Sensor Faults Isolation in Networked Control Systems: Application to Mobile Robot Platoons

In networked control systems, sensor faults in a subsystem have a major influence on the entire network as the fault effect reaches the other subsystems through the network interconnections. In this paper, a fault diagnosis-oriented model is proposed for linear networked control systems that can be applied to the robotics platoon. In addition, this model can also be used to design distributed Unknown Input Observers (UIO) in each subsystem to accomplish weak sensor faults isolation by treating the network disturbances and fault propagation through the network as unknown inputs. A case study was developed in which the subsystems were represented by robots that are connected in a wireless communication-based leader-follower scheme. The simulation results show that the model successfully reproduces the expected behaviour of the robotics platoon in the presence of sensor faults. Furthermore, weak sensor faults isolation is also achieved by observing the residual signals produced by the UIOs in each of the subsystems.

Dynamic Analysis Method for Fault Propagation Behaviour of Machining Centres

Fault propagation behaviour analysis is the basis of fault diagnosis and health maintenance. Traditional fault propagation studies are mostly based on a priori knowledge of a causality model combined with rule-based reasoning, disregarding the limitations of experience and the dynamic characteristics of the system that cause deviations in the identification of critical fault sources. Thus, this paper proposes a dynamic analysis method for fault propagation behaviour of machining centres that combines fault propagation mechanisms with model structure characteristics. This paper uses the design structure matrix (DSM) to establish the fault propagation hierarchy structure model. Considering the correlation of fault time, the fault probability function of a component is obtained and the fault influence degree of nodes are calculated. By introducing the Copula and Coupling degree functions, the fault influence degree of the edges between the same level and different levels are calculated, respectively. This paper constructs a fault propagation intensity model by integrating the edge betweenness and uses it as an index to analyze real-time fault propagation behaviour. Finally, a certain type of machining centre is taken as an example for specific application. This study can provide as a reference for the fault maintenance and reliability growth of a machining centre.