Portable Cleaning Machine Sensing for Real-Time Productivity Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated cleaning equipment monitoring systems require direct supervision to ensure efficient operation, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and do not effectively track equipment performance or operator productivity in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A portable cleaning machine equipped with multi-axis accelerometers, process parameter sensors, and a machine controller that receives motion and position data to determine productive operation orientation, calculates the area of operation, and increments a total area counter, allowing for remote monitoring and feedback to operators or supervisors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct supervision is used to monitor operator productivity, then operator performance can be verified, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine automatically monitors its own operation parameters (speed, direction, area covered) through onboard sensors and processors, eliminating the need for external supervisors to track productivity. The system self-reports performance data, allowing verification of operator performance without direct human observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct human supervision with an automated electronic monitoring system comprising sensors, processors, and communication modules. This substitution enables continuous productivity tracking without the labor and time costs associated with human supervisors.
2Reliability
If supervisor observation is used to verify cleaning efficiency, then predetermined performance levels can be maintained, but the supervisor must be in close proximity and available in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated monitoring system as an intermediary between the operator and the supervision function. This intermediary continuously collects performance data through sensors and communicates it to remote supervisors, maintaining performance consistency without requiring physical proximity or real-time human presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to both operators and supervisors through automated data collection and communication. Performance metrics are transmitted in real-time, allowing supervisors to verify compliance with predetermined standards without direct observation, while operators receive immediate feedback on their performance.
3Loss of information
If manual monitoring methods are used, then equipment performance can be tracked, but labor costs increase and real-time data is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates continuously during machine operation, collecting performance data without interruption. Sensors continuously measure speed, direction, and area covered, providing uninterrupted real-time information about equipment performance and operator productivity, eliminating gaps inherent in manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring methods with an automated electronic system that continuously collects, processes, and transmits performance data. This substitution eliminates the labor required for manual tracking and provides immediate access to performance information through digital communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for monitoring the productivity of a portable machine are provided. The method includes receiving motion data for at least one component of the portable machine from a multi-axis accelerometer, receiving position data for the at least one component from a process parameter sensor communicatively coupled to the at least one component, and determining, based on the received motion data and the received position data that the at least one component is oriented in a predetermined position for productive operation. The method also includes determining an area of productive operation using at least one physical dimension of the at least one component and the received motion data when the at least one component is oriented in the predetermined position for productive operation and incrementing a total area counter based on the determination.