The present disclosure relates to the field of belt driven fans, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Belt driven fans have been widely used in industries for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and cooling. One of the applications of a belt driven fan is convection heating in quench furnaces. Typically, a convector fan motor drives a pulley coupled to the fan shaft by means of a belt. Conventional quench furnaces employ proximity sensors to detect the presence of belt between the convector fan motor shaft and the pulley. These proximity sensors trigger an alarm only when the convector fan belt is broken, providing no means of detecting slippage or loosening of the convector fan belt. Loosening of the convector fan belt substantially reduces the rotational speed (i.e. the RPM) of the driven pulley thereby reducing the rotational speed of the fan. This leads to non-uniformity of gas atmosphere and temperature inside the furnace, drastically affecting the production quality, which is not desired.
If the tension between the belt and the pulley is not appropriate, the belt slips. This results in reduced rotational speed of the driven pulley. Conventional apparatuses are not capable of detecting this reduced speed, which causes early breakage of the belt and hampers all the processes operated by the belt.
There is, therefore, felt a need for developing an apparatus for determining the rotational speed of the driven pulley and providing an alert about reduction in the rotational speed.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage.
Another object of the present disclosure is to compute the rotational speed value (i.e. the RPM) of belt driven fan.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to trigger an alerting unit in the event of slippage or loosening of the belt i.e. when the computed speed value is less than a pre-determined threshold speed.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide uniformity of gas atmosphere and temperature inside quench furnace.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to improve the production quality and eliminate any chance of rejection or rework.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for reducing losses in the furnace and enhancing the furnace efficiency.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage. The apparatus comprises a speed sensing module, a comparator, and an alerting unit. The

speed sensing module is disposed proximal to a fan pulley and includes at least one sensor and a signal conditioning unit. The sensor is configured to detect the rotational speed of the fan pulley at each instance of time, and is further configured to generate a speed signal based on the detected rotational speed. In an embodiment, the sensor is an inductive proximity sensor. In another embodiment, the speed signal includes a plurality of pulses corresponding to the rotational speed of the pulley. The signal conditioning unit is configured to receive the generated speed signal from the sensor, and is further configured to compute a speed value corresponding to the received speed signal.
The comparator is configured to cooperate with the speed sensing module to compare the computed speed value with a pre-determined threshold speed value, and is further configured to generate a slippage signal when the computed speed value is less than the pre-determined threshold speed. In an embodiment, the pre-determined threshold speed corresponds to a speed less than the operating speed of the pulley.
In an embodiment, a relay unit is configured to be actuated upon receiving the slippage signal from the comparator, and is further configured to generate a trigger signal to activate the alerting unit. The alerting unit is configured to generate an alert signal upon receiving the trigger signal from the relay unit. In another embodiment, the alerting unit includes at least one annunciator such as an audio alarm, a buzzer, a siren, a hooter or a flashing light.
In an embodiment, a communication module is configured to cooperate with the speed sensing module and the alerting unit to transmit the computed speed value and the alert signal to a remote computing device.

In an embodiment, the comparator, the relay unit, and the memory are housed in a single module assembly. In another embodiment, the module assembly is configured to activate the speed sensing module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100-Apparatus
102 - Speed sensing module
104-Sensor
106 - Signal conditioning unit
108 - Comparator
110-Memory
112-Relay unit
114-Alerting unit
116- Communication module

202 – Overload relay
204 – Fan stop push button
206 – Fan start push button
208 – Fan ON indicator
5 210 – Fan RPM reduced alarm
212 – Inductive proximity sensor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
10 Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the
present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the
15 scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-
known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining
a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the
scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an,"
20 and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of
6

stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or
components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure
5 is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or
illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to,"
or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled
10 to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the
present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer
15 or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a
specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
20 An apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage (hereinafter referred as “apparatus”)
(100), of the present disclosure, is now being described with reference to Figure 1.
Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus (100) comprises a speed sensing module (102), a comparator (108), and an alerting unit (114). The speed sensing module (102) is disposed proximal to a fan pulley. The speed sensing module (102) comprises at least
7

one sensor (104) and a signal conditioning unit (106). The sensor (104) is configured
to detect the rotational speed of the fan pulley at each instance of time, and is further
configured to generate a speed signal based on the detected rotational speed. In an
embodiment, the speed signal includes a plurality of pulses corresponding to the
5 rotational speed of the pulley. The signal conditioning unit (106) is configured to
receive the generated speed signal from the sensor (104), and is further configured to compute a speed value corresponding to the received speed signal.
The comparator (108) is configured to cooperate with the speed sensing module (102), and is further configured to generate a slippage signal when the computed
10 speed value is less than a pre-determined threshold speed. In another embodiment, a
memory (110) is configured to store the pre-determined threshold speed. In an embodiment, the pre-determined threshold speed corresponds to a speed less than the operating speed of the pulley. In another embodiment, the pre-determined threshold speed is configurable via a user interface.
15
An embodiment of the apparatus (100) further includes a relay unit (112) configured to be actuated upon receiving the slippage signal from the comparator (108), and further configured to generate a trigger signal to activate the alerting unit (114). The alerting unit (114) is configured to generate an alert signal upon receiving the trigger
20 signal from the relay unit (112). In an embodiment, the alerting unit (114) includes at
least one annunciator such as an audio alarm, a buzzer, a siren, a hooter or a flashing light.
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus (100) wherein the comparator
25 (108), the relay unit (112), and the memory (110) are housed in a single control
module assembly. In an embodiment, the control module assembly is configured to
activate an inductive proximity sensor (212) upon receiving power supply at its
8

terminals (C2). In another embodiment, the inductive proximity sensor (212) is
mounted on a dock proximal to the pulley and is configured to compute the rotational
speed of the pulley. A relay comparator unit (C1) of the control module assembly
comprises the comparator (108) and the relay unit (112). The comparator (108) is
5 configured to compare the computed rotational speed of the pulley with the
predetermined threshold speed received from the memory (110) and is further
configured to generate the slippage signal when the computed rotational speed of the
pulley is less than the predetermined threshold speed. The relay unit (112) is
configured to be energized upon receiving the slippage signal, and is further
10 configured to generate the trigger signal to close a switch (C1) and activate an
annunciator (210) which is an audio or visual indication of the reduced pulley rotational speed.
Another embodiment of the apparatus (100) includes a communication module (116)
15 configured to cooperate with the speed sensing module (102) and the alerting unit
(114) to transmit the computed speed value and the alert signal to a remote computing
device (not shown in the figure). In an embodiment, the computing device is provided
with a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is configured to display
the computed speed value received from the speed sensing module (102). The
20 graphical user interface is further configured to receive an alert in the form of a text
message, an e-mail or a notification in the event of slippage of the belt. In an
embodiment, the computing device further includes a repository configured to store
the computed speed value and information regarding the instances of slippage of the
belt, thereby allowing a user to view the historical belt data and evaluate the
25 performance of belt driven fan over time.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of
illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual
9

components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
5 TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage that:
• computes the rotational speed value (i.e. the RPM) of the belt driven fan;
10 • triggers an alerting unit in the event of slippage or loosening of the fan belt;
• provides uniformity of gas atmosphere and temperature inside quench furnace;
• improves the production quality and eliminates any chance of rejection or rework;
15 • reduces the losses in furnace and enhances the furnace efficiency;
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples 20 used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to
10

practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
5 readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and
range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not
10 of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms
of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more
15 elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has
been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
20 form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or
quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower
25 than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall
11

within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM

An apparatus for detecting fan belt slippage (100), said apparatus comprising:
a speed sensing module (102) disposed proximal to a fan pulley, said speed sensing module (102) having:
at least one sensor (104) configured to detect the rotational speed of said fan pulley at each instance of time, and further configured to generate a speed signal based on said detected rotational speed; and
a signal conditioning unit (106) configured to receive said generated speed signal from said sensor (104), and further configured to compute a speed value corresponding to said received speed signal;
a comparator (108) configured to cooperate with said speed sensing module, and further configured to generate a slippage signal when said computed speed value is less than a pre-determined threshold speed; and
an alerting unit (114) configured to generate an alert signal upon receiving a trigger signal from a relay unit (112).
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said speed signal includes a plurality of pulses corresponding to said rotational speed of said pulley.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said relay unit (112) is configured to be actuated upon receiving said slippage signal from said comparator (108), and further configured to generate said trigger signal to activate said alerting unit (114).

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (100) includes a memory (110) to store said pre-determined threshold speed.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pre-determined threshold speed corresponds to a speed less than the operating speed of said pulley.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alerting unit (114) includes at least one annunciator such as an audio alarm, a buzzer, a siren, a hooter or a flashing light.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor (104) is an inductive proximity sensor (212).
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (100) includes a communication module (116) configured to cooperate with said speed sensing module (102) and said alerting unit (114), said communication module (116) is configured to transmit said computed speed value and said alert signal to a remote computing device.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said comparator (108), said relay unit (112), and said memory (110) are housed in a single module assembly.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said module assembly is configured to activate said speed sensing module.