AUTOMATIC, CONTACT-FREE BEARING CLEARANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

摘要

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for measuring bearing clearances in an internal combustion engine such as a reciprocating engine. The system uses a non-contacting measuring device to measure the movement of parts within a cylinder or cylinders of an engine as a vacuum is applied to the cylinder(s). As the pressure changes within the cylinder(s) the movement of the parts is recorded and then analyzed to identify the clearances of different bearings and compare the measured clearances to tolerances appropriate for the engine. Distance measurements may be taken from multiple points within the cylinder to generate a more accurate measurement of the displacement of the parts. The non-contacting measuring device reduces wear and damage to the piston surface from which the measurements are taken and also is more precise than a physical contact system based on a micrometer and plunger.