Automation Device Usage Analytics for Predictive Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home and building automation systems face challenges in troubleshooting and maintaining complex security systems, particularly in detecting performance degradation and anticipating potential failures, which can lead to security threats and inefficient device usage.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes processors to monitor and analyze performance parameters of automation devices, comparing them to criteria and suggesting maintenance actions based on usage, environmental conditions, and warranty information, thereby detecting potential failures and optimizing device performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual monitoring of automation devices is used, then device performance can be observed, but detection precision and timely identification of performance degradation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidtime to detect performance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual monitoring with automated electronic monitoring systems that continuously collect and analyze performance parameters from automation devices. Sensors and processors automatically detect performance degradation by comparing real-time data against historical patterns and thresholds, eliminating the need for human observation and enabling precise, timely detection of device issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive monitoring of all automation devices is implemented, then potential failures can be detected, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and focuses monitoring efforts on critical performance parameters and key automation devices that have the greatest impact on system reliability. By identifying and prioritizing essential monitoring points rather than uniformly monitoring all devices, the system achieves high reliability while minimizing complexity and data processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different monitoring strategies and thresholds to different automation devices based on their specific functions, importance, and failure patterns. Critical devices receive more intensive monitoring with lower thresholds, while less critical devices use standard monitoring, optimizing the balance between reliability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If reactive maintenance is used, then maintenance costs are lower, but security threats and system failures occur before maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem securityVSAvoidresponse time to failures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables proactive maintenance by continuously analyzing performance parameters and detecting early signs of device degradation before actual failures occur. The system predicts potential failures based on trends in performance data and schedules maintenance in advance, preventing security threats and system failures rather than responding to them after they happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If automation devices operate continuously, then productivity is maximized, but device lifespan decreases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice utilizationVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent monitors performance parameters in real-time and detects early signs of wear and degradation, enabling maintenance to be scheduled before critical failures occur. This allows continuous operation to be maintained while planning maintenance activities in advance, optimizing the balance between productivity and device lifespan by preventing unexpected downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts maintenance schedules based on actual device performance and usage patterns rather than following fixed time-based intervals. Devices that operate more intensively receive more frequent monitoring and earlier maintenance, while devices with lighter usage can operate longer between maintenance events, optimizing both productivity and device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10948906B2Maintenance plan forecast using automation control devices' usage pattern through big data analytics

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system including a wired or wireless automation device of an automation system that detects threats within a secured geographic area, a processor of the automation device that measures performance parameters of the automation device and reports the measured performance parameters to a control panel of the automation system and a processor of the control panel that compares the measured performance parameters of the automation device with one or more criteria, detects a potential failure of the automation device and presents recommendations for ameliorating the potential failure to an authorized human user of the automation system.