Spindle Logic Supply Bus Fault Localization Using Diagnostic Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spindle systems face challenges in quickly diagnosing and locating electrical faults, leading to prolonged downtime and reduced productivity due to the need for manual isolation and testing of each spindle assembly.

Innovation Solution

The spindle system incorporates a bus control device and diagnostic switch assembly with processing circuitry that controls switches to generate a reduced voltage on the logic supply bus, allowing for rapid fault localization by measuring current through a shunt resistor, thereby identifying the presence and location of faults without manual disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual isolation and testing of each spindle assembly is used to diagnose electrical faults, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but diagnostic time and system downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault localization accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spindle assembly performs self-diagnosis through integrated processing circuitry that automatically detects and localizes faults on the logic supply bus without requiring external manual testing equipment or personnel intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical isolation and testing procedures with automated electrical measurement and control systems that use processing circuitry to rapidly identify fault locations through electrical signal analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual disconnection and isolation procedures are used for fault diagnosis, then diagnostic thoroughness is improved, but system availability and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic thoroughnessVSAvoidsystem availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary fault detection and localization automatically before manual intervention is needed, maintaining system operation while identifying potential issues through continuous monitoring and rapid diagnostic capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spindle assembly autonomously performs diagnostic functions through integrated processing circuitry, eliminating the need for external personnel to disconnect and isolate components, thereby maintaining system availability while ensuring thorough fault detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and maintenance efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuitry acts as an intermediary that simplifies the repair process by providing automated fault localization information, guiding maintenance personnel directly to the problematic area without requiring complex manual diagnostic procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual diagnostic procedures with automated electronic measurement and control systems that provide clear fault location data, significantly improving maintenance efficiency despite increased electronic system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables rapid fault identification and localization, reducing downtime and increasing system reliability and availability by allowing for quick repair and minimizing manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The processing circuitry may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch to generate a reduced bus voltage on the logic supply bus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage reduction through switching:

Implementation Method 2

measuring a current through a shunt resistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11698620B2Spindle and spindle system with logic supply bus fault diagnostics

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 APEX BRANDS INC

AI summary

A spindle assembly includes a power source interface configured to be operably coupled to a power bus and power the spindle assembly via the power bus, a spindle controller comprising processing circuitry, a diagnostic switch assembly operably coupled to the spindle controller and operably coupled to a logic supply bus, and a working apparatus comprising a motor and a spindle operably coupled to the spindle controller. The working apparatus may be controllable by the spindle controller to act upon a work piece to perform a work task. The processing circuitry of the spindle controller may be configured to receive a fault localization instruction from a bus control device operably coupled to the logic supply bus, and control the diagnostic switch assembly to determine a presence and a location of a fault on the logic supply bus.