Patent ID: 6260427
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: G01N,G05B

Abstract:
A method for monitoring the condition of an electric powered tool, comprising:measuring a power consumption signal of the tool while performing a cyclical task;analyzing selected feature components of the power consumption signal and establishing an initial power threshold tolerance band of predetermined value in a learning mode of the tool;continuing to use the tool in a monitoring mode while performing the cyclic task and monitoring a plurality of selected feature components of the power consumption signal;comparing the monitored power consumption signal with the initial power threshold tolerance band and based on the comparison, diagnosing the condition of the tool;designating at least one combination of the plurality of selected feature components of the power consumption signal as a relearning code representative of a condition of tool wear; andduring the monitoring of said power consumption signal, comparing the monitored power consumption signal to the relearning code and, in response to a detection that the monitored power consumption signal corresponds to said relearning code, recalculating and adjusting the initial power threshold tolerance band while operating in a relearning mode of the tool.