Structurally tuned vibration based component checking system and method

Abstract

A structurally tuned, vibration-based component checking system for detecting anomalies in a component of an assembly prior to the component being installed in the assembly is provided. The component checking system operates the component being tested at a speed that is different from the speed at which the component operates during normal use in the assembly, and also under a different load. To compensate for this difference in speed and load, the component checking system is structurally tuned such that a relationship exists between the modal frequencies and speed of operation of the component checking system and the modal frequencies and speed of operation of the assembly.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A structurally tuned vibration based checking system for detecting anomalies in a movable component of an assembly prior to the component being installed in the assembly, the assembly having modal frequencies, the component having at least one assembly anomaly frequency that is a function of a speed of operation of the component in the assembly at which anomalies in the component are detectable, the at least one assembly anomaly frequency is within a predetermined frequency range of the assembly, the checking system comprising: 
 a first actuator operable to operate the component at one or more predetermined speeds, the component having at least one checking system anomaly frequency that is a function of the speed of operation of the component in the checking system, the at least one checking system anomaly frequency being different than the at least one assembly anomaly frequency;    a structure for supporting the component while the component is being operated by the first actuator, the structure being configured using the at least one checking system anomaly frequency such that at least a portion of the checking system has at least one modal frequency within a predetermined frequency range of the checking system, the predetermined frequency range of the checking system including the at least one checking system anomaly frequency; and    a sensor for measuring values of a response parameter of the checking system while the first actuator operates the component.    
   
   
       17 . The checking system of  claim 16 , further comprising a second actuator operable to apply a load to the component while the first actuator operates the component.  
   
   
       18 . The checking system of  claim 17 , further comprising a second component configured to cooperate with the second actuator and the component, and wherein the second actuator applies the load to the component through the second component.  
   
   
       19 . The checking system of  claim 18 , wherein the component is a vehicle transmission gear, the first actuator is operable to rotate the transmission gear, and the second actuator is operable to apply a torque load to the transmission gear through a mating gear in contact with the transmission gear.  
   
   
       20 . The checking system of  claim 19 , wherein the transmission gear and the mating gear engage each other with single flank contact.  
   
   
       21 . The checking system of  claim 16 , wherein the response parameter is vibration and the sensor measures acceleration values of at least a portion of the checking system, thereby facilitating detection of anomalies in the component.  
   
   
       22 - 23 . (canceled)