Measuring a small amount of motion

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter grovesy
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    Measuring Motion
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring small movements detected by a motion device that utilizes a ball bearing in a metal pot. Participants explore methods to quantify sensitivity and detect tiny movements, considering various sensor options and measurement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the capability of accelerometers to detect tiny movements and seeks recommendations for measuring sensitivity.
  • Another participant suggests that an accelerometer could work if there is sufficient energy to induce acceleration, mentioning the need for double integration and FFT analysis to derive displacement from the signal.
  • A recommendation is made for using a proximity probe, which is noted to be effective for monitoring whirl in shafts and bearings, indicating practical experience with such sensors.
  • A participant requests clarification on the type of ball bearing used and the specific motion being measured, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the setup to provide a more tailored solution.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in accessing the provided data sheet and asks for a clearer description of the motion to be measured, indicating potential confusion about the initial setup description.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for measuring the small movements, with multiple sensor options and measurement techniques being discussed. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifics of the motion being measured, including whether it is rotational, linear, or random. There are also limitations in accessing shared resources, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

grovesy
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Hi all.

I am working on a small project where i have a motion device, its a ball bearing in a metal pot with a metal rod running though the centre of it, as the ball moves around it makes and breaks contact between the rod and the pot.

The output of this sensor is read by a micro-controller (from the signal transitions), and i have coded a small program to monitor this so i have change the senitivity.

The problem is how do i measure the tiny movements detected by my design, so that i can put an actual figure on this sensitivity?

Im thinking an accelerometer might do this, but does anyone know if they can detect tiny movement? any recommendations?

Kind regards
 
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Is this a single ball element or a full ball bearing? An accelerometer would do it if there is enough energy to induce an acceleration in the direction of measurement. Then you would have to double integrate the signal to get a displacement. Plus you would have to do an FFT on the time domain signal to give you a signal you could work with. It's definitely do-able.

However, the first thing I would use is a prox. probe. We use prox. probes routinely to monitor whirl in shafts and bearings. I have a test right now that is using a prox probe as both a speed and displacement sensor on a bearing cage.

I would like a little bit better description of your set up and what exactly you are measuring the deflection of though. Then we could really nail down a solution.
 
Cheers for that Fred. I have to say i don't know what you mean about that type of ball bearing! the device is a "assem tect - vibration sensor (MS24M)" and the data sheet can be found here http://www.assemtech.co.uk/products/MS24M.pdf

It is being user to tell whether the hardware is being moved. There will be an acceptable amount of movement allowed, but i need to quantify the figures.

Does this help any more?
 
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Grovesy,
I am currently stuck out of town and the computer I have access to is a POC. I can not read your attachment. I was trying to get a better idea of what your set up is and what your description really is like. It's just not clicking in my head right now

its a ball bearing in a metal pot with a metal rod running though the centre of it, as the ball moves around it makes and breaks contact between the rod and the pot.

Are you trying to measure the amount that the beall bearing moves in the can? Describe the motion that you want to measure, i.e. rotational, linear, random...Perhaps my initial post is not what you will need.
 

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