recognise sudden error states or unexpected events at an early stage. Innovative drive concepts, such as electric or hydrogen drives, also require more intelligent machines. These drive technologies are generally more sensitive to shocks and vibrations than robust diesel engines and should therefore be monitored with a modern condition monitoring system. New business models, such as renting out machines or offering machine performance as an ‘as-a-service’ model, also require sophisticated fleet management and continuous remote access in real time. The new condition monitoring sensor acts as the service technician’s watchful eye on site. The new VMB makes condition monitoring of mobile machines possible and is used in numerous industries and sectors. The range extends from self-propelled mowers for the municipal sector to pumps used as rental equipment in mines worldwide and rail-mounted stacker cranes in harbour facilities.
