Application of a New Fault Detection Technology for Quality Improvement of Appliance Motors

摘要

A model-based approach to fault detection is described. Its practical application has resulted in a breakthrough technology for the evaluation of electrical motors. The Motor Quality Monitor (MQM) is a system for the detection of faults of motors at the production line or at an incoming quality control station. The technique can detect a wide range of electrical and mechanical problems, including noise and vibration. In addition, the physical model allows rapid estimation of motor performance characteristics. In this paper, together with the theoretical aspects of the methodology, a case study where the contribution of this system to customer quality improvement requirements will be presented. During this case study, a test system is used at a washing machine producer warehouse for incoming quality control of the motors received to be assembled in washing machines. A Beta-Test is designed where the operation of the system is monitored continuously and decisions reached by the system about the motors are questioned. Motors that are passed or failed by the system are taken through an extensive testing procedure to assess the quality of these motors independently. In addition, service return rate of the washing machines, where the tested motors are assembled, are monitored and change in this rate due to motor malfunctioning and motor noise is observed.