Portable Operation Panel Vibration Motor Damage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable operation panels face challenges in accurately detecting structural damage or deterioration of the vibration motor, which can lead to improper use and potential electrical shocks or further damage, especially in loud environments where auditory feedback is limited.

Innovation Solution

A portable operation panel equipped with a vibration generating unit and a vibration detecting unit, such as an acceleration sensor, that vibrates at a natural frequency and monitors the vibrational amplitude to detect abnormalities, allowing for precise judgment of damage or deterioration, and can adjust frequency or measure changes in amplitude to assess the condition of the panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a vibration motor is used to provide haptic feedback to the operator, then information can be transmitted in loud environments, but the vibration motor may deteriorate and become inoperable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback capabilityVSAvoidvibration motor durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of vibration motor deterioration by monitoring vibration characteristics at the natural frequency before complete failure occurs. The controlling section periodically checks the vibration amplitude and compares it against reference values to detect early signs of motor degradation, enabling preventive maintenance before the motor becomes inoperable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If an acceleration sensor is used to detect impact, then structural damage can be detected, but it is difficult to correctly judge whether the operation panel is actually damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact detection capabilityVSAvoiddamage judgment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes mechanical vibration characteristics at the natural frequency of the operation panel to assess structural integrity. When impact occurs, the controlling section excites the panel at its natural frequency and measures the vibration amplitude. A significant reduction in amplitude compared to the reference value indicates structural damage, providing accurate damage judgment beyond simple acceleration detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operation panel is used in a loud environment without auditory feedback, then the operator can work in noisy conditions, but it becomes difficult to inform the operator of information from the operation panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in loud environmentVSAvoidinformation transmission to operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces auditory information transmission with mechanical vibration feedback. The vibration motor generates tactile vibrations that convey information to the operator through touch, enabling effective communication in loud environments where auditory feedback is insufficient or unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the housing is damaged and continues to be used, then the operator can maintain productivity, but deterioration of inner parts or electrical shock may be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidelectrical shock risk and internal deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of housing damage by monitoring vibration characteristics at the natural frequency before serious internal deterioration or electrical shock incidents occur. The controlling section continuously monitors vibration amplitude and alerts the operator to structural issues, enabling timely intervention to prevent catastrophic failures and maintain safety while minimizing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 rapid and accurate detection of structural damage or vibration motor deterioration, prompting appropriate measures like repair or exchange, thereby preventing further damage and ensuring operator safety.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration generating unit, configured to generate vibration for providing predetermined information to an operator, and capable of vibrating at a natural frequency of the portable operation panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a vibration detecting unit configured to detect the vibration of the portable operation panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10585415B2Portable operation panel having vibrating function and vibration-detecting function

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A portable operation panel having a vibration motor configured to tactually provide information to an operator, and having a configuration capable of rapidly and accurately detecting a structural damage or deterioration of the vibration motor. The operation panel has a controlling section configured to control the behavior of the operation panel; a vibration generating unit capable of vibrating at a natural frequency of the operation panel; a vibration detecting unit configured to detect the vibration and/or acceleration of the operation panel; and an inputting section to which the operator can input information. The controlling section judges that the operation panel has an abnormality, when a vibrational amplitude of the operation panel detected by the vibration detecting unit, during the vibration generating unit vibrates at the natural frequency, falls below a predetermined threshold.