Load cell residual fatigue life estimation system and method

摘要

A system and method for estimating the residual fatigue life of a load cell includes storing, in a memory, fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell. A predetermined number of data storage bins are provided. Each data storage bin is representative of a predefined value range of peak loads. Peak loads applied to an in-service load cell are detected, and each is stored in an appropriate one of the data storage bins. A number of load cycles of the in-service load cell are calculated based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins. An estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell is calculated from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.

主权项

1. A load cell residual fatigue life estimation system, comprising:
an in-service load cell adapted to have loads applied thereto and configured, in response to the applied loads, to supply load cell output signals representative thereof; first memory having stored therein fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell; second memory having stored therein a predetermined number of data storage bins, each data storage bin representative of a predefined value range of peak loads applied to the in-service load cell; and a first processor coupled to receive the load cell output signals and configured, upon receipt thereof, to:
sample the in-service load cell output signals a predetermined number of times;determine a number of positive load peaks and a number of negative Load peaks there are in the predetermined number of samples;calculate an average amplitude magnitude of the positive load peaks;calculate an average amplitude magnitude of the negative load peaks;compare the calculated average amplitude magnitudes to determine which is a greater magnitude average load peak; andselectively store the determined number of positive load peaks or the determined number of negative load peaks in a data storage bin of the data storage bins associated with the greater magnitude average load peak; and a second processor in operable communication with the first memory and the second memory and configured to (i) calculate a number of load cycles of the in-service load cell based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins and (ii) calculate an estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.