Patents by Inventor Yanchai Zhang

Yanchai Zhang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10047741
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a fluid pump having a fluid end and a power end is provided. The monitoring system includes an inlet pressure sensor attached to an inlet manifold of the fluid end. The inlet pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of an inlet pressure of a fluid being supplied to the fluid end. The monitoring system includes a discharge pressure sensor attached to the fluid end. The discharge pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a discharge pressure of the fluid exiting the fluid end. The monitoring system includes at least one accelerometer attached to the fluid end. The accelerometer generates a signal indicative of vibrational data of the fluid pump. The monitoring system includes a controller which receives signals from the inlet pressure sensor, the discharge pressure sensor and the accelerometer and determines a possible failure mode of the fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Daryl Belshan, Vijay Janardhan, Zhaoxu Dong
  • Publication number: 20180223831
    Abstract: A pump monitoring and notification system for a hydraulic pump includes a transmission speed sensor and a controller. The transmission speed sensor is associated with a transmission connected to the pump to determine an output speed of the transmission. The controller is configured to access a transmission threshold, access a time threshold, and determine a rotational speed of the transmission based upon the transmission speed sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a variation in rotational speed of the transmission based upon the rotational speed, compare the variation in rotational speed of the transmission to the transmission threshold, and generate an alert signal when the variation in rotational speed of the transmission exceeds the transmission threshold for a time period exceeding the time threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Vijay Janardhan, Jason Weber, Venkata Dandibhotla
  • Publication number: 20180209415
    Abstract: A pump monitoring and notification system for a hydraulic pump includes an accelerometer and a controller. The accelerometer is associated with the hydraulic pump and is disposed relative to the hydraulic pump to generate acceleration data indicative of acceleration of the hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to access a fault threshold, access a time threshold, and determine an acceleration of the accelerometer based upon the acceleration data from the accelerometer. The controller is further configured to determine an RMS average of the acceleration of the accelerometer based upon the acceleration of the hydraulic pump, compare the RMS average of the acceleration of the accelerometer to the fault threshold, and generate an alert signal when the RMS average of the acceleration of the accelerometer exceeds the fault threshold for a time period exceeding the time threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Zhaoxu Dong, Xuefei Hu
  • Publication number: 20180202423
    Abstract: A pump for pumping fluid includes a pressure sensor disposed in the discharge outlet that communicates with a plurality of pumping chambers. The pressure sensor monitors the discharge pressure and transmits the discharge pressure to a logic device. The logic device is configured to analyze the discharge pressure verses time, determine a peak-to-peak amplitude associated with the discharge pressure verses time, and to detect a pressure spike corresponding to the maximum or high peak-to-peak amplitude. The pressure spike may correspond to uncharacteristic operation of a discharge valve or a suction valve associated with the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Zhaoxu Dong
  • Patent number: 10011974
    Abstract: An earthmoving machine comprises a sensor, an implement, and control architecture comprising a controller and configured to facilitate movement in response to a signal indicative of a measured implement position and an implement control value comprising a gain value associated with implement speed. The controller is programmed to execute machine readable instructions to generate a noise value that is based on an error between the signal and a target signal, determine whether the noise value is acceptable to lock the gain value, adjust the gain value to control the implement speed when the noise value is unacceptable until the noise value is acceptable, and operate the machine based on the locked gain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Francisco R. Green, Albert A. Wray, Insu Chang
  • Publication number: 20180106261
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus to monitor health of a compressor are provided. The method, system, and apparatus include detecting whether the compressor has a fault associated using one or more of performance-based modeling and structure-based modeling of physical aspects associated with operation of the compressor; diagnosing any detected fault to determine the cause or causes of the fault; and evaluating each diagnosed fault to assess the significance of the fault. Data pertaining to the cause or causes of the fault and the significance of the fault is used to output health information corresponding to a health state or status of the compressor. The method, system, and apparatus also predict future health-related conditions of the compressor, and data pertaining to the predicted future health-related conditions is used to output health information corresponding to a future health state or status of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai ZHANG, Maurice J. Dust, Zhaoxu Dong, Xuefei Hu
  • Patent number: 9945375
    Abstract: A method for automatic tuning of a reference model for a fracking rig pump is provided. The method includes determining, at a processor connected to a fracking rig pump, a current choke area associated with the fracking rig pump based upon at least a maximum power and a maximum pressure obtained from the fracking rig pump for a pump speed of the fracking rig pump, obtaining a pump power and a pump pressure for the current choke area based upon at least a reference model for the fracking rig pump stored in a memory device coupled to the processor, determining a pressure difference between the maximum pressure obtained from the fracking rig pump and the pump pressure, determining a power difference between the maximum power obtained from the fracking rig pump and the pump power obtained from the reference model, and providing an updated choke area to the reference model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Venkata Dandibhotla, Evan Jacobson, Koti Padarthy
  • Publication number: 20180100496
    Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a pump comprises: monitoring discharge pressure time domain signals of the pump; monitoring piston position time domain signals for each piston of a plurality of pistons; filtering the monitored discharge pressure time domain signals and the monitored piston position time domain signals of each piston of the plurality of pistons via a band pass filter; determining, at each pump revolution for each piston, a sum of product of the filtered discharge pressure time domain signals and the filtered piston position time domain signals; determine, at each pump revolution for each piston, an absolute value of each sum; determining, at each pump revolution, a largest absolute value of the determined absolute values; determining a corresponding piston of the plurality of pistons associated with the largest absolute value; and determining a cylinder of the pump associated with the determined corresponding piston as leaking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Venkata Bhagavathi Dandibhotla, Zhijun Cai, Zhaoxu Dong, Xuefei Hu
  • Publication number: 20180087499
    Abstract: A method for detecting faults in a pump includes: monitoring suction pressure and discharge pressure time domain signals, filtering the monitored suction pressure time domain signals and the discharge pressure time domain signals via a band pass filter, performing Fast Fourier Transform on the filtered suction pressure time domain signals and the discharge pressure time domain signals for conversion to suction pressure frequency domain signals and discharge pressure frequency domain signals, respectively, performing root mean square calculations on the suction pressure frequency domain signals and the discharge pressure frequency domain signals, analyzing the root mean square suction pressure frequency domain signals and the root mean square discharge pressure frequency domain signals to determine a performance index, and comparing the performance index against a predetermined cavitation threshold to determine whether cavitation exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Venkata Bhagavathi Dandibhotla, Zhijun Cai
  • Patent number: 9920615
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system with pump failure detection includes an engine, transmission, hydraulic fracturing pump and a driveshaft coupled between the transmission and the hydraulic fracturing pump to transfer torque from the engine to the hydraulic fracturing pump. A torque sensor is positioned and configured to measure torque acting on the driveshaft, with the torque sensor generating torque measurement data. A controller is programmed to analyze the torque measurement data and identify a pump failure mode based on the torque measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Derek Paul Kamp, Venkata Bhagavathi Dandibhotla
  • Publication number: 20180051636
    Abstract: A power system for powering a load is provided. The power system includes a plurality of power sources with each power source including an engine. A SCR system is associated with the engine of at least one of the plurality of power sources. A controller is in communication with the plurality of power sources. The controller is configured to receive engine operation information, emission output information associated with each engine and conversion efficiency information associated with the SCR system and selectively apportion the power demand presented by the load between each of the plurality of power sources based on minimizing total engine emissions across the plurality of power sources and using the engine operation information, the emission output information and the conversion efficiency information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Michael A. Snopko, Perry D. Converse, Vijay Janardhan, Insu Chang
  • Patent number: 9896982
    Abstract: A power system for powering a load is provided. The power system includes a plurality of power sources with each power source including an engine. A SCR system is associated with the engine of at least one of the plurality of power sources. A controller is in communication with the plurality of power sources. The controller is configured to receive engine operation information, emission output information associated with each engine and conversion efficiency information associated with the SCR system and selectively apportion the power demand presented by the load between each of the plurality of power sources based on minimizing total engine emissions across the plurality of power sources and using the engine operation information, the emission output information and the conversion efficiency information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Michael A. Snopko, Perry D. Converse, Vijay Janardhan, Insu Chang
  • Patent number: 9889915
    Abstract: A control system to optimize response time of a plurality of engines of a machine is provided. The control system includes a controller configured to determine a first engine group and a second engine group based on data regarding response time characteristics of the plurality of engines, control the first engine group to increase output power of the machine when the output power of the machine is below a predetermined power output threshold, and control the second engine group to increase output power of the machine responsive to the output power of the machine reaching the predetermined power output threshold. A response time of the first engine group is faster than a response time of the second engine group when the output power of the machine is below the predetermined power output threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Michael A. Snopko, Insu Chang, Vijay Janardhan, Perry D. Converse
  • Publication number: 20180038216
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system with pump failure detection includes an engine, transmission, hydraulic fracturing pump and a driveshaft coupled between the transmission and the hydraulic fracturing pump to transfer torque from the engine to the hydraulic fracturing pump. A torque sensor is positioned and configured to measure torque acting on the driveshaft, with the torque sensor generating torque measurement data. A controller is programmed to analyze the torque measurement data and identify a pump failure mode based on the torque measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yanchai ZHANG, Derek Paul Kamp, Venkata Bhagavathi Dandibhotla
  • Publication number: 20180040226
    Abstract: Operating a pumping system includes moving a pumping element to transition liquid through the pump, and determining a value based at least in part upon inlet pressure and pumping speed that is indicative of a pressure of the liquid within a bore susceptible to cavitation. Pumping speed and/or inlet pressure can be varied responsive to the determined value to limit cavitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhaoxu Dong, Xuefei Hu
  • Publication number: 20180010541
    Abstract: A leak detection system for an engine air system is provided. The leak detection system may include a plurality of pressure sensors configured to retrieve pressure data from the engine air system, a plurality of temperature sensors configured to retrieve temperature data from the engine air system, and a controller in communication with each of the pressure sensors and the temperature sensors. The controller may be configured to receive the pressure data and the temperature data, compare the pressure data and the temperature data to one or more predefined data trends, and identify a leak within the engine air system based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Qiang Chen, Nathan Stephen Pauli, Evan E. Jacobson, Yanchai Zhang, Bo Xie
  • Publication number: 20180001985
    Abstract: A control system to optimize response time of a plurality of engines of a machine is provided. The control system includes a controller configured to determine a first engine group and a second engine group based on data regarding response time characteristics of the plurality of engines, control the first engine group to increase output power of the machine when the output power of the machine is below a predetermined power output threshold, and control the second engine group to increase output power of the machine responsive to the output power of the machine reaching the predetermined power output threshold. A response time of the first engine group is faster than a response time of the second engine group when the output power of the machine is below the predetermined power output threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai ZHANG, Michael A. SNOPKO, lnsu CHANG, Vijay JANARDHAN, Perry D. CONVERSE
  • Patent number: 9752300
    Abstract: A system associated with an implement of a machine is provided. The system includes a plane determination module configured to determine a track plane based on a relationship between at least two tracks of the machine. The system also includes an implement control module. The implement control module is configured to compute a location of two or more blade tip points of the implement of the machine in three dimensional space based on at least one constraint of a geometry of the implement. The implement control module is also configured to determine a blade tip point plane based on a relationship between at least two blade tip points of the implement. The implement control module is further configured to compare the blade tip point plane with the track plane and determine if the blade tip point plane is parallel to the track plane based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Insu Chang, Salim A. Jaliwala, Yanchai Zhang, James S. Chase
  • Publication number: 20170226998
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in a well stimulation application includes a pump controlled by a controller, the controller operating to monitor operation of the pump and determine when cavitation is present or imminent in the pump. When cavitation is present, the controller automatically adjusts an operating condition of the pump reduce pump speed or increase a fluid pressure at the pump inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhaoxu Dong, Xuefei Hu
  • Publication number: 20170204712
    Abstract: A method for automatic tuning of a reference model for a fracking rig pump is provided. The method includes determining, at a processor connected to a fracking rig pump, a current choke area associated with the fracking rig pump based upon at least a maximum power and a maximum pressure obtained from the fracking rig pump for a pump speed of the fracking rig pump, obtaining a pump power and a pump pressure for the current choke area based upon at least a reference model for the fracking rig pump stored in a memory device coupled to the processor, determining a pressure difference between the maximum pressure obtained from the fracking rig pump and the pump pressure, determining a power difference between the maximum power obtained from the fracking rig pump and the pump power obtained from the reference model, and providing an updated choke area to the reference model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Zhijun Cai, Venkata Dandibhotla, Evan Jacobson, Koti Padarthy