Cord Reel Usage Tracking for Maintenance Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cord reels connected to electronic devices that can be unreeled and reeled in often suffer from degradation and physical damage due to repeated use, making maintenance difficult, especially in environments with multiple electronic devices or moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electronic device connected to a cord reel with a cord-reel-use detector, memory, and controller that tracks and manages the usage of the cord reel, allowing for accurate recording of usage when the device or cord reel is replaced, facilitating efficient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cord reel is used to unreele and reel in a cord for electronic devices, then the cord can be conveniently managed and connected, but the cord reel and cord are likely to degrade and suffer physical damage over time due to repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting cord reel usage and proactively notifying maintenance personnel before actual degradation or failure occurs. The usage counter accumulates data and triggers advance warnings, allowing maintenance to be performed before the cord reel or cord fails, thus preventing physical damage while maintaining operational convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous electronic devices are used simultaneously in a facility or moving object, then the system provides comprehensive functionality, but maintenance of the cord wound on the cord reel becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where usage counters in each electronic device continuously monitor and report cord reel usage to a management server. This centralized feedback system tracks cumulative usage across multiple devices, enabling systematic maintenance scheduling that scales with the number of devices while preserving comprehensive system functionality.
3Extent of automation
If the cord reel includes a complicated mechanism for unreeling and reeling, then the cord can be automatically managed, but the cord reel is more likely to suffer physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the automatic cord management function into two parts: a simple mechanical cord reel for physical winding, and an electronic usage detection system with controllers that monitor and manage the reel through software. This segmentation reduces mechanical complexity while preserving automation through electronic monitoring and maintenance management.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes an electronic device connected to a cord that can be unreeled and reeled in by a cord reel, and a management apparatus that can communicate with the electronic device. In the system, the cord-reel-use detector is disposed in the electronic device, and detects use of the cord reel. The memory is disposed in the electronic device and/or the management apparatus, and stores an amount of use of the cord reel. The controller is disposed in the electronic device and/or the management apparatus, and determines the use of the cord reel on the basis of the detection made by the cord-reel-use detector. The controller changes the amount of use of the cord reel in response to the electronic device having been replaced with another electronic device or in response to the cord reel having been replaced with another cord reel.