Developing an Intelligent Vignette Development Tool for Distance Learning Applications

Wilcoxon Research, Bath Iron Works, and VibroTek have teamed to develop a method to fully automate determining the condition of mechanical bearings using wireless technology. Each organization will contribute the best technology and experience availableto developing a method to determine current bearing status and life expectancy. Wilcoxon Research will build on its experience with wireless vibration sensors using Bluetooth networking to establish a sensor network that can be deployed on a naval ship ina cost-effective manner. VibroTek will contribute its extensive experience and software to reduce the vibration data to establish the bearing's remaining useful life without human intervention. Bath Iron Works provides guidance on the effectiveness ofthe system and access to information on installation methods for naval vessels.This proposal establishes a logical plan to develop the system over three phases of the SBIR award process. In Phase 1, emphasis is placed on modifications needed by the wireless bearing sensors and interfacing the sensor network to the VibroTek software.In successive SBIR Phases, additional software will be migrated into the wireless sensor units to provide an autonomous network of sensors that assess bearing condition. Bearing failures contribute a substantial fraction of machinery downtime in industry as well aboard naval ships. Wilcoxon Research has established a reputation as a world-class leader in Condition-Based Maintenance sensors and ancillary equipment.Success with this SBIR proposal will open new applications in industrial as well as military applications.