Vibration Parameter Normalization for Machine Condition Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine condition monitoring systems require detailed knowledge and specialized training to configure and analyze vibration data from mechanical systems, making it difficult for untrained operators to effectively monitor and control machine conditions.

Innovation Solution

A machine condition monitoring and control system that includes a controller and monitor configured to receive sensor signals, calculate and normalize vibration parameters, and present them in an operator interface, allowing for auto-configuration and simplified data assessment without requiring detailed knowledge of machine systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If detailed machine system information is collected and processed for accurate condition monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and requires specialized knowledge for operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration data accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms raw vibration parameters into normalized condition indicators by changing the parameter representation. Vibration data is processed through normalization functions that convert complex mechanical parameters into standardized scores (e.g., 0-100 scale), making the data interpretable without requiring deep mechanical expertise while preserving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the vibration sensors and the operator interface. It performs the complex task of collecting raw vibration data, applying normalization algorithms, and presenting simplified condition indicators, thereby shielding the operator from system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If specialized processing equipment is added to analyze vibration data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidoperator training requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the vibration analysis functionality with the existing controller that operates the machine system. Instead of adding separate specialized processing equipment, the controller is configured to perform both machine control and vibration data normalization, reducing operational complexity while maintaining monitoring accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Complex vibration parameters are transformed into simplified normalized indicators that can be directly interpreted by operators. The system changes the parameter representation from raw mechanical measurements to standardized condition scores, eliminating the need for specialized knowledge while preserving diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If raw vibration data is presented to operators, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for specialized knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata interpretation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies parameter transformation by normalizing raw vibration data into standardized condition indicators. This changes the data representation from complex raw measurements to intuitive normalized scores that maintain the precision of original measurements while being easily interpretable by operators without specialized training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves as an intermediary that translates raw vibration parameters into normalized condition indicators for display. This intermediary processing layer preserves the precision of original measurements while presenting simplified information that is easy for operators to interpret and act upon

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8290630B2Condition monitoring parameter normalization system and method
Publication Date: 2012.10.16 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • US8290630B2 patent drawing
  • US8290630B2 patent drawing
  • US8290630B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, the disclosed method includes controlling operation of a machine system via actuators and a first set of signals received from sensors, receiving a second signal from a vibration sensor, calculating vibration parameters based on the second signal. The method further includes the steps of normalizing each of the vibration parameters and presenting the normalized vibration parameters in an operator interface. In another embodiment, the system includes a controller configured to receive sensor signals from a machine system and to control operation of the machine system via actuators. The system also includes a condition monitoring user interface configured to display normalized vibration parameters for the machine system.