Blockchain Ledger for Machine Service History Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for maintaining the service history of specific machines are prone to tampering and lack trustworthiness, especially in safety-related environments, where maintenance intervals may not be correctly executed.

Innovation Solution

A distributed ledger system, particularly a blockchain, is used to verify the characteristics of specific machines by storing their service history securely, allowing only authorized entities to perform and document maintenance activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual documentation methods are used for service history, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to tampering risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of documentationVSAvoidtrustworthiness of service history
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical documentation systems with an automated digital system using blockchain technology. Service history data is automatically captured by sensors and machines, then immutably recorded on a distributed ledger, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring tamper-proof documentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a blockchain distributed ledger as an intermediary between service providers and machine operators. This decentralized intermediary verifies and records service history independently, preventing tampering by any single party while maintaining transparency and trustworthiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If proprietary digital systems are used, then reliability is improved through centralized control, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited data usage possibilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata usage flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal blockchain-based platform that serves multiple functions: recording service history, enabling data sharing among authorized parties, supporting various machine types, and allowing different data access permissions. This single system replaces multiple proprietary systems while maintaining security through cryptographic protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments data access rights into different permission levels within the blockchain system. Authorized entities can access specific portions of service history data based on their roles, while the complete immutable record remains distributed across the network. This enables both security and flexible data usage by different stakeholders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If centralized verification systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-verification mechanism where the blockchain network automatically validates service history entries through consensus algorithms. Each node independently verifies data integrity and authenticity, eliminating the need for complex centralized verification infrastructure while maintaining high measurement precision through cryptographic proof.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4517624A1Distributed ledger system for verifying a characteristic of a specific machine
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4517624A1 patent drawing
  • EP4517624A1 patent drawing
  • EP4517624A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A distributed ledger system is proposed which includes: a manufacturer node unit, a machine node unit representing a specific machine, a service history unit unique for the specific machine and including a specific service contract, wherein the specific service contract is configured to provide a specific service performed in connection with the specific machine and in dependence on the characteristic of the specific machine, and a verification unit, configured to initiate a performing of a verification scheme for verifying the characteristic of the specific machine in dependence on the specific service contract for obtaining a verification result, wherein the service history unit is configured to perform the verification scheme, wherein if the obtained verification result is positive, the service history unit is configured to allow a performing of a first action in connection with the specific machine.