A Novel Study on a Generalized Model Based on Self-Supervised Learning and Sparse Filtering for Intelligent Bearing Fault Diagnosis

Recently, deep learning has become more and more extensive in the field of fault diagnosis. However, most deep learning methods rely on large amounts of labeled data to train the model, which leads to their poor generalized ability in the application of different scenarios. To overcome this deficiency, this paper proposes a novel generalized model based on self-supervised learning and sparse filtering (GSLSF). The proposed method includes two stages. Firstly (1), considering the representation of samples on fault and working condition information, designing self-supervised learning pretext tasks and pseudo-labels, and establishing a pre-trained model based on sparse filtering. Secondly (2), a knowledge transfer mechanism from the pre-training model to the target task is established, the fault features of the deep representation are extracted based on the sparse filtering model, and softmax regression is applied to distinguish the type of failure. This method can observably enhance the model’s diagnostic performance and generalization ability with limited training data. The validity of the method is proved by the fault diagnosis results of two bearing datasets.