Machine Simulation Model for Mechanical Component Load Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current simulation technologies for industrial automation lack the ability to accurately model and analyze the performance of mechanical components under realistic loads, limiting their effectiveness in predicting the behavior of industrial machines in real-world scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A computing system is developed that processes a machine model to generate a simulation model, applies a simulated load, and executes the simulation under industrial controller systems to analyze the performance of mechanical components, allowing for the selection of appropriate components based on their characteristics to handle the load, using a cloud-based architecture for high-performance computing and data analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional simulation technologies are used for industrial automation, then the simulation can be run, but the accuracy of modeling mechanical components under realistic loads is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidprediction reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple mechanical component models with different characteristics (rigidity, mass, damping) before the simulation runs. These pre-configured models are then selected and applied during the simulation based on the specific loading conditions, enabling accurate prediction of component behavior under realistic loads without requiring complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the mechanical characteristics (rigidity, mass, damping coefficients) of simulation components to match different real-world scenarios. By adjusting these parameters based on the specific application and loading conditions, the simulation achieves higher accuracy in predicting actual component behavior while maintaining computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If detailed mechanical component characteristics are selected to handle simulated loads, then component performance accuracy improves, but the complexity of the simulation model increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent performance accuracyVSAvoidsimulation model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mechanical system into discrete component models, each with specific characteristics (rigidity, mass, damping). This allows the simulation to focus computational resources on critical components while using simplified models for less critical parts, thereby maintaining accuracy for important performance metrics without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a library of standardized mechanical component models that can be applied across different simulation scenarios. These universal models with adjustable parameters can represent various real-world components (gears, shafts, bearings) without requiring custom complex models for each component type, thus reducing overall simulation complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3037904B1Sizing and selection closer to the executing environment
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP3037904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3037904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3037904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and software to facilitate simulating machines used in industrial automation are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a machine model is processed to generate a simulation model of a machine. A load to apply to the simulation model of the machine is then simulated. The simulation model of the machine is executed under the load, and characteristics of mechanical components of the machine are selected to handle the load.