Interchangeable control module for stationary and portable lubricant dispensing devices

Abstract

A system for maintaining an operational state of a machine is provided. The system includes a dispensing device having an interchangeable control module including control hardware providing a central processing unit, data storage, and a communication module. The dispensing device is configured to dispense a lubricant in order to maintain an operational state of a machine. The interchangeable control module is configured to interchangeably control and interchangeably reside in a stationary dispensing device or a portable dispensing device. The interchangeable control module is in communication with an external or internal intermediary computing device. The interchangeable control module includes interface hardware to facilitate connection with at least one state monitoring sensor and based on measurements received from the at least one state monitoring sensor, the interchangeable control module determines a required amount or type of lubricant and creates a maintenance action to be completed.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 669570, filed on August 4, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an interchangeable control module for a lubricant dispensing device. More specifically, this invention relates to interchangeable control modules for stationary and portable lubricant dispensing devices. Background Technology

[0004] Systems incorporating electronic lubrication dosing meters exist. These collect lubrication data (dosage, asset / lubrication point, and date) during a procedure. After the procedure is completed, the user must upload the data via cable. There is no automatic interconnection.

[0005] In terms of technical aspects, the interchangeable control module of this invention will enable the dispensing device to be used with both stationary and portable grease gauges. This will also allow for the automatic collection of data (lubrication date, time, amount, type, and location) related to the use of dispensing devices such as grease guns or grease gauges. Once available in digital form, this data will be useful to plant maintenance managers and can be used by plant management system software.

[0006] If needed, this invention allows for the direct and automatic provision of lubrication data without human intervention. It also allows lubrication protocols to be centrally planned and distributed to a network of dispensing devices or stationary and portable grease gauges. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a system for maintaining the operational state of a machine, the system comprising: a dispensing device having: an interchangeable control module including control hardware providing a central processing unit, a data storage unit, and a communication module, wherein the dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant to maintain the operational state of the machine, wherein the interchangeable control module is configured to interchangeably control and interchangeably reside in a fixed dispensing device or a portable dispensing device, wherein the interchangeable control module communicates with an external or internal intermediate computing device, wherein the interchangeable control module includes interface hardware for facilitating connection with at least one condition monitoring sensor, and wherein based on measurements received from at least one condition monitoring sensor, the interchangeable control module determines the required amount or type of lubricant and creates a maintenance action to be performed.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, after the maintenance action is completed, the measurement results of the second sensor are used to confirm that the maintenance action is effective or to recommend additional maintenance actions.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the determined maintenance action skips the lubrication of the machine.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a system for maintaining the operational state of a machine includes: a dispensing device having: an interchangeable control module including control hardware providing a central processing unit, a data storage unit, and a communication module, wherein the dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant to maintain the operational state of the machine, wherein the interchangeable control module is configured to interchangeably control and interchangeably reside in a fixed dispensing device or a portable dispensing device, wherein the interchangeable control module communicates with an external or internal intermediate computing device, and wherein the interchangeable control module is configured to connect to a permanent intermediate device and a remote server.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the remote server is a multi-tenant cloud server.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a system for maintaining the operational state of a machine is provided, the system comprising: an interchangeable control module including control hardware providing at least one of a data storage device, a central processing unit, interface hardware for a condition monitoring sensor, an intermediate computing device, a display device, and a communication module, wherein a dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant to maintain the operational state of the machine, and wherein the interchangeable control module is configured to interchangeably control and interchangeably reside in a fixed dispensing device and a portable dispensing device; an inlet for filling a lubricant reservoir with lubricant; an outlet, wherein the dispensing device is configured to spray lubricant into the machine through the outlet; a sensor configured to sense the amount of lubricant sprayed through the outlet; a communication module communicating with the sensor and configured to transmit first data representing the amount of lubricant sprayed through the outlet; and an intermediate computing device communicating with the communication module, wherein the intermediate computing device is configured to: receive the first data from the communication module; transmit the first data to a remote server; and receive second data from the remote server, the second data representing a maintenance action to be taken on the dispensing device, the machine, or both.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, maintenance actions include at least one selected from the group consisting of: lubricant dosage for the machine, lubricant type for the machine, maintenance procedures to be followed using the dispensing device, corrective actions taken on the dispensing device, and corrective actions taken on the machine.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of dispensing devices and a plurality of intermediate computing devices are disclosed. Each of the plurality of dispensing devices includes a sensor and a communication module that communicates with one of the plurality of intermediate computing devices. A remote server is configured to coordinate the use of the plurality of dispensing devices based at least in part on the amount of lubricant used in the respective dispensing devices or the type of lubricant used in the respective dispensing devices, or both.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the received data is used to verify lubrication maintenance compliance.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the system is used to provide managed lubrication services or asset lifecycle management services to third parties.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the system is used to specify remedial actions to the user.

[0018] In a final aspect of the invention, the system provides offline procedure support and uploads completed data to a remote server. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the teachings and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the teachings.

[0020] In the diagram:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a distribution device with interchangeable control modules according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of an interchangeable control module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a system employing a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the system is shown, illustrating the possibility of a distribution device queue as part of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a first portion of an interchangeable control module and a second portion of a base frame of a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 A front perspective view of a dispensing device with interchangeable smartphone mounting parts according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a status monitoring sensor connected to an external interface hardware is shown.

[0028] It should be noted that some details in the accompanying drawings have been simplified, and these details are drawn to facilitate understanding of the embodiments, rather than to maintain strict structural accuracy, detail, and scale. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, wherever convenient, the same reference numerals are consistently used to denote the same elements. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description, and which illustrate one or more specific exemplary embodiments in which the present teachings can be practiced.

[0030] Although this teaching has been shown with respect to one or more embodiments, changes and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while a particular feature of this teaching may be disclosed only with respect to one of several embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular function. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “with,” or variations thereof used in the detailed description and claims, these terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Furthermore, in the discussion and claims herein, the term “about” indicates that the listed values ​​may be varied, provided that such variation does not result in a process or structure inconsistent with the illustrated embodiments. Finally, “exemplary” indicates that the description is used as an example and not implying that it is ideal.

[0031] Other embodiments of this teaching will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice of this teaching disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this teaching are indicated by the appended claims.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a dispensing device 102 according to one embodiment is shown. The dispensing device 102 is configured to maintain the operation state of the machine 104. (See also) Figure 3 In other words, the dispensing device 102 is configured to dispense lubricant 346 in order to maintain the operating condition of machine 104 by keeping any rotating parts (such as bearings and shafts) lubricated. Regarding machine 104, the dispensing device may be provided in the form of a bucket pump, barrel pump, grease gun, oil pump, or a separate grease gauge.

[0033] Figure 2A schematic diagram of an interchangeable control module 322, which can be provided by the distribution unit, is shown. The interchangeable control module 322 can be interchangeably configured to control stationary or portable lubricant dispensing devices. That is, the control module in the form of the interchangeable control module 322 can be upgraded to enable master control of different hardware and functional features.

[0034] Therefore, the interchangeable control module 322 can provide control hardware 344, which includes one or more of the following: data storage 348, central processing unit 350, interface hardware 352 for condition monitoring sensor 330, onboard intermediate computing device 111, display device 324, and communication module 325. Furthermore, the interface hardware can also be configured to connect to an asset identification sensor. The asset identification sensor can be used to definitively confirm that the portable lubrication device is located at a specific machine or at a specific lubrication point on that machine.

[0035] As previously described, the interchangeable control module 322 is configured to interchangeably control and reside in both fixed and portable dispensing devices. Operating status data (such as temperature, vibration, and power consumption) collected from machine 104 is stored in the interchangeable control module memory 348.

[0036] The distribution device 102 may also provide a distribution device base 342, wherein a first portion 370 of the control hardware 344 resides within the distribution device base 342, and a second portion 362 of the control hardware 344 resides within an interchangeable control module 322. Here, the interchangeable control module 322 may be configured to communicate with the display device 324. See also Figure 5 .

[0037] In another embodiment, the interchangeable control module 322 can be integrated into the interchangeable smartphone mount 354. See also Figure 6 .

[0038] In another embodiment, all control hardware 344 resides in an interchangeable smartphone mount 354. See also Figure 6 .

[0039] Alternatively, the communication module 325 can provide mobile application software.

[0040] The dispensing device 102 senses the amount of lubricant 346 being sprayed and transmits the dispensing data to the control module 322. Here, the dispensing device 102 senses the amount of lubricant 346 being sprayed and transmits this data to the control module 322.

[0041] Figure 3System 100 is shown, configured together with distribution device 102 to maintain the operational status of machine 104. Here, the system can provide one or more remote intermediate computing devices 112, 114 and a remote server 116. Interchangeable control module 322 is configured to connect to the remote intermediate computing devices 112, 114 and the remote server 116. One or more remote intermediate computing devices 112, 114 can also be configured to perform short-hop communication with the interchangeable control module 322 and the remote server 116 via Internet 118.

[0042] Figure 4 A system 100 is shown that provides multiple dispensing devices 102 and multiple remote intermediate computing devices 112. Each of the multiple dispensing devices 102 includes a sensor and a communication module that communicates with one of the multiple intermediate computing devices. Here, a remote server 116 is configured to coordinate the use of the multiple dispensing devices 102 based at least in part on the amount of lubricant used in the respective dispensing device 102, or the type of lubricant used in the respective dispensing device 102, or both.

[0043] The interchangeable control module 322 can provide the ability to transmit machine status data to remote intermediate computing devices 112, 114. Furthermore, the interchangeable control module 322 is configured to transmit information received from the remote intermediate computing devices 112, 114 to the distribution device display 324. The interchangeable control module 322 is also configured to simultaneously receive status monitoring sensor data and distribution device data.

[0044] The allocated data is uploaded from the control module device memory 348 to the computer 114 via hardwired or wireless means.

[0045] In another embodiment, remote server 116 is a multi-tenant cloud server. Compared to single-tenant clouds, which include limited access and security parameters, multi-tenant cloud networks offer increased storage and improved access. Multi-tenancy in cloud computing allows more people to use a larger pool of resources without sacrificing privacy and security or slowing down applications. The virtualization of storage locations in cloud computing allows for flexible and convenient access from virtually any device or location.

[0046] Therefore, system 100 provides an interchangeable control module 322, which includes control hardware 344 that provides a data storage 348, a central processing unit 350, and interface hardware 352 for the status monitoring sensor 330 (see [link]). Figure 7The device includes at least one of intermediate computing devices 112 and 114, a display device 324, and a communication module 325. Here, the dispensing device 102 is configured to dispense lubricant 346 to maintain the operating state of the machine 104, and the interchangeable control module 322 is configured to interchangeably control and reside in both the fixed and portable dispensing devices 102. The dispensing device may provide an inlet 315 for filling the lubricant reservoir 360 with lubricant 346. The dispensing device may also provide an outlet 317. Therefore, the dispensing device 102 is configured to spray lubricant 346 into the machine 104 through the outlet 317.

[0047] The system includes a sensor 318 that senses the amount of lubricant 346 injected through outlet 317. A communication module 325 communicates with the sensor 318 and is configured to transmit first data representing the amount of lubricant 346 injected through outlet 317. Intermediate computing devices 112, 114 communicate with the communication module 325. The intermediate computing devices are configured to receive the first data from the communication module 325. The first data can then be transmitted to a remote server 116. The communication module 325 can also be configured to receive second data from the remote server 116, representing a maintenance action to be taken on the dispensing device 102, machine 104, or both. Note that there is no specific order in which the data must be transmitted. That is, "first" or "second" are terms used to refer to data transmitted in general, not that data representing the amount of lubricant injected precedes data representing the maintenance action to be taken (and vice versa).

[0048] The maintenance action can provide at least one selected from the group consisting of: lubricant dosage for the machine, lubricant type for the machine, maintenance procedures to be followed using the dispensing device 102, calibrating actions taken on the dispensing device 102, and calibrating actions taken on the machine.

[0049] One objective of this system is to use data to verify lubrication maintenance compliance. Therefore, this invention envisions creating an electronic audit trail where defined maintenance actions are actually performed by lubrication technicians. This means that electronic records of specific information, such as timestamps, users, the amount and type of lubricant, and lubrication points on assets, can be obtained so that maintenance managers can audit lubrication work and ensure that technicians perform lubrication according to defined procedures.

[0050] Another purpose of this system is to provide managed lubrication services or asset lifecycle management services to third parties. The described system allows for the maintenance of clients' assets so that clients can focus on their core competencies. This, along with the aforementioned compliance elements, demonstrates to the facility owner that lubrication technicians are performing maintenance operations as agreed in the contract.

[0051] Another objective of this system is to envision that the data will be used to prescribe remedial actions to users.

[0052] Another purpose of the system is to provide offline procedure support. Here, users may need to perform maintenance actions (or a series of actions, which we usually call "procedures") without communicating with a remote server. The user downloads the procedure data from the server, performs the maintenance operations, and stores the newly generated data in the control module or remote intermediary until they return to a location where they can communicate with the server, and then synchronize with the server again. Based on this new information, the server can generate new maintenance actions, which are downloaded and executed without real-time communication with the server. This offline download instruction loop will repeat continuously.

Claims

1. A system for maintaining the operational status of a machine, the system comprising: The dispensing device has: Interchangeable control modules, comprising control hardware providing a central processing unit, data storage, and communication modules, wherein... The dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant in order to maintain the machine's operating condition. Interchangeable control modules are configured to interchangeably control and reside interchangeably in fixed or portable dispensing devices, wherein Interchangeable control modules communicate with external or internal intermediate computing devices, wherein The interchangeable control module includes interface hardware for facilitating connection to at least one condition monitoring sensor, and wherein... Based on measurements received from at least one condition monitoring sensor, the interchangeable control module determines the required amount or type of lubricant and creates the maintenance actions to be performed; The distribution device also provides a distribution device base frame, wherein a first part of the control hardware resides in the distribution device base frame, and a second part of the control hardware resides in an interchangeable control module.

2. The system for maintaining the operating status of a machine according to claim 1, wherein, After the maintenance action is completed, the measurement results from the second sensor are used to confirm that the maintenance action was effective or to recommend additional maintenance actions.

3. The system for maintaining the operating status of a machine according to claim 1, wherein, The identified maintenance actions skip machine lubrication.

4. A system for maintaining the operating status of a machine, comprising: The dispensing device has: Interchangeable control modules, comprising control hardware providing a central processing unit, data storage, and communication modules, wherein... The dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant in order to maintain the machine's operating condition. Interchangeable control modules are configured to interchangeably control and reside interchangeably in fixed or portable dispensing devices, wherein Interchangeable control modules communicate with external or internal intermediate computing devices, and in which Interchangeable control modules are configured to connect to permanent intermediate devices and remote servers; The distribution device also provides a distribution device base frame, wherein a first part of the control hardware resides in the distribution device base frame, and a second part of the control hardware resides in an interchangeable control module.

5. The system for maintaining the operating status of a machine according to claim 4, wherein, The remote server is a multi-tenant cloud server.

6. A system for maintaining the operational status of a machine, the system comprising: Interchangeable control modules, including control hardware, which provides at least one of the following: data storage, central processing unit, interface hardware for status monitoring sensors, intermediate computing device, display device, and communication module. The dispensing device is configured to dispense lubricant in order to maintain the machine's operating condition, and wherein... Interchangeable control modules are configured to interchangeably control and reside interchangeably in fixed and portable dispensing devices. Inlet, used to fill the lubricant reservoir with lubricant. Exports, of which The dispensing device is configured to spray lubricant into the machine through an outlet; A sensor configured to sense the amount of lubricant injected through the outlet; A communication module that communicates with a sensor and is configured to transmit first data representing the amount of lubricant injected through the outlet; An intermediate computing device that communicates with a communication module, wherein the intermediate computing device is configured to: Receive the first data from the communication module; The first data is transmitted to a remote server; and Receive second data from a remote server, which indicates maintenance actions to be taken on the distribution device, machine, or both; The distribution device also provides a distribution device base frame, wherein a first part of the control hardware resides in the distribution device base frame, and a second part of the control hardware resides in an interchangeable control module.

7. The system for maintaining the operating status of a machine according to claim 6, wherein, The maintenance actions include at least one selected from the group consisting of: the dosage of lubricant for the machine, the type of lubricant for the machine, the maintenance procedure to be followed when using the dispensing device, the corrective actions taken on the dispensing device, and the corrective actions taken on the machine.

8. The system for maintaining the operational status of a machine according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of distribution devices and a plurality of intermediate computing devices, each of the plurality of distribution devices including a sensor and a communication module communicating with one of the plurality of intermediate computing devices, wherein The remote server is configured to coordinate the use of multiple distribution devices based at least in part on the amount of lubricant used in the respective distribution devices or the type of lubricant used in the respective distribution devices, or both.

9. The system for maintaining the operating status of a machine according to claim 6, wherein, The received data is used to verify lubrication maintenance compliance.

10. The system for maintaining the operating state of a machine according to claim 6, wherein, The system is used to provide managed lubrication services or asset lifecycle management services to third parties.

11. The system for maintaining the operating state of a machine according to claim 6, wherein, The system is used to specify remedial actions to users.

12. The system for maintaining the operating state of a machine according to claim 6, wherein, The system provides offline procedure support and uploads completed data to a remote server.

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