Use Case: Condition Monitoring of a Grinding Machine

“I am leading a project for the development and prototypical implementation of an “intelligent machine tool”, which optimizes process stability and output during operation. Therefore we need a robust strain-gauge telemetry with additional MEMS sensors and fast rechargeable battery integrated in our grinding machine.”

When we received this request, we thought: “Great, that’s exactly our core competency!” Then we saw the available installation space: In total smaller than a 1 € coin! – Fortunately, we love challenges and realized an integrated process and condition monitoring system.

We developed a telemetry board for data acquisition (DAQ) and data transmission with integrated MEMS 6-DoF-IMU for the measurement of accelerations, rotation rates and temperature (16 bits, up to 6.5 kHz on-air sampling rate) as well as for the connection of 4 semiconductor strain gauge full bridges (24 bits, up to 1.5 kHz on-air sampling rate).

In addition to that, we developed a power management board for connection of a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Telemetry board, power management board, Li-Ion battery and board with charging contacts are integrated in four tiny recesses of the grinding spindle (each smaller than 30 x 5 x 8.5 mm³). When the machine is at standstill, a voltage source for charging the Li-Ion battery with high charging power (2 minutes battery charging for more than 8 minutes runtime, max. 80 minutes) is connected autonomously via a pin. Live measured data is transmitted wirelessly with a board-integrated antenna via 2.4 GHz radio link to a nemi Connect receiver module.

Vorteile für unseren Kunden:

  • Structure-integrated measurement of process and condition data
  • Monitoring sensitive properties by integrated sensors
  • Reliable wireless data transmission even through seal and housing
  • Power supply concept suitable for series production
  • Autonomous, fast battery charging during short machine standstill times without retooling the machine
  • High measurement data quality / low noise due to energy supply via rechargeable battery

Many thanks for the successful and uncomplicated cooperation to the *IFW Hannover and especially to Henning Buhl.

Do you need substantial data from your structures, machines or assets? We will also find a solution for your application!

The entire use case document is available here: https://i4m-tech.de/documents/i4M_UseCase_Condition-monitoring-of-a-grinding-machine.pdf

Further exciting use cases can be found at www.i4m-tech.de and www.nemi.one.