CA2698459C

CA2698459C - Testing clutch brake assemblies

Info

Publication number: CA2698459C
Application number: CA2698459A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Mike Riddall
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2017-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-30
Also published as: CA2698459A1

Abstract

A method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprises providing a test clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto; conducting a cycle test on the test clutch brake assembly by: i) energizing the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position; ii) energizing the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position; and iii) interrupting the energy to the actuator to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position; storing in memory operational data of actuator line current for the first, second and third phases for the cycle test; comparing the operational data for the second phase of the cycle test either with operational data from a previous cycle test or reference data in memory to identify one or more supply line fault conditions; and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified, filtering, normalizing, conditioning or manipulating the operational data from the second phase to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified, reviewing khe operational data from the first and/or third phases to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions.

Description

TESTING CLUTCH BRAKE ASSEMBLIES
FIELD
100011 The present disclosure relates to the monitoring of electromechanical clutch and/or brake assemblies.
BACKGROUND
100021 Electrical drive systems are commonly used in automated manufacture or assembly lines. A
critical component of these drive systems is the clutch and/or brake unit for enhanced operational control.
Clutch and/or brake units are cycled many times through a regular operational shift resulting in wear and the need for regular maintenance. When such regular maintenance is scheduled, extended periods of downtime are commonly tolerated, ranging from 30 to in excess of 400 minutes, with considerable expense from the resulting delay. Studies also indicate that a largest component of the downtime is the time needed to investigate the nature of the clutch brake failure which can be difficult to troubleshoot due to a wide variety of possible sources for causing brake failure.
10003J It would be desirable to provide a device and accompanying method which allows for enhanced trouble shooting capabilities in order to more rapidly determine the source of the brake and/or clutch failures. Moreover, a system in which potential sources of imminent brake failure could be identified would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the general inventive concept herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to restrict key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention beyond that explicitly or implicitly described by the following description and claims.
100051 In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprising:
a. providing a test clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto;
b. coupling an energy level monitor to the test clutch brake assembly and/or the supply line;
c. enabling the energy level monitor for generating a plurality of operational data sets, each representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time for a given phase of operation;
d. delivering energy via the supply line to the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
e. storing in memory a first operational data set for the first phase;
f. delivering energy via the supply line to the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
g. storing in memory a second operational data set for the second phase;
h. interrupting the energy in the supply line to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position;
i. storing in memory a third operational data set for the third phase;
j, accessing first, second and third reference data sets representative of normal operating conditions in the first, second and third phases respectively;
k. comparing the second operational data set with the second reference data set to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;

i. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified:
1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or

2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category;
ii. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified:
I. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category.
[00061 In some exemplary embodiments, the energy level is measured in units of supply line current. if desired, the delivering and interrupting are done manually.
[0007] Some exemplary embodiments further comprise assembling a single signature plot for the first, second and third phases and displaying the signature plot.
100081 In some exemplary embodiments, the displaying including displaying on a graphical user interface.
10009] In some exemplary embodiments, there is provided the accessing first, second and third reference ION-DBRT/cDA 3 data sets including accessing a memory device storing reference data sets for different clutch brake assemblies.
1000101 in another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for testing a clutch brake assembly in an assembly operation. The clutch brake assembly includes a clutch brake actuator coupled with a supply line for delivering energy thereto. The device comprises an input module for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per unit time delivered via the supply line to the actuator. A converter module is provided for converting the energy level signals to operational data representative of the energy level per unit time delivered to the actuator during a given phase of operation.
A storage module is configured for storing the operational data for the test procedure and for storing reference data for a corresponding reference procedure. A switch module delivers energy to the clutch brake actuator via the supply line. A processor module is configured to carrying out a test monitoring procedure including collecting and storing the operational data during:
I. a first test phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position, 2. a second test phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position, and

3. a third test phase in which energy to the actuator is interrupted, causing the actuator to return the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position.
100011] The processor accesses the operational data for the first, second and third test phases, and the reference data for predetermined first, second and third reference phases and processes the operational data and the reference data for generating an output representative of comparative signature plot portions of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases, respectively. A display module is responsive to the processor and displays the comparative signature plot portion for the second phase in a format for identifying one or more supply line fault conditions. The display module also displays the comparative signature plot for one or more of i) the first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions;
and ii) the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category.
1000121 In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the input, converter, storage, switch and processor modules are contained in a portable housing.
[00013] In some exemplary embodiments, the input module includes a releasable coupling for linking the device to the clutch brake assembly.
100014] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor module includes a general purpose computer or a programmable logic controller, while the display includes a graphical user interface on a display screen.
[00015] In some exemplary embodiments, the switch module may include a manual trigger switch.
1000161 In some exemplary embodiments, the reference data may include reference data for different makes and/or models of clutch brake assemblies, further comprising a selection module for identifying the make and/or model of the clutch brake assembly.
00011 In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for monitoring a clutch brake site in an assembly operation. The method comprises:
a. identifying, in an assembly communication network, a target clutch brake site with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto;
b. accessing a data source for collecting operational data sets, each representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time for a given phase of operation;
c. identifying a first phase in which energy is delivered via the supply line to the actuator to cause the actuator to transfer the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position, d. identifying a second phase in which energy is delivered via the supply line to the actuator in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position, e. identifying a third phase in which energy delivery to the actuator is interrupted, causing the actuator to returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position, f. storing in memory a plurality of operational data set for the first, second and third phases;
g. accessing first, second and third reference data sets representative of normal operating conditions in the tint, second and third phases respectively;
h. comparing the second operational data set with the second reference data set to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
i. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified:
I. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category;
and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified:
1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions;

2, comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category; and i, dispatching one or more messages for indicating the presence of one or more of the fault conditions.
1000181 In still another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a test installation for testing a clutch brake assembly in an assembly operation, in which the clutch brake assembly includes a clutch brake actuator coupled with a supply line for delivering energy thereto. The installation comprises an input module for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per unit time delivered via the supply line to the actuator. A converter module converts the energy level signals to operational data representative of the energy level per unit time delivered to the actuator during a test procedure. A storage module stores the operational data for the test procedure and for storing reference data for a corresponding reference procedure. A processor module executes the test procedure including delivering energy to the clutch brake actuator to establish a first test phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position.
Next, energy is delivered energy to the actuator to establish a second test phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position. The energy is then interrupted to establish a third test phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position.
Operational data for the first, second and third test phases is then stored in memory. Then, the operational data for the first, second and third test phases is accessed as well as reference data for predetermined first, second and third reference phases according to the first, second and third test phases. The operational data and the reference data for is processed for generating an output representative of a comparative signature plots of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases, respectively.
A display module is also provided which is responsive to the processor, for displaying the comparative signature plot for the second phase in a format for identifying one or more supply line fault conditions, as well as for displaying the comparative signature plot for one or more of the first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions and the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions.
100019] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to identify the one or more supply line fault conditions and to issue a first alert signal therefore and to identify in the first phase and/or the third phase i) one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, and to issue a second alert signal indicative thereof, and ii) one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, and to issue a third alert signal indicative thereof.
100020] In some exemplary embodiments, the display module includes a graphical user interface, the first, second, third and fourth alert signals including a message presented on the graphical user interface.
1000211 In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprising;
a. providing a test clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto;
b. conducting a cycle test on the test clutch brake assembly by:
i. energizing the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
energizing the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
iii. interrupting the energy to the actuator to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position;
HoN-DEurricrmi 8 C. storing in memory operational data of actuator line current for the first, second and third phases for the cycle test;
d. comparing the operational data for the second phase of the cycle test either with operational data from a previous cycle test or reference data in memory to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
I. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified, filtering, normalizing, conditioning or manipulating the operational data from the second phase to identify one OT more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and 2. if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified, reviewing the operational data from the first and/or third phases to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions.
1000221 In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprising:
a. enabling a designated clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration;
b. enabling an energy level monitor to monitor the clutch brake assembly and/or a supply.
line thereto for generating operational data representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time;
c. energizing the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;

d. energizing the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
e. de-energizing the actuator to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position;
f. storing first, second and third operational data for the first, second and third phases respectively;
g. enabling access to first, second and third reference data representative of normal operating conditions in the first, second and third phases respectively;
h. comparing the second operational data with the second reference data to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
i. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified:
1. comparing the first operational data with the first reference data to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions arising from the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data with the third reference data to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category;
ii. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified:
1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data with the third reference data to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category.
(000231 In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for testing a clutch brake assembly having a clutch brake actuator coupled with a supply line for delivering energy thereto, comprising:
a. an input module for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per unit time delivered via the supply line to the actuator;
b. one or more processor modules configured to:
i. execute a test procedure to:
1. deliver energy to the clutch brake actuator in a first test phase, to cause the actuator to transfer the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
2. deliver energy to the actuator in a second test phase, to cause the actuator to maintain the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
and 3. deliver energy to the actuator is interrupted in a third test phase to cause the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position, ii, to process operational data for the first, second and third test phases with reference data for first, second and third reference phases, to generate an output representative of comparative signature plots of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases, respectively;
iii. to present a comparative signature plot for one or more of:
1. the first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions;
2. the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[000241 Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein;
[00025] Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an installation for testing a clutch brake assembly;
[000261 Figure 2 is a schematic view of an actuator portion of the assembly of figure 1;
1000271 Figure 3 is a schematic view of a portion of a testing device of figure 1;
[000281 Figures 4, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 6c are operational plots of several operational modes of the testing device of figure I;
100029] Figure 7 is a schematic view of another installation for testing clutch brake assemblies; and 1000301 Figures 8 and 9 are schematic views of portions of the installation of figure 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
1000311 It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings: The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carded out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" anti variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical, mechanical, or electrical connections or couplings.
Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical or electrical other configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical or other configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure.
[00032] Referring to the figures, there is provided a device 10 for testing an electromechanical clutch and/or brake assembly in a manufacture or assembly operation. Examples of electromechanical clutch and/or brake assemblies include clutch assemblies, brake assemblies and clutch brake assembles, the latter of which is discussed hereinbelow. That being said, the present disclosure may be applied to the other configurations as well. The clutch brake assembly as shown at 12 in figure 1 is an internal component of an electric drive motor unit shown at 14, which is installed on a manufacture or assembly machine shown in dashed lines at 16. The clutch brake assembly 12 is shown in more detail schematically in figure 2 and includes a clutch brake actuator 18 including an electromagnetic coil 20 acting against a group of springs 22 and which is coupled with a supply line cable 29 for delivering energy thereto. The springs 22 are, in some exemplary embodiments biased towards a clutch brake-engaged position.
With current delivery to the coil 20, the clutch brake assembly 12 is maintained in a clutch brake-released position wherein the motor 14 is free to turn on its shaft.
[000331 Referring to figure 3, the device 10 includes access to an energy source 24, such as a power cable 25 to power a switching power supply 26, in turn to deliver regulated DC
voltage on an output shown at 28, under the control of a switch module in the form of a manual trigger switch 30. While regulated DC
voltage is used in this example, other modes of energy may be utilized such as a rectified AC waveform.
[00034] The output 28 provides the supply line cable 29 to be coupled with the input terminals 3 lof the device 10 by way of a standard cable coupling shown at 32 in figure 1.
Communicating with the supply line cable 29 is an input module, in the form of a current meter 34, for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per unit time delivered via the supply line cable 29 to the actuator 18. Other input modules may be used such as watt meters and the like.
[00035] Communicating with the current meter 34 is a converter module, in the form of an analog to digital (AD) converter 40, for converting the energy level signals to operational data which is representative of the energy level per unit time delivered to the actuator 18, during a given phase of operation, as will be described.
[00036] A processor module is provided in the form of processor 44, for receiving the operational data from the AD converter 40 and optionally for communicating with the switching power supply 26 on path 46. The processor 44 communicates with a display module or device 48, as well as a storage module or digital memory shown at 50 for storing the operational data for test procedures and for storing reference data for corresponding reference procedures.
[00037] Referring once again to figure 1, the device 10 may be conveniently provided in a single case or housing 52, with a user operating control panel 54 which includes the display screen 48 as well as other screens and/or dials, such as shown generally at 56a and 56b, for serving the function of assisting in identifying the operating phases and outputs from the processor 44. The control panel 54 also provides trigger switch 30 and cable coupling 32. Also provided is a selector switch 58 to select a rated energy level for the kinds of clutch brake assemblies being tested, such as to choose between 24V, 95V, tind 190V
clutch brake assemblies, or more depending on the different types commercially available and in use in the manufacture or assembly operation. The device 10 also has a mode switch 60 for selecting either an automatic testing mode or a manual testing mode. Thus, one or more of the input, converter, storage, .switch and processor modules may be contained in or located on the portable housing 52 and provide various leads for coupling to corresponding terminals on the clutch brake assembly, line power, other display units, memory, data networks and the like.
[000381 Referring to figure 4, the processor is configured for executing Or instructing a test monitoring procedure. The procedure involves delivering power to the actuator 18 during:
- a first phase shown at 62 in which the actuator 18 transfers the clutch brake assembly 12 from an engaged position to a released position, - a second phase 64 in which the actuator 18 maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position, and - a third phase 66 in which energy to the actuator 18 is interrupted, causing the actuator 18 to return the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position.
[00039] In both the automatic and manual modes, the processor 44 is configured to store, in memory 50, the operational data during the first, second and third phases. The processor 44 then accesses the operational data for the first, second and third test phases, as well as reference data for predetermined first, second and third reference phases, which are stored in memory 50. The processor 44 then processes the operational data and the reference data for generating an output representative of comparative signature plots of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases. The signature plot data, or the data representative thereof, for each phase may be generated and stored, in separately addressable operational data groups, or combined as a single data group.
[00040] The processor 44 communicates with the display device 48 to display a comparative signature plot for the second phase in a format for identifying one or more supply line fault conditions, as well as a comparative signature plot for first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions. Alternatively or in combination with the first phase signature plot, the processor 48 also presents, via the display device 48, the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category or the second category.
[00041] In this case, the supply line fault conditions may typically arise from electrical faults and involve such things as current loss, current spikes, interruptions or other undesirable deviations from a normal energy plot showing a substantially stead state, in the context of what would be normally expected in an energy plot in the supply line of a manufacture assembly operation. Meanwhile, the brake fault conditions may typically arise from mechanical faults. The first category may include such things as damage to a coil or a portion thereof resulting in a short to ground or an open circuit. Clutch brake fault conditions of the second category may include such things as damage to or excessive wear in a spring, brake or clutch pad, or other associated hardware elements, that is conditions which by themselves would not otherwise present a supply line fault condition.
[000421 The processor module may include a general purpose computer or a programmable logic controller, while the display may include a graphical user interface on a display screen or other display modes as a printer, a projector, an audio output device or the like.
1000431 The reference data may include reference data for different makes and/or models of clutch brake assemblies, further comprising a selection module for identifying the make and/or model of the clutch brake assembly. The reference data may, in this case, include specification data provided by the commercial providers of the clutch brake assemblies of the groups and types being used in the manufacture assembly operation.
[000441 The device 10 may be used as follows. First, a test clutch brake assembly 12 is accessed with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration. This might for instance involve taking the device 10 in its portable housing 52 to a specific machine location in the manufacture or assembly operation. The device 10 is then connected to the clutch brake assembly 12 by joining the supply line cable between the clutch brake assembly 12 and the device 10. In the example of figure 1, the device 10 is then coupled to the energy source 24 via power cable 25. The mode selector switch 58 is used to select a manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode. The following will apply first to the semi-automatic mode. In this case, the device 10 activates the switching power supply 26 to deliver energy to the clutch brake assembly 12. The current meter 34 is activated to generate a plurality of operational data sets, each representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time for a given phase of operation.
[000451 The device 10 then delivers energy via the supply line cable 29 to the actuator 18 to establish a first phase in which the actuator 18 transfers the clutch brake assembly 12 from an engaged position to a released position. The current meter 34 then conveys analog data to the AD
converter 40 which in turn communicates with the processor 44, the latter of which receives and stores in memory 50 a first operational data set for the first phase.
[00046] The device 10 continues to energize the supply line cable 29 to the actuator 18 to establish a second phase in which the actuator 18 maintains the clutch brake assembly 12 in the released position.
The processor receives and stores in memory 50 a second operational data set for the second phase.
[00047] The device 10 then interrupts the energy in the supply line cable 29 to establish a third phase in which the actuator 18 loses strength thus returning the clutch brake assembly 12 to the engaged position.
The processor 44 receives and stores in memory 50 a third operational data set for the third phase.
[00048] The processor 44 then accesses first, second and third reference data sets representative of normal operating conditions in the first, second and third phases respectively and produces a signature plot of the first, second and third phases overlaid on or superimposed with a reference signature plot of the second reference data set for the first, second and third normal operating phases.
[00049] The display is configured to superimpose successive plots of the second phase to identify one or more supply line fault conditions, which may include multiple cycles of the test procedure and/or the reference plot. If one or more supply line fault conditions are present, the operator may then compare the plots of the first phase to determine if there are any clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions, Alternatively, or in addition, the operator may then compare the plots for the third phase to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category.
[00050] If the operator determines that the one or more supply line fault conditions are not present, the operator may then compare the plots of the first phase to determine if there are any clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions not related to supply line fault conditions.
Alternatively, or in addition, the operator may then compare the plots for the third phase to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category. In other words, in some cases, the operator may compare the plots for both the first and third phases, or just one of the first and third phases for possible clutch brake fault conditions.
1000511 In the automatic mode, the processor may be configured with one or more plot analysis algorithms to identify the supply line fault conditions in the first phase. For instance, as part of the stored reference data, there may be template signature plots that characterize each of the supply line fault conditions or combinations thereof. These plots may then be accessed by the processor and a best Et curve analysis executed on the signature plot for the second phase against one or more of the stored plots and identify a match and, based on the match, identify the factors or fault conditions, if any, that are associated with the template plot in the match.
[000521 In the manual mode, the trigger switch may be deployed by the operator to deliver energy to the actuator 18 for a period sufficient to initiate the first, second and third phases.
[00053] Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b illustrate example signature plots of successive cycles of the test procedure. In figure 5a, the second phase can be seen to varying levels of current, ranging from about 0.21 A to as low as 0.13 A, indicating a supply line fault, which can be seen to be having an adverse impact on the brake gap measurements and release events recorded by the first and third phase plots. Without reference to the second phase plots, the first or third phase plots might suggest a progressive problem with the deployment of the actuator, perhaps caused by faulty or seized actuator bearings or the like causing a delay in the release event shown by the range of peaks at 70. In this particular case, the first phase shows a change in the release time and separate with a change in steady state current, meaning that both must be considered when making a judgment on brake gap. Thus, first category clutch brake fault conditions might include damage to the coil, among others.
[00054] Figure 6a, on the other hand, presents a second phase plot in which there is no change in the current from one test to the next, signifying that there are no supply line fault conditions to report. The first and second phases may then be analyzed for second category clutch brake fault conditions. In the example of figure 6a, the first phase shows step changes to the release amperage and time when the brake gap is changed.
tION-DBRT/CDA 18 [000551 Figure 6c illustrates another plot with a pair of tolerance windows.
The first is a steady state tolerance window with upper and lower steady state limits on the Y axis. The second is a tolerance window for the release signature with upper and lower release limits on the Y
axis, as well as coordinated first and second limits on the X axis. A third similar window for the release signature is also provided in the third phase, as shown by the box in dashed lines. Monitoring of the third and first phases may thus include monitoring the incidence of the plots traveling beyond these windows in their respective phases, with the limits being configured according to the kind of clutch brake assembly being tested, and accessible from memory or adjustable from a drop down menu or the like. In this case, just the second and first phases are monitored with the third phase being optionally monitored if desired.
[000561 Another exemplary embodiment is shown in figure 7, with a monitoring system 74, having several groups of clutch brake assemblies in a monitoring configuration as part of a larger manufacturing assembly operation. In this case, three groups of clutch brake assemblies are monitored at three local stations 76, which communicate over, and are addressable on, a data network 78 such as an internal and/or external network such as the internet, with a central station 80, Each of the throe local stations 76 include data collection modules 82 for processing local operational data for the clutch brake assemblies 84 in the group and relaying this operational data, or alternatively status signals based on the local processing of the local operational data, to the central station 80. Thus, where the local station 76 delivers line energy to the clutch brake assembly 84, the local station 76 may include the current meter 86 or equivalent function for monitoring energy, in this example by current flow. On the other hand, the local station 76 may not need to deliver the line energy to the clutch brake assembly but instead have functions limited to receiving operational data from a metering function built into the clutch brake assembly 84. Still further, the local stations may be further limited to a data routing function to deliver the operational data to the central station 80 for further processing, 1000571 In another exemplary embodiment, the system may employ a method by conducting a cycle test on the test clutch brake assembly by energizing the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator 18 transfers the clutch brake assembly 12 from an engaged position to a released position, then energizing the actuator 18 to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly 12 in the released position, followed by interrupting the energy to the actuator to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position. The operational data of actuator line current for the first, second and third phases for the cycle test may then be stored in memory. Next the operational data for the second phase of the cycle test may be compared either with operational data from a previous cycle test or reference data in memory to identify one or more supply line fault conditions. If one or more supply line fault conditions are identified, then the operational data from the first and/or third phases may be filtered, normalized, conditioned or manipulated to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions. If one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified, then the operational data from the first and/or third phases may be reviewed to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions.
1000581 Further, the device may be configured to identify the one or more supply line fault conditions and to issue a first alert signal therefor, and then to identify in the first phase and/or the third phase one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, and to issue a second alert signal indicative thereof, and one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, and to issue a third alert signal indicative thereof.
1000591 In this case, the central and local stations may be embodied in a software program configured to run on one or more general purpose computers, such as a personal computer, or on a single custom built computer, such as programmed logic controller (PLC) which is dedicated to the function of the system alone. The system may, alternatively, be executed on a more substantial computer mainframe. The general purpose computer may work within a network involving several general purpose computers, for example those sold under the trade names APPLE or IBM, or clones thereof, which are programmed with operating systems known by the trade names WINDOWS, LINUX or other well known or lesser known equivalents of these. The system may involve pre-programmed software using a number of possible languages or a custom designed version of a programming software sold under the trade name ACCESS or other programming software. The computer network may be a wired local area network, or a wide area network such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, with or without added security, authentication protocols, or under "peer-to-peer" or "client-server" or other networking architectures.
The network may also be a wireless network or a combination of wired and wireless networks. The wireless network may operate under frequencies such radio frequency or "RF" using protocols such as the 802.11, TCP/IP, BLUE
TOOTH and the like, or other well known Internet, wireless, satellite or cell packet protocols. Also the present method may also be implemented using a microprocessor-based, battery powered device.
[00060] Figure 8 shows a general computer system 90 on which exemplary embodiments may be practiced. Examples of display device are Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) devices such as at 92, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Devices etc. The general computer system can also have other additional output devices like a printer. A cabinet 94 houses the additional basic components of the general computer system such as the microprocessor, memory and disk drives. In a general computer system the microprocessor is any commercially available processor of which x86 processors from Intel and 680X0 series from Motorola are examples. Many other microprocessors are available. The general computer system could be a single processor system or may use two or more processors on a single system or over a network. The microprocessor for its functioning uses a volatile memory that is a random access memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static memory (SRAM). The disk drives are the permanent storage medium used by the general computer system. This permanent storage may be a magnetic disk, a flash memory and a tape. This storage may be removable like a floppy disk or permanent such as a hard disk.
Besides this the cabinet may also house other additional components like a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) drive, sound card, video card etc. The general computer system may also include various input devices such as, for example, a keyboard and a mouse 96, The keyboard and the mouse may be connected to the general computer system through wired or wireless links. The mouse may be a two-button mouse, three-button mouse or a scroll mouse. Besides the said input devices there may be other input devices like a light pen, a track ball, etc. The microprocessor is configured to execute a program called the operating system for the basic functioning of the general computer system. The examples of operating systems are UNIXTm, WINDOWSTM and OS XTM. These operating systems allocate the computer system resources to various programs and help the users to interact with the system. It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to any particular hardware comprising the computer system or the software running on it.

1000611 Figure 9 shows the internal structure of the general computer system 90 of figure 8. The general computer system includes various subsystems interconnected with the help of a system bus 98. The microprocessor 100 communicates and controls the functioning of other subsystems. Memory 101 helps the microprocessor in its functioning by storing instructions and data during its execution. Fixed drive 102 is used to hold the data and instructions permanent in nature like the operating system and other programs.
Display adapter 104 is used as an interface between the system bus and the display device 92, which is generally a monitor. A network interface 106 is used to connect the computer with other computers on a network through wired or wireless means. The system is connected to various input devices like keyboard and mouse and output devices like a printer or speakers. Various configurations of these subsystems are possible. It should also be noted that a system implementing exemplary embodiments may use less or more number of the subsystems than described above. The computer screen which displays the results can also be a separate computer system than that which contains components such as a database and the other modules described above. Various configurations of these subsystems are possible. It should also be noted that a system implementing the present exemplary embodiments may use less or more number of the subsystems than described above. The computer screen which displays results may also be a separate computer system than that which contains components such as reference data database and the other modules described above.
[000621 In the case of the device, the local stations 76, the central station 80 or a combination of the two may be configured to implement the automatic function as described above, Reference data may be stored as need be on the local and/or central stations depending on which is carrying out which step in the procedure. The reference data may be commonly housed at, or be accessible via, the central station to simplify the accuracy and maintenance thereof.
[00063] Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the device may reduce the mean recovery time in the event of a clutch brake failure by providing maintenance an effective troubleshooting tool to diagnose electro-mechanical brake parameters without the need for a full tear down. The current waveform through the clutch brake actuator may be monitored to determine its physical characteristics. The current through the solenoid increases until the electromagnetic force overcomes the force of the spring and friction and the brake snaps open. This is followed by a period in which the actuator is in a released position and enables the testing of electrical faults. This phase also allows for a steady-state current through the clutch brake actuator to be measured. In the third phase, energy is interrupted and, as the electromagnetic force drops below the spring force, the brake snaps shut under the action of the springs.
Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the device allows the clutch to be released and re-engaged to observe the current waveform.
100064I Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, a maintenance associate may transport the device to the site of a test clutch brake assembly. The maintenance associate may then identify the power cable on the clutch brake assembly and connect it to the appropriate location at the control interface. The maintenance associate may thus, in one operative mode, press either the automatic or manual mode, to cause the device to release and re-engage the clutch brake. After converting analog signal to digital samples, the processor inside the unit displays the waveform for analysis.
1000651 In some exemplary embodiments, waveform scenarios may be prepared in advance for different clutch brake assemblies, or for brake assemblies or clutch assemblies and stored as reference signature plots in memory, along with details of their specific problem description, as well as a recommended remedial procedure. These waveform scenarios may be used to identify a current fault condition by employing a best fit curve analysis or other algorithm to match a signature plot to a reference 1000661 The device may also be employed for a preventative maintenance schedule in order to avoid any brake related downtime events before they occur. In this case, a maintenance associate may regularly visit each cinch brake assembly in a manufacturing or assembly operation, to reduce downtime due to online failures. Thus, the device provides a diagnostic tool to analyze Electra-Magnetic clutches and holding brakes for anomalies, to quickly diagnose an electro-magnetic brake or clutch for changes in the coil actuation current (di/dt) that would indicate a potential problem with the electrical/mechanical state of brake without the need for expensive sensing devices. The diagnostic results may then be used to direct troubleshooting efforts to reduce downtime or predict failures. In some exemplary embodiments, the device may be configured to employ a low cost series shunt resistor to sense the subtle variances in the brake coil current. This allows both the electrical and mechanical properties of the brake or clutch to be analyzed for changes that would indicate a problem with the assembly.

[00067J Those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof of parts noted herein. While a device or assembly 10, and an accompanying method have been described for what are presently considered the exemplary embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprising:
a. providing a test clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto;
b. coupling an energy level monitor to the test clutch brake assembly and/or the supply line;
c. enabling the energy level monitor for generating a plurality of operational data sets, each representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time for a given phase of operation;
d. delivering energy via the supply line to the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
e. storing in memory a first operational data set for the first phase;
f. delivering energy via the supply line to the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
g. storing in memory a second operational data set for the second phase;
h. interrupting the energy in the supply line to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position;
i. storing in memory a third operational data set for the third phase;
j. accessing first, second and third reference data sets representative of normal operating conditions in the first, second and third phases respectively;

k. comparing the second operational data set with the second reference data set to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
i. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified:
1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category;
ii. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified:

1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category.

2. A method as defined in claim 1, the energy level being measured in units of supply line current.

3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the delivering and interrupting are done manually.

4. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising assembling a single signature plot for the first, second and third phases and displaying the signature plot.

5. A method as defined in claim 4, the displaying including displaying on a graphical user interface.

6. A method as defined in claim 1, the accessing first, second and third reference data sets including accessing a memory device storing reference data sets for different clutch brake assemblies.

7. A device for testing a clutch brake assembly in an assembly operation, the clutch brake assembly including a clutch brake actuator coupled with a supply line for delivering energy thereto, comprising:
a. an input module for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per wilt time delivered via the supply line to the actuator;
b. a converter module for converting the energy level signals to operational data representative of the energy level per unit time delivered to the actuator during a given phase of operation;
c. a storage module for storing the operational data for the test procedure and for storing reference data for a corresponding reference procedure;
d. a switch module for delivering energy to the clutch brake actuator via the supply line;
e. a processor module for carrying out a test monitoring procedure including:
i. collecting and storing the operational data during:
1. a first test phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position, 2. a second test phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position, and 3. a third test phase in which energy to the actuator is interrupted, causing the actuator to return the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position, ii. accessing the operational data for the first, second and third test phases, and the reference data for predetermined first, second and third reference phases, iii. processing the operational data and the reference data for generating an output representative of comparative signature plot portions of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases, respectively;
f. a display module, responsive to the processor, for i. displaying the comparative signature plot portion for the second phase in a format for identifying one or more supply line fault conditions;
ii. displaying the comparative signature plot for one or more of:
1. the first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions; and 2. the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category.

8. A device as defined in claim 7, one or more of the input, converter, storage, switch and processor modules being contained in a portable housing.

9. A device as defined in claim 7, the input module including a releasable coupling for linking the device to the clutch brake assembly.

10. A device as defined in claim 7, the processor module including a general purpose computer or a programmable logic controller.

11. A device as defined in claim 7, the switch module including a manual trigger switch.

12. A device as defined in claim 7, the display including a graphical user interface on a display screen.

13. A device as defined in claim 7, the reference data including reference data for different makes and/or models of clutch brake assemblies, further comprising a selection module for identifying the make and/or model of the clutch brake assembly.

14. A method for monitoring a clutch brake site in an assembly operation, comprising:
a. identifying, in an assembly communication network, a target clutch brake site with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto;
b. accessing a data source for collecting operational data sets, each representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time for a given phase of operation;
c. identifying a first phase in which energy is delivered via the supply line to the actuator to cause the actuator to transfer the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position, d. identifying a second phase in which energy is delivered via the supply line to the actuator in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position, e. identifying a third phase in which energy delivery to the actuator is interrupted, causing the actuator to returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position, f. storing in memory a plurality of operational data set for the first, second and third phases;
g. accessing first, second and third reference data sets representative of normal operating conditions in the first, second and third phases respectively;
h. comparing the second operational data set with the second reference data set to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
i. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified:
1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category;
ii. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified:
1. comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions;
2. comparing the third operational data set with the third reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category; and i. dispatching one or more messages for indicating the presence of one or more of the fault conditions.

15. A test installation for testing a clutch brake assembly in an assembly operation, the clutch brake assembly including a clutch brake actuator coupled with a supply line for delivering energy thereto, comprising:
a. an input module for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per unit time delivered via the supply line to the actuator;
b. a. converter module for converting the energy level signals to operational data representative of the energy level per unit time delivered to the actuator during a test procedure;
c. a storage module for storing the operational data for the test procedure and for storing reference data for a corresponding reference procedure;
d. a processor module for executing the test procedure including:
i. delivering energy to the clutch brake actuator to establish a first test phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position, ii. delivering energy to the actuator to establish a second test phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position, iii. interrupting the energy to establish a third test phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position, iv. storing operational data for the first, second and third test phases, V. accessing the operational data for the first, second and third test phases, and the reference data for predetermined first, second and third reference phases according to the first, second and third test phases, vi. processing the operational data and the reference data for generating an output representative of a comparative signature plots of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases, respectively;
e. a display module, responsive to the processor, for i. displaying the comparative signature plot for the second phase in a format for identifying one or more supply line fault conditions;
ii. displaying the comparative signature plot for one or more of:
1. the first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions;
2. the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions.

16. A device as defined in claim 15, the processor configured:
a. to identify the one or more supply line fault conditions and to issue a first alert signal therefor, b. to identify in the first phase and/or the third phase:

i. one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, and to issue a second alert signal indicative thereof, and ii. one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, and to issue a third alert signal indicative thereof.

17. A device as defined in claim 16, the display module including a graphical user interface, the first, second, third and fourth alert signals including a message presented on the graphical user interface.

18. A method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprising:
a. providing a test clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration and connected to a supply line to deliver energy thereto;
b. conducting a cycle test on the test clutch brake assembly by:
i. energizing the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
ii. energizing the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
iii. interrupting the energy to the actuator to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position;
c. storing in memory operational data of actuator line current for the first, second and third phases for the cycle test;
d. comparing the operational data for the second phase of the cycle test either with operational data from a previous cycle test or reference data in memory to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
1. and if one or more supply [Me fault conditions are identified, filtering, normalizing, conditioning or manipulating the operational data from the second phase to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions related to the one or mare supply line fault conditions; and 2. if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified, reviewing the operational data from the first and/or third phases to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions and unrelated to the one or more supply line fault conditions.

19. A method of testing a clutch brake assembly, comprising:
a. enabling a designated clutch brake assembly with a clutch brake actuator in an operational configuration;
b. enabling an energy level monitor to monitor the clutch brake assembly and/or a supply line thereto for generating operational data representative of a level of energy delivered to the actuator per unit time;
c. energizing the actuator to establish a first phase in which the actuator transfers the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
d. energizing the actuator to establish a second phase in which the actuator maintains the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
e. de-energizing the actuator to establish a third phase in which the actuator returns the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position;
f. storing first, second and third operational data for the first, second and third phases respectively;
g. enabling access to first, second and third reference data representative of normal operating conditions in the first, second and third phases respectively;
h. comparing the second operational data with the second reference data to identify one or more supply line fault conditions;
i. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are identified:
1. comparing the first operational data with the first reference data to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category of clutch brake fault conditions arising from the one or more supply line fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data with the third reference data to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the first category;
ii. and if one or more supply line fault conditions are not identified:
1, comparing the first operational data set with the first reference data set to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category of clutch brake fault conditions; and/or 2. comparing the third operational data with the third reference data to identify one or more clutch brake fault conditions of the second category.

20. A method as defined in claim 19, the energy level being measured in units of supply line current.

21. A method as defined in claim 10 or claim 20, wherein the energizing and de-energizing are done manually.

22. A method as defined in any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising generating a signature plot for the first, second and third phases and displaying the signature plot.

23. A method as defined in claim 22, the displaying including displaying on a graphical user interface.

24. A method as defined in any one of claims 19 to 24, the enabling access of the first, second and third reference data including accessing a memory device storing reference data for different clutch brake assemblies.

25. A device for testing a clutch brake assembly having a clutch brake actuator coupled with a supply line for delivering energy thereto, comprising:
a. an input module for receiving one or more energy level signals representative of an energy level per unit time delivered via the supply line to the actuator;
b. one or more processor modules configured to:
i. execute a test procedure to:
1. deliver energy to the clutch brake actuator in a first test phase, to cause the actuator to transfer the clutch brake assembly from an engaged position to a released position;
2. deliver energy to the actuator in a second test phase, to cause the actuator to maintain the clutch brake assembly in the released position;
and 3. deliver energy to the actuator is interrupted in a third test phase to cause the clutch brake assembly to the engaged position, ii. to process operational data for the first, second and third test phases with reference data for first, second and third reference phases, to generate an output representative of comparative signature plots of the first test phase, the second test phase and the third test phase, versus the first, second and third reference phases, respectively;
iii, to present a comparative signature plot for one or more of:
1. the first phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a fust category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions;
2. the third phase in a format for identifying one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a first category which are related to one or more supply line fault conditions, or one or more clutch brake fault conditions of a second category which are not related to one or more supply line fault conditions.

26. A device as defined in claim 25, further comprising a display to display the comparative signature plot.

27. A device as defined in any claim 25 or claim 26, the input module including a releasable coupling for linking the device to the clutch brake assembly.

28. A device as defined in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the reference data includes reference data sets for different clutch brake assemblies stored in memory.

29. A device as defined in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the reference data includes reference data for different makes and/or models of clutch brake assemblies, further comprising a selection module for identifying the make and/or model of the clutch brake assembly.

30. A device as defined in any one of claims 25 to 29, the processor configured:
i. to designate a tolerance window with upper and lower steady state limits during the second phase;
to designate a second tolerance window with upper and lower release limits for the first and/or third phases; and iii. to monitor incidence of plots exceeding the windows in the respective phases.