Device management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning apparatuses experience prolonged shutdown periods due to compressor failures, leading to product deterioration in refrigerating machines and inefficient maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A device management system that includes feature value detection units, a storage device for time-series data, a lifespan estimation unit, and a notification unit to determine the remaining lifespan of structural components and alert for replacements before failures occur, thereby reducing shutdown periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If request-based handling is used for compressor replacement, then the maintenance process is simple and responsive to user needs, but the device shutdown period becomes prolonged causing product deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting feature values (vibration, temperature, current) and estimating compressor lifespan before actual failure occurs. The notification unit alerts users in advance when the remaining lifespan is less than or equal to a scheduled period, enabling proactive replacement planning. This prevents the prolonged shutdown by preparing replacement compressors beforehand rather than waiting for failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring feature values from sensors and comparing them against learned patterns from similar compressors. The lifespan estimation unit uses this feedback to predict remaining service life, and the notification unit provides feedback to users when replacement should be scheduled. This closed-loop feedback system enables timely replacement decisions that minimize downtime.
2Loss of time
If proactive lifespan estimation and notification systems are implemented, then device shutdown periods are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting feature values through integrated sensors, estimating lifespan using machine learning models trained on historical data from similar compressors, and generating replacement notifications without external intervention. This automation reduces the need for manual inspections and complex maintenance coordination, making the added complexity manageable through self-diagnosis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by creating virtual models of compressors based on their feature values and operational patterns. The lifespan estimation unit compares the actual compressor's data against copied patterns from similar compressors in the database, enabling accurate predictions without requiring physical inspection of each individual compressor. This data copying approach simplifies the complexity by using standardized models.
Data Source
AI summary
A device management system having a device having a structural component and a terminal connected to the device via a network includes a feature value detection unit provided in the device and for detecting a feature value of the structural component, a storage device storing in time series the feature value detected by the feature value detection unit, a lifespan estimation unit for estimating a lifespan of the structural component from the feature value stored in the storage device, a determination unit for determining whether a remaining period that is a time period from a time at which estimation is performed to an end of the lifespan is less than or equal to a set scheduled period, and a notification unit provided in the terminal and for sending a notification indicating that the remaining period is less than or equal to the set scheduled period.