MEMS-Based Intelligent Gearbox Condition Monitoring System Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-024 Topic Title: MEMS-Based Intelligent Gearbox Condition Monitoring System Proposal No.: N101-024-0752 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Information Technologies Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Naibing Ma Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a system capable of winch gearbox prognostics and health management, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new MEMS-Based Intelligent Gearbox Condition Monitoring (MIGCOM) system. This proposed MIGCOM system is based on multisensor data fusion and a model-based prognostic algorithm. The innovation in the new design of wireless MEMS sensors, novel hard coating on MEMS, and new design of model-based prognostic software will enable the MIGCOM to realize wireless reliable prediction of the remaining life of a winch gearbox. This system thus offers small size, low cost, light weight, and capability to survive the harsh maritime environment, which directly addresses the Navy PMA-299, H-60 Helicopter, and Sea Shield acquisition program requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of MIGCOM by developing the system design and analyzing its functionality and suitability for relevant aircraft environments. In Phase II, POC plans to design, develop, and validate the MIGCOM system; conduct performance and qualification-type tests with and without preplanned failure modes to verify that the system developed in Phase I accurately identifies failure causes/modes; and evaluate and modify the design to address the results of testing. Benefits: Successful development of MIGCOM technology will result in a commercially viable gearbox prognostics and health monitoring system. The MIGCOM system will have direct application to winching/reeling systems on commercial aircraft such as search and rescue aircraft, police/security helicopters, logging operation aircraft, and offshore oil rig aircraft operations. Other potential applications include industrial control and heavy equipment used in construction and mining operations. Indirect application of the technology to other nonwinch gearbox systems appears feasible, and could be even broader to perhaps encompass commercial aircraft utility systems of many types as well as propulsion gearbox prognostics and health management with capabilities above those of current HUMS-type systems. Return