US 12,078,523 B2
Predicting track assembly component failure using direct oil contact sensor device
Michael Stephen Galat, Peoria, IL (US); Eric J. Johannsen, Washington, IL (US); and Temitope O. Akinlua, Peoria, IL (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Jul. 5, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/810,718.
Prior Publication US 2024/0011813 A1, Jan. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. G01F 23/24 (2006.01); F01M 11/12 (2006.01); G01M 17/007 (2006.01)
CPC G01F 23/241 (2013.01) [F01M 11/12 (2013.01); G01M 17/007 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system, comprising:
a component of a track assembly of a machine;
a sensor device configured to be provided in entirety in an oil reservoir of the component, the sensor device being configured to:
determine that an electrical circuit, including electrodes of the sensor device, is open,
the electrical circuit being open based on the electrodes not being immersed in oil in the oil reservoir,
generate sensor data based on determining that the electrical circuit is open,
the sensor data indicating that an oil level, of the oil in the oil reservoir, does not satisfy a level threshold, and
the sensor device including a communication component configured to be in the oil reservoir and wirelessly transmit the sensor data to a wireless communication component of the machine or to a controller; and
the controller,
the controller being configured to cause the machine to perform an action based on the sensor data.