APU Data Acquisition Using Mobile Device Incentives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and managing auxiliary power unit (APU) data in vehicles are costly and lack efficiency, particularly when compared to using vehicle Telematics systems, and do not provide a robust operating profile or flexible data acquisition solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an APU controller, an external controller, and a central controller that collects, combines, and analyzes APU data and external data to determine usage status, utilizing existing mobile devices for human-machine interfaces and data channels, with incentives for users to maintain connectivity, thereby reducing costs and improving APU reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current vehicle Telematics systems are used to monitor the APU, then data acquisition is achieved, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing mobile devices to serve multiple functions: acting as human-machine interfaces, data collection points, and communication nodes for APU monitoring. This eliminates the need for dedicated expensive Telematics hardware while achieving the same data acquisition goals through multi-functional use of commonplace devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by leveraging the existing infrastructure of mobile devices (which users already possess and operate) to replicate the data collection and monitoring functions traditionally requiring specialized Telematics systems. The mobile device's existing sensors, processors, and communication capabilities are copied/utilized to perform APU monitoring tasks.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated HMI device is implemented for the APU, then user interface features are improved, but the cost exceeds targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designating existing mobile devices as the HMI for APU control and monitoring. These devices already possess advanced user interfaces, displays, and input capabilities that would be expensive to replicate in a dedicated HMI device. The mobile device's existing camera, microphone, speaker, touchscreen, and application ecosystem provide rich user interaction capabilities without additional cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the mobile device's existing hardware and software resources (camera, microphone, speaker, processor, operating system) to provide HMI functions. The user's own device serves the dual purpose of both personal communication and APU control interface, eliminating the need for the system provider to furnish dedicated HMI hardware.
3Reliability
If comprehensive APU monitoring is implemented, then APU reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the mobile device as a mediator between the user and the APU system. The mobile device's application and existing communication protocols serve as an intermediary layer that simplifies the interface complexity while enabling comprehensive monitoring capabilities. The complexity of comprehensive monitoring is absorbed by the mobile device's existing operating system and application ecosystem rather than requiring complex custom hardware or software integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, system, and user interface for collecting, combining, analyzing, providing feedback on APU data and external data are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can help to track the quality of the APU, to improve the APU, and to make the APU better. The disclosed embodiments can help to improve APU reliability and to set service (or maintenance) intervals. The disclosed embodiments can help to establish a robust APU operating profile and provide a low cost, flexible, and high data-yield solution that can benefit the APU manufactures (or designers, maintainers) and the APU end users. The disclosed embodiments can also provide a low-cost data acquisition from the external devices and the APU through the use on an incentive-based user interface. The disclosed embodiments can utilize the existing mobile device display as HMI and the existing mobile device data plan and network connections as the data channel.