Construction Equipment Component Tracking via Wireless Mesh and GNSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
The organization and tracking of construction equipment components in large storage areas and job sites are challenging due to their modular and interchangeable nature, leading to difficulties in ensuring correct components are stored, retrieved, inspected, maintained, and assembled safely, especially with similar or identical components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mesh network communication system is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit mechanically coupled with the equipment, using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track the location of components, enabling efficient inventory management and tracking through identification and location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracking methods are used for construction equipment components, then operational simplicity is maintained, but location tracking precision and inventory management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The component information unit serves multiple functions: it stores component identity information, communicates wirelessly with the monitor, and enables location tracking through GNSS integration. This multi-functional design achieves precise tracking without requiring separate specialized devices for each function, thereby managing complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The component information unit acts as an intermediary device that bridges the component and the monitor. It contains the component's identity information and enables wireless communication, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling precise tracking and identification.
2Productivity
If wireless mesh network communication with component information units is implemented, then location tracking efficiency and inventory management improve, but system complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless mesh network provides dynamic, real-time communication capabilities that adapt to the movement of components and monitors. The system automatically establishes and maintains communication links as components are moved throughout the storage area, enabling efficient inventory management without rigid infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback through wireless communication between monitors and component information units. This feedback mechanism provides real-time location and status information, enabling efficient inventory management and tracking while the automated nature of the feedback loop reduces the need for manual intervention despite the system's complexity.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS receivers are used to ascertain component locations, then real-time location data accuracy improves, but energy consumption and device power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The GNSS receiver operates periodically rather than continuously, ascertaining location at the completion of inventory actions. This periodic operation provides accurate real-time location data when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous tracking, as the system only activates the GNSS receiver at specific intervals when location updates are required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for precise and efficient location tracking of construction equipment components, improving storage and retrieval processes, ensuring correct components are used and maintained, and enhancing safety by providing real-time location data and identity verification.
Implementation Method 1
A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver of the component monitor is utilized to ascertain a location of the component
Implementation Method 2
a wireless mesh network communication is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for construction equipment component location tracking, a wireless mesh network communication is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit which is mechanically coupled with the component. An identity of the component is received at the component monitor via the wireless mesh network communication. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver of the component monitor is utilized to ascertain a location of the component at a completion of an inventory action.