Integrated system for routine maintenance of mechanized equipment

Abstract

An method to forecast parts requirements for a vehicle or fleet of vehicles using a computer system having a host processor and a database accessible by the host processor, where the database contains vehicle specific maintenance schedules indicating recommended maintenance intervals for scheduled maintenance events, where each scheduled maintenance event has associated maintenance tasks and where associated tasks may be have one or more recommended parts. The method involves determining a forecast window, determining whether a scheduled maintenance event is to occur, and predicting parts requirements based on any scheduled maintenance events and associated tasks.

Description

I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 713,300, filed Nov. 14, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 427,289, filed Nov. 18, 2002. Each application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.II. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.III. THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not Applicable.IV. INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0004]Appendix 1 is a computer program listing of two compact disks each having a copy of the host system source code for operating the functions described of the host system described herein for non-GCS station field input device communications with the database. It does not include filed input device code, response station code, GCS station code, or opportunity manager code. The contents of these disks are incorporated by reference. The file folder...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a system that remotely monitors the need for maintenance of a fleet of mechanized equipment. The system uses wireless transponders or field data input terminals to collect relevant equipment performance data and sends it to a central facility or mobile user terminals. The system program analyzes the data, alerts users of necessary maintenance, and provides a database of relevant information for analysis and prediction of future maintenance requirements. The system helps manufacturers and end users efficiently maintain their equipment and minimize downtime. The technical effects of the patent include improved monitoring and maintenance of mechanized equipment, improved communication with users, and optimization of service level to customers."

Problems solved by technology

Mechanized outdoor application vehicles are subject to harsh operating conditions and these operating conditions contribute to their need for specialization and customization.

For example, mechanized outdoor application vehicles are routinely subjected to environmental variables such as extreme heat and cold, moisture, chemicals and solvents, various foreign matter (e.g., dirt, mud, grass and other vegetation, a variety of crops, rock and gravel, etc.), extreme vibration, and rough terrain.

Mechanized outdoor application vehicles used in commercial outdoor applications are considered mission critical.

Therefore, when such mechanized equipment encounters unscheduled downtime, this directly and negatively affects the commercial outdoor application.

A primary cause of equipment failure leading to unscheduled downtime is the delay or omission of scheduled maintenance.

However, since mechanized outdoor application vehicles do not provide for an integrated system to alert of currently required scheduled maintenance requirements and related required resources, this equipment is virtually never serviced with scheduled maintenance and related required resources at the actual time due.

Therefore, equipment is normally serviced either prematurely or belatedly.

In the event such resources (inventory, parts, supplies) are not on-hand when they are needed to complete scheduled maintenance requirements, the required scheduled maintenance is either delayed or the equipment item requiring replacement parts not currently on-hand remains idle until said replacement parts are ordered and received, which results in unscheduled downtime.

Most on-site maintenance and repair service operations for outdoor applications lack the level of monitoring, scheduling, referencing and record-keeping capabilities found in automotive and other commercial maintenance and repair operations.

Further, many on-site maintenance and repair personnel for outdoor applications lack the level of technical expertise found in automotive and other commercial maintenance and repair operations.

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