Current-Sensor Asset Availability Detection for Shared Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately determine the real-time availability of shared assets due to variability in current patterns across different asset types and manufacturers, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and reservation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Current Sensors to measure and analyze current patterns, coupled with machine learning algorithms to classify asset states (Off, Idle, In Use, and Sensor Offline) by clustering sensor readings and incorporating reservation system data for improved classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reservation systems are implemented to manage asset usage, then resource allocation is improved, but actual asset availability accuracy deteriorates due to non-compliance and no-shows
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual asset usage through sensors and provides feedback to update availability status in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that corrects discrepancies between reserved and actual availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual reservation compliance tracking with automated sensor-based detection systems that objectively measure asset usage states, substituting human behavior-dependent systems with reliable physical measurement systems
2Ease of operation
If manual reservation systems are used to track asset usage, then resource booking is simplified, but real-time availability monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the asset and the reservation system, automatically capturing usage data and transmitting it to the central platform, thereby bridging the gap between simple reservation interfaces and real-time monitoring needs
Solution Approach 2:
Manual availability checking processes are replaced with automated sensor-based detection systems that provide real-time status updates, eliminating travel time and manual verification while maintaining operational simplicity
3Measurement precision
If sensors are deployed to detect asset usage states, then availability detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to current pattern variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms complex current pattern data into simplified operational state classifications (Off, Idle, In Use) by analyzing statistical parameters and thresholds, reducing data complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified operational state models that replicate the essential characteristics of complex asset usage patterns, using statistical representations to capture behavior without requiring full complexity of original data
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
Provides accurate, real-time asset availability information, enhancing resource utilization and reservation efficiency by distinguishing between different operational states of assets.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned to determine an electrical property of an asset
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining availability of an asset is provided. The system includes a sensor positioned to determine an electrical property of the asset and a module and/or programmed circuitry having hardware and instructions including those for performing the following: (i) obtaining a data set comprising readings from the sensor over a period of time; (ii) determining ranges of sensor readings by performing statistical analysis of the data set obtained in step (i); (iii) assigning asset operating state values to the ranges of sensor readings determined in step (ii); (iv) obtaining a further reading from the sensor; and (v) determining the operating state of the asset by comparing the further reading from the sensor obtained in step (iv) to the asset operating state values assigned in step (iii), thereby determining the availability of the asset.