Portable Waveform Simulation for On-Site Monitor Retraining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Condition monitoring systems in industrial environments require accurate training to process various waveforms from sensors, but traditional training methods are often centralized and inconvenient, requiring retraining when machines are updated or changed, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A portable training device that generates simulated waveforms and can be directly connected to condition monitoring systems, allowing for on-site retraining and updates, using a computing system with a power generator to operate independently of external power supplies and featuring a digital to analog converter to transmit simulated waveforms characteristic of different sensor types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If centralized training methods are used for condition monitoring systems, then training accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity of retraining operations increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining accuracyVSAvoidretraining convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A portable training device is introduced as an intermediary between the condition monitoring system and the training data source. This device includes a waveform generator that creates simulated sensor waveforms and a processor that manages the training process, allowing on-site training without requiring connection to centralized training facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable training device creates copies of actual sensor waveforms through simulation. The waveform generator produces synthetic waveforms that replicate the characteristics of real sensor outputs, enabling the condition monitoring system to be trained with accurate data without needing access to actual operating equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If on-site training capability is implemented, then maneuverability and retraining efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretraining efficiencyVSAvoidtraining device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable training device is designed to support multiple sensor types and waveform characteristics through software configuration rather than hardware changes. The processor can generate waveforms for various sensor types (vibration, temperature, pressure, etc.) by selecting appropriate simulation parameters, making the device universally applicable to different condition monitoring scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces complex mechanical waveform generation systems with electronic and software-based solutions. Instead of using physical sensors and mechanical test equipment, the waveform generator uses digital signal processing and software algorithms to create accurate waveform simulations, significantly reducing physical complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If simulated waveforms are used for training, then the need for actual sensor equipment during training is eliminated, but the accuracy of waveform simulation must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining flexibilityVSAvoidwaveform accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary characterization of the target sensor type and operating conditions before waveform generation. The processor collects data about the specific sensor characteristics, operating parameters, and expected waveform patterns, then uses this information to configure the waveform generator to produce accurate simulations tailored to the specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the generated waveforms are compared against reference data or actual sensor outputs to validate accuracy. The processor adjusts waveform generation parameters based on this feedback to ensure the simulated waveforms accurately represent the expected sensor behavior under various operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient and accurate on-site training of condition monitoring systems, reducing the need for centralized retraining and improving the maneuverability and accuracy of monitoring systems by allowing updates and retraining at the machine level, thereby enhancing equipment maintenance and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a power generator arranged to retrieve power from the one or more condition monitoring systems to operate the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower retrieval:

Implementation Method 2

a digital to analog converter arranged to convert the simulated waveform determined by the processor from a digital signal to an analog signal to be transmitted to the one or more condition monitoring systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDigital to analog conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4345550A1Waveform training of monitoring devices
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • EP4345550A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4345550A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4345550A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A device and system for training condition monitoring systems are provided. In one embodiment, the device can include a plurality of connections arranged to communicatively couple the device to one or more condition monitoring systems. The device can also include a computing system including a power generator arranged to retrieve power from the one or more condition monitoring systems to power the device, at least one data processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving, from the one or more condition monitoring systems, data characterizing a sensor type of a plurality of sensor types to be coupled to the one or more condition monitoring systems, determining a simulated waveform characteristic of the sensor type, and transmitting the simulated waveform to the one or more condition monitoring systems to simulate an output from the sensor type.