Deterioration Estimation Using Vibration Signal Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring appliance deterioration, such as using sensors, are costly and inefficient, particularly for rotating parts like rollers, where direct surface monitoring is expensive and not feasible with inexpensive sensors like accelerometers.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that includes a detector to identify normal waveform patterns in time-series data, a separator to remove these patterns, a calculator to extract features, and an estimator to accurately predict deterioration using a deterioration estimation model, enabling timely maintenance planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is used to directly monitor the state of a rotating body surface, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeterioration detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses vibration sensors as intermediary devices to indirectly measure roller surface deterioration. Instead of placing sensors directly on the rotating roller surface, the system attaches vibration sensors to the housing or support structure, where they detect vibrations transmitted from the roller. This intermediary approach enables deterioration detection without requiring expensive direct-contact sensors on the rotating surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact measurement with vibration-based indirect measurement. By analyzing vibration characteristics (frequency, amplitude, patterns) generated by the roller during operation, the system infers surface deterioration without requiring physical contact with the roller surface. This substitution enables cost-effective monitoring using standard vibration sensors rather than specialized direct surface sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If inexpensive sensors like accelerometers are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoiddeterioration detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting and analyzing multiple vibration parameters (acceleration, velocity, displacement) and comparing them against baseline data from new rollers. The system establishes reference vibration patterns before deterioration occurs, then compares current measurements against these references. This preliminary characterization enables inexpensive accelerometers to achieve accurate deterioration detection through pattern recognition rather than relying on single-threshold measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures multiple vibration parameters beyond what a single acceleration value would provide. By analyzing acceleration, velocity, displacement, and their frequency spectra, the system extracts more information from the same inexpensive sensor. This excessive measurement approach compensates for the lower precision of cost-effective sensors by providing redundant data for more robust deterioration assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If maintenance is performed on an initially planned timing, then productivity is maintained, but deterioration may go undetected causing unexpected failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappliance availabilityVSAvoidmaintenance timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback by monitoring vibration parameters in real-time and comparing them against deterioration thresholds. The system provides ongoing feedback on roller condition, enabling dynamic adjustment of maintenance timing based on actual deterioration rates rather than fixed schedules. This feedback mechanism ensures maintenance is performed precisely when needed, maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary deterioration detection by continuously monitoring vibration patterns and identifying signs of degradation before they lead to failure. The system predicts remaining useful life and schedules maintenance in advance, preventing unexpected failures while optimizing maintenance timing. This preliminary action approach maintains appliance availability by avoiding unplanned downtime while preventing premature maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11598693B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and the like for improving the accuracy of deterioration estimation regarding a monitoring target. An information processing apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention includes a detector, a separator, a calculator, and an estimator. The detector detects a normal waveform pattern included in a waveform of time-series data of a target. The separator separates the waveform of the time-series data into components while removing the normal waveform pattern that is detected. The calculator calculates a feature of the time-series data based on at least one of the components. The estimator estimates deterioration of the target based on the feature.