Custom Hardware Solution

Good afternoon NCD team, back again with a question.

Our FC’s utilize Vacuum Lift Assist Machines and we’re looking to track runtime on these machines. Unfortunately the only data point the machine itself provides is runtime in hours, which is not a valid data point for overall machine utilization. We’d like to attach something to figure 3 in the diagram attached to track the movement of this rotary union, as the movement of the rotary union would indicate the machine operating, rather than just being powered on. I’m thinking of something along the lines of a 3 axis gyroscope, but am interested to hear your thoughts.

Does the Vacuum pump motor run when the unit is not in operation? It seems it would be simpler to monitor the power consumption of the pump rather than the vibration on the Rotary union.

I will recommend following parts

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/sensors_-z-_encoders/inductive_proximity_sensors/18mm_tubular/dw-as-631-m18-002
or