Work tool data system and method thereof

Abstract

A data system for tracking the use of a work tool attachment that can be interchangeably attached to a machine includes a data transmission device located on the work tool attachment and an electronic machine controller that can be located on the machine. When an event occurs with respect to the work tool attachment, the data system collects a first tool data set and a first set of machine data associated with the machine from the data transmission device. When another event occurs with respect to the work tool attachment, the data system collects a second tool data set and a second set of machine data from the data transmission device. The first and second tool data sets and the first and second sets of machine data can be entered in one or more data logs for analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present patent disclosure relates generally to machine work tools and, more particularly, to systems and methods for monitoring usage of a work tool by a machine. Background Art

[0002] Working machines such as loaders, excavators, etc. can often be used with a number of interchangeable working tools or attachments that can be releasably coupled to the working machine to perform a particular working function. Examples of interchangeable working tools include buckets, scrapers, forks, grapples, shears, cutters, etc. The working tools or attachments are often controlled by an implement control system such as a hydraulic or electrical system associated with the machine to actuate and control the lifting, tilting, rotating or other manipulation of the implement so that the working tool performs its function. It is desirable to monitor the use of the working tool over time, for example to determine when the working tool may need to be repaired and / or replaced or to measure the efficiency of the tool use.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0198409 (the "'409 Publication"), assigned to the present applicant, describes a computerized data system and method that can be used with a work tool to collect data regarding the use of the tool. Specifically, the '409 Publication describes a data storage device that can be located on an interchangeable work tool that can be releasably coupled to a machine. The data storage device can periodically exchange information with a processing device located on the machine. Utilizing various work tool and machine operating parameters, the data storage device and processing device can track information regarding tool usage, even when the work tool is used by multiple different machines. In examples disclosed in the '409 Publication, the data storage device and processing device can be configured to display a warning event to a machine operator when the system determines that the work tool is being used in an improper manner. The present disclosure also relates to a computerized system and method for collecting and utilizing information regarding the use of a work tool that is releasably attached to a machine. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a data system for monitoring the use of interchangeable work tool attachments by a machine. The work tool attachment may include a tool coupler and a data transmission device disposed on the work tool attachment, the data transmission device being configured to store and transmit a first tool data set and a second tool data set at separate times. The machine may include a machine coupler that is attached to and detached from the tool coupler. The data system may be associated with an electronic machine controller that is configured to (i) retrieve a first set of machine data and a second set of machine data at separate times, (ii) receive the first tool data set and the second tool data set from the data transmission device, (iii) generate a first data log entry from the first tool data set and the first set of machine data, and (iv) generate a second data log entry from the second tool data set and the second set of machine data.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for recording information about the use of an interchangeable work tool attachment by a machine. According to the method, a work tool attachment is releasably attached to a machine coupler on the machine. The method uses a first tool data set about the work tool attachment when attached, which can be received from a data transmission device disposed on the work tool attachment, and generates a first data log entry from the first tool data set and from a first set of machine data associated with the machine. When the work tool attachment is detached from the machine coupler, the method uses the data transmission device to obtain a second tool data set from the work tool attachment at the time of detachment. The method can generate a second data log entry from the second tool data set and from the second set of machine data.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure describes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by an electronic machine controller, cause the controller to first identify an event type associated with a work tool attachment that is interchangeably attached to the machine. The electronic machine controller then generates a first data log entry of a first tool data set transmitted from a data transmission device disposed on the work tool attachment and a first set of machine data obtained by the electronic machine controller. Upon identifying another event type associated with the work tool attachment, the electronic machine controller generates a second data log entry from a second tool data set transmitted from the data transmission device disposed on the work tool attachment and a second set of machine data obtained from the electronic machine controller. The first data log entry and the second data log entry are stored in a non-transitory data storage device associated with the electronic machine controller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a machine and interchangeable work tool attachments that may be releasably coupled to the machine to perform specific tasks.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a computerized work tool data system and associated functionality for monitoring and collecting data regarding a machine's use of a work tool attachment including a data transmission device on the work tool attachment configured to communicate with an electronic machine controller that may be located on the machine.

[0009] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating possible computer executable routines, processes and / or algorithms that may be executed by a work tool data system to collect and record data regarding work tool attachments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or like reference numerals will be used throughout the disclosure and drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

[0011] refer to Figure 1 , shows an example of a working machine 100 that can be releasably connected to a work tool attachment 102 for performing a work-related function or task. In the example shown, the machine 100 can be in the form of an excavator, and the work tool attachment 102 can be a bucket that the excavator can extend and manipulate, such as to perform excavation and material placement operations. However, in other examples, the machine 100 can refer to any type of machine for performing operations associated with an industry (such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation or other known industries). The example of the machine includes a wheel loader, a bulldozer, a dump truck, a motor grader, a material handler, etc. Such machines can be configured to be used for off-highway and highway operations. In addition to the bucket, the example of the work tool attachment 102 includes a scraper, a compactor, a fork-shaped lifting device, a brush, a grabber, a cutter, a shear, a pulverizer and a hammer, etc., which can be used for various tasks, including loading, leveling, lifting, compacting, breaking and material manipulation.

[0012] In the illustrated example of an excavator, the machine includes a frame 110 that may be supported on a chassis that includes a ground-engaging propulsion device 112, such as continuous tracks or wheels for moving over the surface of a work site. The frame 110 may include a rotatable platform 114 so that the rotatable platform can rotate relative to the ground-engaging propulsion device 112. To provide power to the machine 100, the frame 110 may house a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine 116 and other systems for transmitting the power generated by the prime mover, such as gears and hydraulic systems. To accommodate an operator, the frame 110 may include an operator cab or operator station 118 located in an elevated position to provide visibility about the work site. Various operator controls and input devices, such as a steering wheel or joystick, may be located within the operator station 118 to manipulate the machine 100 and perform various tasks associated with the machine. To assist the operator in controlling and adjusting the machine 100, the operator station 118 may also include various interfaces, such as dials, switches, readouts, displays, and the like. However, in other embodiments, the machine 100 may be configured for autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remote operation. In autonomous operation, the machine 100 may utilize various sensors and controllers to perform operations without human interaction. In semi-autonomous operation, a human operator may perform some tasks and take some control of the machine, while the machine itself may be responsible for other operations. In a remote configuration, an operator may be located remotely from the machine and control the machine indirectly through a remote controller.

[0013] To connect and manipulate the work tool attachment 102, the machine 100 may include an implement mechanism 120 that may be operably supported by the frame 110. In the illustrated excavator example, the implement mechanism 120 may include a mechanical linkage having elongated and pivotally connected rigid bodies or links that may pivot and articulate relative to one another to extend, retract, lift, lower, and / or tilt the work tool attachment 102. In the excavator example, the links may include a boom 122 pivotally connected to the frame 110 at one end and pivotally connected to a stick 124 or bucket at the other end. The work tool attachment 102 in the form of a bucket may be pivotally disposed at the end of the stick 124. To articulate the boom 122, stick 124, and bucket 102 relative to one another, the implement mechanism 120 may be operably associated with one or more actuators 126, such as hydraulic cylinders that may extend and retract pistons to produce lift, tilt, and other movements. To pressurize and direct hydraulic fluid for use by the actuator 126, the machine 100 may include a hydraulic system 128 operably coupled to the internal combustion engine 116. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses other configurations of the implement mechanism 120, such as those used by bulldozers, wheel loaders, and other types of machines. Additionally, other embodiments of the actuator may be used, such as electric motors and other electromagnetic devices.

[0014] In order to enable the machine 100 to perform a variety of tasks, or to customize the machine for a specific task, the work tool attachment 102 can be interchangeable and can be configured for releasable attachment to the implement mechanism 120. The releasable attachment of the work tool attachment 102 can be achieved by a coupling mechanism or machine coupler 130 disposed at the distal end of the implement mechanism 120. The machine coupler 130 can have any suitable configuration and structure for interlocking with a corresponding attachment point or tool coupler 132 on the work tool attachment 102. Examples include a removable pin coupler, in which a pin can be inserted through an orifice disposed in an appropriate structure on the work tool attachment 102 and the implement mechanism 120, a knuckle coupler or jennery coupler utilizing interconnecting claws, or any other conceivable type of coupling. In various embodiments, the machine coupler 130 and the tool coupler 132 can form a pivot joint so that the work tool attachment 102 can move relative to the implement mechanism 120. In an embodiment, the machine coupler 130 and the tool coupler 132 may be quick couplers configured to quickly attach and detach the work tool attachment 102 to and from the implement mechanism 120 with limited or reduced operator involvement. In some embodiments, engagement and disengagement of the machine coupler 130 and the tool coupler 132 may be actuated by or with the assistance of a hydraulic system 128 associated with the machine 100.

[0015] refer to Figure 1, to assist in monitoring and recording information regarding the use of the work tool attachment 102 and its operational interaction with the machine 100, the machine may be associated with a work tool data system 140, which includes an electronic control unit, control module, or electronic machine controller 142 configured to process electronic signals in the form of binary bits and bytes. Although the illustrated electronic machine controller 142 is shown as a single discrete unit, the work tool data system 140 and its functions may be distributed among a plurality of different and separate components. In addition, although the electronic machine controller 142 is associated with the machine 100, some of the associated components and functions of the work tool data system 140 may be located external to the machine 100. However, the controller 142 is adapted to monitor various operating parameters and responsively adjust various variables and functions that affect the operation of the machine 100 and the coupled work tool attachment 102, and therefore, in an embodiment, may be on the machine 100. To process the electronic data signals and execute instructions, the electronic machine controller 142 may include suitable circuitry 144, such as one or more microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), field programmable gate arrays, and the like. Electronic machine controller 142 may be configured to perform various functions, procedures, routines, data maps, data tables, charts, etc. In possible embodiments, electronic machine controller 142 may be responsible for regulating and controlling other operational aspects and functions of machine 100 .

[0016] To store functions, routines, algorithms, data maps, data tables, data graphs, etc., which may include a collection of computer-readable data, and to store computer-executable software code that provides programming instructions for executing programs and applications and for interpreting and manipulating data, the electronic machine controller 142 may be operably associated with a data storage device 146. The data storage device 146 may be in the form of a memory, such as a random access memory or a read-only memory, or may be a more permanent storage device, such as a hard drive. The data storage device 146 may be repeatedly read from and written to the electronic machine controller 142, and provides storage of data and information used by the electronic machine controller for performing the functions and tasks of the machine 100.

[0017] To receive operational data and send control commands, the electronic machine controller 142 may include an input / output interface 148 that may communicate with various sensors and controllers disposed about the machine 100 and operably associated with the work tool data system 140. Communications between the electronic machine controller 142 and other components associated with the work tool data system 140 may be established via sending and receiving digital or analog signals over a communication channel, such as a communication line or a communication bus. For example, as is familiar to those skilled in the art, a controller area network (“CAN”) may be utilized, which is a standardized communication bus that includes physical communication channels that conduct signals that convey information between the electronic machine controller 142 and sensors and actuators disposed about the machine 100. However, in other embodiments, the work tool data system 140 may utilize other or additional forms of data communications, such as radio frequency waves such as Wi-Fi, optical waveguides and optical fibers, or other technologies. For illustrative purposes, the various communication channels are indicated by dashed lines.

[0018] To interface with an operator, the work tool data system 140 may be operably associated with an operator interface 150, which may also be referred to as a human machine interface (“HMI”). The operator interface 150 may be an output device to present information visually or otherwise to a human operator and to receive instructions from the human operator regarding operation and adjustment of the machine 100 by the electronic machine controller 142. In embodiments of the machine 100 configured for onboard operation, the operator interface 150 may be located in the operator station 118, while in embodiments configured for remote operation, the operator interface may be remotely located. The operator interface 150 may be a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) capable of presenting numerical values, textual descriptors, graphics, charts, etc. regarding operation. In other embodiments, other visual displays may be used, such as a cathode ray tube. The operator interface 150 may include a touch screen 152 or have touch screen capabilities to receive input from a human operator to direct instructions or requests to the electronic machine controller 142. Specifically, the touch screen 152 may present text or visual information as an image or text that the operator may touch to select a desired input. The operator interface 150 may also include tactile inputs 154 for interacting with the operator, such as buttons, switches, keyboards, etc. In other embodiments, the work tool data system 140 may include other interface devices, such as dials, knobs, keyboards, mice, printers, etc. Other types of visual and / or audible alarms may also be included in the operator interface 150. As explained more fully below, the electronic machine controller 142 may be in electronic communication with a machine transmitter / receiver 158, such as an RF antenna, for establishing RF communications with other devices.

[0019] refer to Figure 2To collect data about the operation of the machine 100, the work tool data system 140 and / or the electronic machine controller 142 may be operably associated with one or more sensors and / or controllers that are in electronic communication with the electronic machine controller 142. For example, referring to Figure 2 , in order to monitor and regulate the operation of a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, an engine control unit 160, also referred to as an engine control module, may be included. As may be familiar to those skilled in the art, the engine control unit 160 may regulate engine operating parameters, such as idle speed, air-fuel ratio, variable valve timing, etc. The electronic machine controller 142 may also be associated with a fuel sensor 162, which may measure the amount of fuel consumed by the machine 100 during operation, such as in terms of fuel consumption rate. The electronic machine controller 142 may also be associated with one or more force sensors 164 (e.g., strain gauges, piezoelectric devices, potentiometers, fluid pressure sensors, etc.), which are configured to measure the force or torque applied to the implement mechanism 120, the actuator 126, and the work tool 102 to measure the material load or work cycle performed by the machine 100. To track time, the work tool data system 140 may include a timer 166, which may measure time intervals in any suitable units, such as hours, minutes, and seconds. To determine the geographic location of the machine 100, the electronic machine controller 142 may be associated with a satellite navigation system, such as a GPS receiver 168. Electronic machine controller 142 may be operatively associated with other sensors and controllers, as desired, for regulating and directing the operation of machine 100 .

[0020] refer to Figure 2 , the work tool data system 140 may be operably associated with a telematics system 170 to communicate with an external or remote location 172 to send and receive operational and / or status information. Telematics communications may be established via a wireless protocol such as WiFi or cellular communications to send and receive information in the form of radio signals between a transmitter / receiver 174 located on the machine 100 and a transmitter / receiver 176 at the remote location 172. The remote location 172 may be associated with a remote computer system 178 that may provide additional processing capabilities for machine operation. In various embodiments, the remote computer system 178 may be used for remote or semi-autonomous operation of the machine.

[0021] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, and according to aspects of the present disclosure, in order to monitor and collect data about the work tool attachment 102, a data transmission device 180 can be associated with the work tool attachment and operably interact with the work tool data system 140 associated with the machine 100. In an embodiment, the data transmission device 180 can be physically mounted and located on the interchangeable work tool attachment 102 so that it will remain associated with the work tool attachment when it is changed and relocated between various machines 100. Figure 1 As shown in , the data transmission device 180 can be configured as a compact structure, and its components can be arranged in a plastic housing 182, which can be mounted to a suitable position on the work tool attachment 102 to avoid damage or interference with the operation of the work tool attachment. The installation of the data transmission device 180 can be achieved by fasteners, such as bolts, adhesives, welding or other suitable installation techniques. Figure 2 In order to wirelessly transmit and / or receive data signals in the form of radio waves, the data transmission device 180 may include a transmitter 184, such as a radio wave antenna and an associated wireless transmission circuit 186, which can encode the data signal into radio waves for transmission via a network such as a cellular network, a WiFi network, or other suitable wireless communication network. In an embodiment, the transmitter 184 and the wireless transmission circuit 186 can be configured to transmit short-wave radio signals that can be broadcast about 100 meters or less. In such an embodiment, the wireless transmission circuit 186 can be a Bluetooth circuit. In other embodiments, data communication with the data transmission device 180 can be achieved through other technologies, such as infrared signaling or electromagnetic induction. In addition to wireless data communication, aspects of the present disclosure can be applicable to embodiments in which the data transmission device 180 can transmit data through a physical communication channel such as a cable, a jack, a male connector, and a female connector.

[0022] The data transmission device 180 may include functional additional components. For example, the data transmission device 180 may also include a logic circuit 190, which may be a microprocessor or similar integrated circuit with logic functions to control the operation of the device. In order to store information in the form of data about the work tool attachment 102 or about the data transmission device 180, a data storage device 192 may be included as a part of the device that can be accessed electronically by the logic circuit 190. The data storage device 192 may be in the form of a computer-readable and / or writable memory. In addition, in order to sense the movement of the work tool attachment 102, for example, when it is connected to the machine and picked up by the machine, the data transmission device 180 may include a motion detector 194, such as an accelerometer that can measure acceleration forces. Any change in the current state or spatial reference experienced by the work tool attachment 102 is interpreted as movement by the accelerometer. Other examples of motion detectors 194 include gyroscopes and barometers. The motion detector 194 may be operably associated with a timer or counter 196 for measuring the time interval between two triggering events. The counter 196 may measure time in units such as seconds and minutes, or may measure time at random identical intervals. A rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery 198 or similar power supply unit may be included to provide power to the data transfer device 180. The data transfer device 180 may actively or passively transfer data with other devices.

[0023] The data transmission device 180 may be programmed with and collect work tool data 200 about the work tool attachment 102, which may be processed and utilized by the work tool data system 140 associated with the machine 100 for work progress assessment, performance evaluation, and system monitoring. For example, the data transmission device 180 may be programmed with or include information about the identity of the work tool attachment 102 associated therewith. The work tool identification data 202 may be implemented by any suitable process. For example, when the data transmission device 180 is installed to the corresponding work tool attachment 102, information specific to the work tool attachment may be stored as computer-readable data in the data storage device 192 of the work tool attachment. Such information may include the type or brand of the work tool attachment, serial number, year of manufacture, and manufacturer, etc. In addition to the work tool identification data 202, other information that may be stored on the data transmission device 180 may include operating parameters, settings, and limitations of the work tool attachment 102. Maintenance information may be included, such as the date the work tool attachment 102 was maintained and the service completed on the work tool attachment. The work tool identification data 202 may be entered into the data storage device 192 by connecting the data transfer device 180 directly or indirectly through an appropriately configured connector (e.g., a jack, pin connector, USB port) to an external programming device (such as a computer) and uploading the information to the data storage device.

[0024] In another embodiment, the work tool identification data 202 may be a serial number associated with the data transmission device 180 and stored in a computer-readable form in a data storage device 192 that is initially separate from the work tool attachment 102. Once attached to the work tool attachment 102, the work tool data system 140 and other back-end computer systems may be programmed to associate the serial number of the data transmission device 180 with the work tool attachment. Once associated, the serial number serves as an indirect identification reference for the work tool attachment 102 and may be used to access the aforementioned types of information about the work tool attachment.

[0025] The data transmission device 180 may also monitor and collect work tool usage data 202 regarding the use of the work tool attachment 102 when performing the intended task, which work tool usage data may be measured in time units such as hours and minutes. In order to obtain the work tool usage data 202, the motion detector 194 and the counter 196 may interact cooperatively to identify and record movement of the work tool attachment 102 indicating that the work tool attachment is in use. For example, when the work tool attachment 102 is connected to the machine 100 and manipulated by the machine, thereby changing the spatial reference of the work tool attachment, the motion detector 194 will sense the implied force indicating movement. The initial movement of the work tool attachment 102 sensed by the motion detector 194 may also start or initiate the counter 196, which may remain active as long as the motion detector continues to sense movement. Thus, the counter 196 determines the duration of use of the work tool attachment 102 which may be recorded in the data storage device 192 of the data transmission device 180. The data transmission device 180 may be programmed with dwell times and delay periods to evaluate and determine movements consistent with continued use of the work tool attachment 102 by the same machine and those movements indicating that the work tool attachment is no longer in operational use.

[0026] In addition to the information obtained by the data transmission device 180, the work tool data system 140 can monitor and obtain information about the operation of the machine 100, which can be used for performance evaluation and work tool attachment monitoring. Figure 2, the machine data 210 may be operably associated with the machine 100 and may be collected from sensors and controllers that communicate with the electronic machine controller 142 or may be preprogrammed into the electronic machine controller. The machine data 210 is generally specific to the machine 100 and its interaction with a particular interchangeable work tool attachment 102. For example, the machine data 210 may include or record information about an event type 212 associated with the work tool attachment 102. An example of an event type 212 may include a close coupler event 214, where the machine coupler 130 and the tool coupler 132 may be quick couplers as described above, which are engaged to connect the work tool attachment to the implement mechanism. Another example of an event type 212 may be an open coupler event 216 that occurs when the machine coupler 130 is disengaged from the tool coupler 132 to release the work tool attachment 102 from the implement mechanism 120. Another example of an event type 212 may be a work tool profile change 218. The work tool profile change 218 may occur when an operator manually selects operating parameters and settings for the machine 100 using, for example, the operator interface 150. The operating parameters and settings may be specific to the work tool attachment 102, thus indicating that a new work tool attachment has been coupled to the machine 100. The work tool profile changes 218 may, for example, change the operating speeds, limits, and forces of the implement mechanism 120, and may change associated parameters of the hydraulic, electrical, and motion systems, which may indicate that the work tool attachment 102 has been manually swapped by an operator, rather than through the use of a quick coupler.

[0027] The work tool data system 140 may collect other machine data 210, such as a machine identification 220, which may include the brand and type of the machine, serial number, date of manufacture and manufacturer, etc. Because different operators may use the machine 100, the work tool data system 140 may also obtain an operator identification 222 that may be input through the operator interface 150. To determine the location of the machine 100 during interaction with the work tool attachment 102, the work tool data system 140 may use the GPS receiver 168 to obtain a GPS location 224 in appropriate coordinates. The time interval 226 that the machine 100 is operably associated with a particular work tool attachment 102 may also be recorded. Fuel consumption 228 or the amount of fuel burned by the machine 100 during use of the work tool attachment 102 may be recorded. The tool data system 100 may also record material payload 230, which represents the amount of material moved by the work tool attachment 102, such as a bucket, and payload cycles 232, which represents the number of work or operating cycles performed using the work tool attachment. To organize and track the machine data 210 , the timestamp 234 or the like may be obtained from the timer 166 associated with the work tool data system 140 .

[0028] The work tool data system 140 may record the work tool data 200 and the machine data 210 collected in one or more data logs using a data log application 240, which may be a computer executable software program configured to read and write data in electronically stored data log files. The data log may be a tabular or graphical representation of the work tool data 200 and the machine data 210 that may be processed and analyzed by a computer system to gain insight and information about the interchangeable work tool attachments 102 and their interactions with the machine 100. The data log application 240 may periodically or continuously record or write the work tool data 200 and the machine data 210 as data entries to the data log periodically or continuously over time, such that the work tool data system 140 generates a continuous log of relevant data with respect to time. The data log may be saved in a data storage device 146 associated with the electronic machine controller 142.

[0029] Industrial Applicability

[0030] The present disclosure may be applicable to any machine or group of machines capable of releasably coupling with and utilizing a plurality of interchangeable work tool attachments. The disclosed work tool data system 140 may be used to collect and store data regarding the use of interchangeable work tool attachments, which data may be later retrieved for use by various individuals and stakeholders. For example, the data and information collected by the work tool data system 140 may be used for work progress assessment, performance evaluation, preventive maintenance, and machine design.

[0031] refer to Figure 1-3 , an embodiment of a computer-implemented process, application, or algorithm 300 that may be performed by a work tool data system 140 is shown. Although the algorithm 300 is disclosed as a series of steps and blocks, it should be understood that the present disclosure encompasses variations, rearrangements, deletions, and additions. In a monitoring step 302, a work tool data system 140 operably associated with a particular machine 100 may monitor machine operating data and parameters. If a first work tool event 304 occurs during the monitoring step 302, the work tool data system 140 may conduct or execute a series of queries to collect data about the work tool attachment 102, the machine 100, and their operational interactions at the time of the first work tool event 304. The first work tool event 304 may indicate that the machine 100 has recently been coupled to a work tool attachment 102, such as may be determined by a close coupling event 214, as in the case of a quick coupler, or by a profile change 218 in the case of a manual coupling.

[0032] For example, the work tool data system 140 may receive a first tool data set 310 regarding a work tool attachment 102, and the tool data set may be provided by a data transmission device 180. In an embodiment, the data transmission device 180 may be configured to repeatedly or continuously transmit or broadcast work tool data 200 including tool identification data 202 and tool usage data 204 using a tool transmitter 184. The transmission may occur at any suitable repetition period, such as every 100 milliseconds. In an embodiment where the data transmission device 180 is capable of short-range radio communication such as Bluetooth, a machine receiver 158 disposed on the machine 100 may receive transmissions only from or primarily from a work tool attachment 102 operably coupled to the machine. The machine receiver 158 may continuously monitor or scan for data transmissions from the data transmission device 180 on one or more work tool attachments.

[0033] When the first work tool event 304 occurs, the work tool data system 140 may also retrieve a first set of machine data 312 associated with the machine 100. Examples of the first set of machine data 312 include information about Figure 2 Those disclosed, including event type 212, machine identification 220, operator identification 222, GPS location 224, time interval 226, fuel consumption 228, material payload 230, and payload period 232. In a first log generation step 314, the data log application 240 may record a first tool data set 310 and a first set of machine data 312 associated with the first work tool event 304 as entries in one or more data logs as described above, and store the data log entries in the data storage device 146 associated with the electronic machine controller 142.

[0034] The work tool data system 140 may return to the monitoring step 302, where it continues to monitor the machine operating data and parameters. If the work tool data system 140 determines that another work tool event 320 has occurred, for example, an event indicating that the work tool attachment 102 and the machine 100 have been decoupled and separated, the work tool data system 140 may perform another series of queries to collect information about the work tool attachment and the machine. These queries include receiving a second tool data set 322 including tool identification data and tool usage data from the data transmission device 180, which may be updated to reflect the time interval since the first work tool event 304 occurred. In particular, the motion detector 194 and the counter 196 may have recorded the continuous use of the work tool attachment 102 between the first work tool event 304 and the second work tool event 320 to reflect the extent to which the machine 100 utilizes the interchangeable work tool attachment 102. The work tool data system 140 may also retrieve a second set of machine data 324 to collect updated machine data 210. In a second log generation step 326, the data log application 240 may generate and record a second log entry reflecting the second tool data set 322 and the second machine data set 324, which is also stored in the data storage device 146. Additional or periodic triggering events may generate additional or periodic data log entries of work tool data and / or machine data.

[0035] At periodic intervals, the work tool data system 140 may perform a data transmission step 330 using the telematics system 170 to transmit a data log containing the first tool data set 310 and the second tool data set 322 and the first set of machine data 312 and the second set of machine data 324 to a remote location 172, such as a back-office station, etc. In a data analysis step 332, the remote computer system 178 at the remote location 172 may perform any suitable analysis on the data collected about the work tool attachment 102 and the machine 100. The remote computer system 178 may include a computer analysis application and software to compare the first data log entries and the second data log entries, as well as other data log entries that may be from different times and / or different machines and work tool attachments.

[0036] A possible advantage of the present disclosure is that the work tool data system 140 can provide information and data and generate reports and recommendations that can be used by various individuals and entities associated with the machine 100 and the work tool attachment 102. For example, the work tool data system 140 can generate a manufacturer report 340 or similar disclosure of information that can be used by the manufacturer of the machine 100 and / or the work tool attachment 102. For example, the manufacturer can use material payload, payload cycle, and fuel consumption to identify and design improvements to the machine 100 and the work tool attachment 102. A dealer report 342 or similar disclosure of information can be generated that recommends when maintenance or replacement of the work tool attachment or its components should be performed based on the tool usage data, which can be used to implement a preventive maintenance plan. A customer report 344 or similar disclosure of information can be generated for the customer or end user to evaluate work site progress and / or evaluate machine or operator efficiency. These and other possible advantages and features will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure.

[0037] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed systems and techniques. However, it is conceivable that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the present disclosure or its examples are intended to reference the specific examples discussed at the time, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure more generally. All distinctions and unfavorable remarks about certain features are intended to indicate that these features are not preferred, but unless otherwise indicated, these features are not completely excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Unless otherwise indicated herein, recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0039] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and "at least one" and similar referents in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless the context indicates otherwise or clearly contradicts the context. The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B") should be interpreted to mean one item (A or B) selected from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless the context indicates otherwise or clearly contradicts the context.

[0040] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Additionally, this disclosure encompasses any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A data system for monitoring the use of a work tool attachment, comprising: a work tool attachment, the work tool attachment comprising a tool coupler and a data transmission device disposed on the work tool attachment, the data transmission device being configured to store and transmit a first tool data set and a second tool data set acquired at different times; a machine including a machine coupler configured to attach and detach from the tool coupler; as well as an electronic machine controller configured to (i) retrieve a first set of machine data and a second set of machine data acquired at different times, (ii) receive the first tool data set and the second tool data set from the data transmission device, (iii) generate a first data log entry from the first tool data set and the first set of machine data, and (iv) generate a second data log entry from the second tool data set and the second set of machine data, The first data log entry and the second data log entry are generated when an event type associated with the work tool attachment occurs, the event type including one or more of the machine coupler being attached to the tool coupler, the machine coupler being detached from the tool coupler, and a work tool profile associated with the work tool attachment being changed. 2 . The data system of claim 1 , wherein the first tool data set and the second tool data set include work tool identification data and work tool usage data.

3. The data system of claim 2, wherein the first set of machine data and the second set of machine data include one or more of machine identification, operator identification, duration of time the machine uses the work tool attachment, GPS location, fuel consumption, material payload, and payload cycle.

4. The data system of claim 3 further comprising a telematics system operably associated with the electronic machine controller to transmit the first data log entry and the second data log entry to a remote computer system configured with a computer analysis application to compare the first data log entry and the second data log entry. 5 . The data system according to claim 4 , wherein the data transmission device comprises a radio frequency antenna for transmitting the first tool data set and the second tool data set via short-range radio waves.

6. The data system of claim 5, wherein the data transmission device is operably associated with a motion detector configured to sense movement of the work tool attachment.

7. The data system of claim 6, wherein the data transmission device is operably associated with a battery to power the radio frequency antenna and automatically transmit the first tool data set and the second tool data set.

8. The data system of claim 7, wherein the machine coupler and the tool coupler are one of a quick coupler and a manual coupler.

9. A method of recording information about use of a work tool attachment by a machine, the method comprising: a machine coupler for attaching a work tool attachment to the machine; receiving, from a data transmission device disposed on the work tool attachment, a first tool data set regarding the work tool attachment when attached; generating a first data log entry from the first tool data set and from a first set of machine data associated with the machine; detaching the work tool attachment from the machine coupler; receiving from the data transmission device a second tool data set from the work tool attachment at the time of detachment; as well as A second data log entry is generated from the second tool data set and from a second set of machine data.

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