Adaptive Procedure Guidance for Non-Linear Engine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper-based maintenance checklists fail to adapt to non-linear procedures, provide insufficient guidance, and lack dynamic feedback, making them obsolete in the face of changing conditions or engine-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display, input device, and processing unit that delivers graphical outputs and accepts inputs to guide and confirm the execution of procedures, allowing for branching, looping, and adaptive guidance based on real-time conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If paper-based checklists are used for maintenance procedures, then simplicity and ease of use are improved, but adaptability to non-linear procedures and changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static paper checklists into dynamic electronic procedures that can adapt in real-time. The system monitors engine parameters, automatically branches to different procedure steps based on detected conditions, and updates guidance without requiring physical document changes. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining electronic interface simplicity while gaining dynamic adaptability to non-linear maintenance paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of procedure guidance from fixed static text to dynamically adjustable electronic content. By monitoring engine parameters and procedure progress, the system automatically modifies which steps are displayed, what guidance is provided, and what feedback is required. This allows the same interface to adapt to different maintenance scenarios while maintaining ease of use.
2Measurement precision
If detailed drawings and maintenance history are included in the guidance system, then measurement precision and feedback quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional electronic device that consolidates multiple functions into a single system: displaying procedure steps, showing detailed drawings, capturing maintenance history, recording feedback, and providing guidance. This universal device replaces multiple separate tools (paper checklists, separate manuals, history records) while presenting a unified simple interface to the operator, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive functionality and perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of maintenance history, engine parameters, and procedure documentation stored electronically. These digital copies can be instantly retrieved, displayed, and updated without physical handling. The ability to copy and store multiple data types (drawings, text, images, sensor data) in a unified electronic format enables comprehensive feedback capabilities without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If static checklists are used, then ease of manufacture and implementation are improved, but reliability under changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the system monitors engine parameters, procedure completion status, and operator inputs. This feedback automatically triggers appropriate responses: branching to different steps based on engine condition, updating maintenance history, alerting operators to anomalies, and adapting subsequent guidance. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability under changing conditions while the underlying electronic structure maintains implementation ease through standardized software architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. An apparatus including a display, an input device, and a processing device coupled to the display and the input device. The processing device may send an output to the display. The output may include a graphical object associated with a first step of a user-implemented procedure. The processing device may receive an input from the input device. The input may indicate a progress on an execution of the first step by an operator. The processing device may determine whether the input indicates that the operator has completed the first step. The processing device may determine whether the first step is a final step in the user-implemented procedure. The processing device may identify a second step in the user-implemented procedure when the input indicates that the operator has completed the first step and the first step is not a final step.