摘要 |
An apparatus for predicting a fault condition for a machine is disclosed. The machine has a plurality of parameters being dependent upon machine performance. A sensor is connected to the machine and is adapted to produce an electrical signal in response to one of the plurality of machine parameters. The apparatus further includes means for determining a non-linear data trend of the parameter in response to the electrical signal, and means for predicting the fault condition as a function of the trend and a threshold value indicative of the fault condition.In a second aspect of the invention, a method for predicting a fault condition is provided. The method includes the steps of sensing a parameter having a level being dependent upon machine performance and responsively producing an electrical signal, determining a non-linear data trend of the parameter in response to the electrical signal, and predicting the fault condition as a function of the trend and threshold value indicative of the fault condition.
|