Vibration probe protection bracket apparatus and method of use thereof

摘要

The invention comprises a vibration probe protection apparatus and method of use thereof. The sensor protection system dynamically moves the probe away from the shaft in response to radial movement of the shaft and subsequently repositions the sensor probe at a set distance from the rotating shaft. The sensor protection system optionally: (1) positions a protective element closer to the shaft than a tip of the probe, where radial movement of the shaft strikes the protective element and the protective element uses a portion of the resulting striking force to move the probe away from the shaft; (2) resists bounce of the probe upon delivery of force from movement of the shaft to the protective element; and/or (3) provides a return spring force to the probe tip toward the shaft to reposition the probe against a hard stop.

主权项

1. An apparatus for protecting a probe, during use the apparatus configured proximate a shaft rotatable about a z-axis, the shaft positioned on a support bearing, said apparatus comprising:
a mount element configured to mount to a rigid surface, said mount element comprising:
a probe positioning support element configured to position a tip of the probe at a first distance of at least 0.0005 inch and less than 0.02 inch from an outer x/y-plane circumference of the shaft;a probe protection element positioned at a second distance greater than zero inches and less than the first distance from the outer x/y-plane circumference of the shaft; anda deformable element connected to both said probe protection element and said probe positioning support element,wherein upon movement of the shaft in the x/y-plane sufficient to strike said probe protection element, energy from the shaft is transferred through the probe protection element to said deformable element resulting in movement of said deformable element and said probe positioning support element away from the shaft.