Diagnostic System Using Energy Function Analysis for Root Cause Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic systems fail to effectively identify and isolate the root cause of product or process malfunctions, particularly catastrophic failures, as they rely solely on attribute measurements and do not leverage energy function models to manage energy-related issues.
Innovation Solution
The system measures energy functions and paths to contrast actual performance with intended performance, using a progressive search method to identify key features or properties responsible for malfunctions, allowing for targeted changes to prevent future occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic systems use attribute measurements to detect malfunctions, then the measurement process is simple, but the ability to identify root cause of catastrophic failures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the diagnostic approach by changing the measurement parameter from simple attribute detection (presence/absence of malfunction) to energy function measurement (quantifying energy leaks, vibrations, noise). This parameter change enables more precise root cause identification by providing continuous quantitative data about the malfunction's energy characteristics, allowing differentiation between various failure modes and their sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy function models as an intermediary layer between the physical malfunction and the diagnostic measurement. Instead of directly measuring the malfunction attribute, the system measures energy-related parameters (vibrations, noise, heat) that mediate between the root cause and the observable symptoms. This intermediary approach provides deeper insight into the failure mechanism while maintaining measurement feasibility.
2Reliability
If traditional diagnostic methods measure waste energy directly (vibrations, noise, leak rate), then the measurement is straightforward, but the ability to distinguish between systems with different malfunction tendencies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct waste energy magnitude (leak rate, vibration amplitude) to energy function characteristics (energy path analysis, energy transformation efficiency). This allows differentiation between systems by measuring how energy flows through various paths, not just the final waste output. Systems with different malfunction tendencies exhibit different energy function patterns even when waste energy levels are similar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to malfunction measurement by analyzing energy functions across multiple dimensions: energy input, energy transformation, energy output, and energy waste. Instead of measuring only the magnitude of waste energy, the system evaluates the entire energy flow pathway, providing a multi-dimensional characterization that reveals differences in malfunction tendency that single-dimensional measurements miss.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If catastrophic failures are measured using attribute measurement systems (broken vs. not broken), then the classification is simple, but the leverage to converge on the root cause is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attribute measurement system (binary broken/not broken classification) with an energy-based measurement system that quantifies malfunction characteristics. Instead of relying on simple presence/absence detection, the system uses energy function measurements (vibrations, noise, heat flow) to create a continuous spectrum of malfunction states. This substitution provides much greater leverage for root cause convergence by offering detailed quantitative information about the failure mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for diagnosing undesirable events or the lack of desirable events representing product or process malfunctions. One aspect of the invention includes a method for determining a cause of a malfunction event in a prototype or production product or process. Another aspect of the invention includes a method for identifying evidence of deviation from a specification for a product or process. Still another aspect of the invention includes a method for ascertaining the reliability of a product or process. The present invention also provides a diagnostic computer system and computer program code for performing various methods embodying different aspects of the present invention. A computer system for training a user to diagnose and apply corrective action to a malfunctioning product or process is also provided.