Electric Motor Vibration Evaluation Using Integrated Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating the vibration behavior of electric motors are inadequate, particularly in identifying resonance frequencies and assessing the impact of unbalances, leading to reduced service life due to excessive stress on components and electronics.

Innovation Solution

A method that integrates a vibration sensor within the electric motor to measure acceleration and speed, generating a vibration value that is compared to reference values to evaluate the motor's vibration behavior, allowing for real-time assessment of critical vibration levels and generation of warning messages or protective measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external sensors are used to monitor vibration levels, then vibration monitoring is possible, but the sensors ignore or inadequately consider imbalances in the electric motor, leading to limited statements about vibration behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration behavior evaluationVSAvoidmotor imbalance information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the motor electronics as an intermediary to host the vibration sensor and evaluation logic. The vibration sensor is integrated into the motor electronics, which already processes motor signals. This intermediary position allows the system to access both vibration data and motor operational parameters (speed, torque) simultaneously, enabling comprehensive vibration behavior evaluation that accounts for motor imbalances and operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor electronics serve multiple functions: they control the motor operation and simultaneously host the vibration monitoring system. The evaluation logic within the motor electronics processes both motor control signals and vibration sensor data, creating a multi-functional system that eliminates the need for separate external monitoring equipment while providing more comprehensive information.

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

2Reliability

If vibration monitoring is implemented using external sensors, then vibration levels can be recorded, but no concrete statements can be made about the vibration behavior of the electric motor itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration behavior assessmentVSAvoidmotor-specific vibration data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibration monitoring function with the motor control system. The vibration sensor is physically and functionally integrated into the motor electronics, combining what were previously separate functions (motor control and vibration monitoring) into a unified system. This merging enables the evaluation of motor-specific vibration behavior by correlating vibration data with motor operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vibration levels and comparing them against reference values that account for current motor speed and torque. The evaluation logic processes this feedback information and can trigger warnings or protective measures when abnormal vibration behavior is detected, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that provides actionable insights about motor condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If integrated vibration monitoring is implemented, then comprehensive evaluation of vibration behavior is possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration behavior evaluationVSAvoidsensor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor electronics serve themselves by hosting the vibration sensor and evaluation logic within their own structure. The system uses its own processing capabilities and existing communication interfaces to perform vibration monitoring and evaluation, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach provides a comprehensive evaluation of the electric motor's vibration behavior, enabling early detection of potential damage, reducing stress on components, and extending the service life by identifying and mitigating excessive vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

measuring an acceleration and/or a speed of vibrations of the electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

measuring an acceleration and/or a speed of vibrations of the electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3824302B1Method for evaluating the vibration behavior of an electric motor
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 ZIEHL ABEGG AG
  • EP3824302B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3824302B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3824302B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for evaluating the vibration behavior of an electric motor. The method has the steps of: determining a vibration value of the electric motor (1) by measuring the acceleration and/or speed of vibrations of the electric motor (1) using a vibration sensor (5) of the electric motor (1), wherein vibrations are measured in at least one direction, and the vibration value represents each of the measured at least one direction, determining a current rotational speed (n) of the electric motor, comparing the vibration value with a reference value for the current rotational speed, and determining an evaluation measurement in order to evaluate the vibration behavior of the electric motor on the basis of the comparison of the vibration value with the reference value. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding electric motor (1) and to a system consisting of the electric motor (1) and a testing system (2), by means of which the vibration behavior of the electric motor (1) can be calibrated and reference values can be generated.