Caterpillar Inc.
Turbocharger shaft wobble sensor

Abstract:

A turbocharger for a machine is disclosed. The turbocharger may comprise a turbine section including a turbine housing and a turbine wheel, a compressor section including a compressor housing and a compressor wheel with a plurality of blades, and a shaft rotatably coupling the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel. The turbocharger may further comprise a health sensor mounted to the compressor housing and including a plurality of wire loops. The plurality of wire loops may be consecutively broken upon impact with the blades of the compressor wheel or a structure assembled on the compressor wheel as the turbocharger wears over time. The health monitor may be configured to detect a number of wire loops broken by impact with the blades of the compressor wheel or the structure, and the number of wire loops broken may indicate a wear condition of the turbocharger.