Toppan, a provider of communication, security, packaging, décor materials and electronics solutions, has developed a sensing system for remotely monitoring abnormal sounds, such as metal on metal impacts and friction, that do not occur during normal operation at factories and facilities.
The system consists of sound sensors and a data browsing application and is provided exclusively as a tool for e-Platch, Toppan’s smart solution for supporting equipment inspection.
It can detect abnormal sounds from equipment and distinguish them from the normal background noise, trigger alerts, and output reports of abnormalities detected.
e-Platch is an integrated monitoring system that can enhance overall risk management at manufacturing plants by automatically collecting environmental data, such as effluent water level and hydrogen ion concentration.
ZETA, a next-generation Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) network protocol, is used to send data from sensor devices to the monitoring system.
Adding sound sensors to the lineup of devices compatible with e-Platch can drive greater efficiency for maintenance and inspection work by promptly identifying equipment abnormalities and indicating when machinery parts need to be replaced.
Sales of e-Platch equipped with the new sound sensing system will be launched in Japan in April this year, targeting manufacturing and facility management companies as well as a wide range of other customers.
Masaharu Sadaya, marketing manager in Toppan’s electronics division, says: “The new sound sensing function adds another dimension to our solution for remote equipment monitoring.
“We will drive expanded sales of e-Platch, offering a range of sensors, including multi-sensors that measure temperature, humidity, illuminance, and carbon dioxide concentration, as we aim to have the system installed at more than 650 customer facilities by fiscal 2025.
“This will not only reduce the workload for equipment inspection and alleviate the problem of labor shortages, but also reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to safer, more efficient manufacturing operations.”
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