Electric Motor Signal Spectrum Monitoring for Real-Time Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring electric motor operation status require high memory and processing power, and cannot provide real-time analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing discrete Fourier Transforms (DFT) to analyze drive application signals in real-time, reducing the need for high memory and processing power by performing spectrum analysis on different frequencies simultaneously and storing only computation results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signals are stored for later post-processing and data analysis, then comprehensive data analysis can be performed, but high memory and high processing power processor are required and real-time results cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidmemory and processing power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and processes only the essential spectral features of motor signals in real-time, rather than storing and analyzing all raw signal data. By using Fourier transforms to convert time-domain signals into frequency-domain spectra, the system identifies critical fault indicators (such as bearing defects, rotor issues) directly from spectral components, eliminating the need for high-memory storage and post-processing while maintaining monitoring accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary spectral analysis continuously in the background, maintaining ready-to-use spectral representations of motor signals. This preliminary processing allows the monitoring system to immediately detect and diagnose faults without requiring computationally intensive post-processing, thereby reducing real-time processing requirements while preserving comprehensive analysis capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive signal data is stored for later analysis, then thorough fault diagnosis can be achieved, but detection time is increased and real-time monitoring is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of storing and sequentially analyzing large volumes of raw signal data with a computational approach using Fourier transforms. This substitution converts time-domain signals into frequency-domain spectra, allowing immediate identification of fault characteristics through spectral peak detection. The transformation enables real-time fault diagnosis with the same diagnostic accuracy as comprehensive post-processing would provide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the representation parameters of motor signals from time-domain waveforms to frequency-domain spectra. By transforming the signal parameters through Fourier analysis, the system extracts fault-related frequency components that directly indicate specific motor conditions. This parameter transformation enables rapid, accurate fault detection in real-time without requiring extensive data storage or lengthy analysis periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables real-time monitoring of electric motor operation status with reduced computational resources, allowing for faster detection of abnormalities and faults without the need for extensive data storage.

Implementation Method 1

The step of analyzing the observed frequency to obtain a spectrum thereof is carried out by means of Fourier Transforms, especially by discrete Fourier Transforms (DFT)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier Transform:

Data Source

PatentUS12360144B2Method and system for monitoring operation status of an electric motor in real time
Publication Date: 2025.07.15 SCHNEIDER TOSHIBA INVERTER EUROPE SAS
  • US12360144B2 patent drawing
  • US12360144B2 patent drawing
  • US12360144B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for monitoring operation status of an electric motor in real time, including: reading a drive application signal of the electric motor; selecting a frequency to be observed; analyzing the frequency to be observed to obtain a spectrum thereof; analyzing the spectrum; and detecting the operation status of the electric motor on the basis of the spectrum analysis.