Design and implementation of a holistic framework for data integration in industrial machine and sensor networks

Digitalization and connectivity trends in industrial plants and production equipment create vast and heterogeneous networks of data sources, data sinks and various communication protocols. Data fusion and evaluation of these resources result in high costs for data integration and maintenance. Therefore, we propose a new framework, called MyGateway, enabling effortless integration of heterogeneous data sources, their fusion within the framework and publication to data sinks as needed. For easy integration, deployment, and expansion of the framework we provide an implementation in JAVA using open-source adapters for common industrial protocols and a simple API for usage in user specified setups

Unsupervised detection of state changes during operation of machine elements

Interpretation of sensor data from machine elements is challenging, if no prior knowledge of the system is available. Evaluation methods must adapt surrounding conditions and operation modes. As supervised learning models can be time-consuming to set up, unsupervised learning poses as alternative solution. This paper introduces a new clustering scheme that incorporates iterative cluster retrieval in order to track the clustering results over time. The approach is used to identify changing machine element states such as operating conditions and undesired changes, like incipient damage or wear. We show that knowledge about the evolving clusters can be used to identify operation and failure events. The approach is validated for machine elements with slide and roll contacts, such as ball screws and bearings. The data used has been captured using vibration and acoustic emission sensors. The results show a general applicability to the unsupervised monitoring of machine elements using the proposed approach

Misalignment detection on linear feed axis with FFT and statistical analysis using motor current

The linear feed axes are critical subsystems in many production machines and have important responsibilities such as transporting workpieces and tools in the process. Therefore, the component’s working condition is crucial for the production of high-quality products. Because these systems gradually deteriorate, it is necessary to detect these changes and occurring faults with condition monitoring systems. In this study, the motor current of feed axes is monitored for axis misalignment that occurs during or after assembly. We conduct diagnosis with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and statistical methods in order to differentiate different misalignment scenarios and operating constraints of the feed axis. Different states are achieved by simulating left and right axis misalignment and operating the table at different speeds and strokes

A highly virulent variant of HIV-1 circulating in the Netherlands

We discovered a highly virulent variant of subtype-B HIV-1 in the Netherlands. One hundred nine individuals with this variant had a 0.54 to 0.74 log10 increase (i.e., a ~3.5-fold to 5.5-fold increase) in viral load compared with, and exhibited CD4 cell decline twice as fast as, 6604 individuals with other subtype-B strains. Without treatment, advanced HIV-CD4 cell counts below 350 cells per cubic millimeter, with long-term clinical consequences-is expected to be reached, on average, 9 months after diagnosis for individuals in their thirties with this variant. Age, sex, suspected mode of transmission, and place of birth for the aforementioned 109 individuals were typical for HIV-positive people in the Netherlands, which suggests that the increased virulence is attributable to the viral strain. Genetic sequence analysis suggests that this variant arose in the 1990s from de novo mutation, not recombination, with increased transmissibility and an unfamiliar molecular mechanism of virulence