Link Actuation Device Diagnostic via Preload Torque Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link actuation devices lack a diagnostic method to accurately inform users of part degradation, leading to potential device failure due to undetected wear or breakage, resulting in extended downtime for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device that includes a preload applicator, torque detector, determiner, and notifier, which applies a preload to the link actuation device, measures drive torque, determines if it falls within predetermined ranges, and sends notifications to alert users of potential part degradation before failure occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If link actuation devices are used in medical and industrial applications with wide operating ranges, then operational versatility is improved, but the risk of undetected part degradation and sudden failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device performs preliminary detection of part degradation by measuring drive torque before actual failure occurs. The system continuously monitors torque values and compares them against predetermined ranges to identify degradation trends in advance, allowing proactive maintenance scheduling that prevents sudden device failure while maintaining wide operational versatility.
2Ease of repair
If diagnostic capabilities are added to detect part degradation, then maintainability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link actuation device performs self-diagnosis by incorporating a diagnostic device that automatically measures drive torque and determines part degradation status. The system serves itself by internally monitoring its own health condition through torque measurements, eliminating the need for external diagnostic equipment or manual inspection while improving maintainability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic device implements feedback by continuously measuring drive torque and comparing it against predetermined ranges to determine degradation status. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about part condition, enabling proactive maintenance decisions. The feedback loop includes: torque measurement by the torque detector, comparison against reference values by the determiner, and notification when degradation is detected, creating a closed-loop monitoring system.
3Measurement precision
If torque measurement and diagnostic systems are implemented, then accuracy of degradation detection is improved, but the device requires additional components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own drive torque as the measurement parameter for degradation detection, eliminating the need for separate sensors on individual parts. By monitoring the torque already present in the drive train during normal operation, the system achieves accurate degradation detection without adding complex measurement infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic device detects degradation by monitoring changes in drive torque parameters over time. As parts degrade, the torque required to operate the link actuation device changes in predictable ways. By tracking these parameter changes and comparing them against predetermined ranges, the system achieves accurate degradation detection using simple torque measurements rather than complex multi-parameter monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic device is to be used for a link actuation device. A distal end side link hub to be coupled to a proximal end side link hub via three or more link mechanisms such that posture of the distal end side link hub is changeable. Each of the three or more link mechanisms is to be associated with a respective one of actuators. A predetermined action is to be carried out under a predetermined condition by driving each of the actuators. A preload applicator is to cause a preload to be applied to the link actuation device. A torque detector is to detect a drive torque of each of the actuators while a preload is being applied. A determiner is to determine whether or not the torque that is detected by the torque detector lies within a predetermined range. A notifier is to notify the determination result.