Digital Checklist Integration in Process Calibrators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial environments, using physical checklists for procedures and measurements is cumbersome and inefficient, especially in harsh or dangerous conditions where it's difficult to document tasks and calibrate equipment simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A digital checklist system integrated with a documenting process calibrator (DPC) that allows for the creation, execution, and storage of checklist tasks and results electronically, using a networking environment with a host server and site server/workstation to streamline the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical checklist is used for documentation, then the operator can carry and use it in the field, but it becomes cumbersome and inefficient to document tasks while carrying out procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the checklist documentation system with the calibration device itself. The checklist is integrated into the device's display and processor, allowing operators to view and complete checklist items directly on the device while performing calibration tasks, eliminating the need for separate physical checklists and manual documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical checklists and manual writing with an electronic system. The checklist is displayed on an electronic display, and operators can input responses using the device's interface, substituting the mechanical act of writing on paper with electronic interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an operator carries both test equipment and physical checklist, then all necessary tools are available, but it becomes difficult to carry and use the checklist in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the checklist functionality into the calibration device itself. The processor stores checklist items and the display presents them to the operator, combining what were previously separate items (checklist and calibration device) into a single integrated tool that eliminates the need to carry separate documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device becomes multi-functional by incorporating checklist management capabilities. It not only performs calibration functions but also stores, displays, and tracks checklist completion, making the device universal enough to handle both measurement tasks and documentation requirements.
3Loss of information
If manual documentation is used, then the operator can record results immediately, but data must be manually transferred to a database later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual process of writing down results and later transcribing them with an electronic system. The processor automatically captures calibration results and stores them digitally, eliminating the mechanical steps of manual writing and subsequent data entry, thereby preventing transcription errors and saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that automatically captures data from the calibration measurements and stores it in digital format. This intermediary function eliminates the need for human operators to manually transfer data between physical and digital formats, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
4Extent of automation
If a DPC is used for calibration, then calibration results are stored electronically, but additional checklist procedures must be done separately on physical checklists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate checklist system with the DPC's electronic storage capability. The processor stores both calibration results and checklist completion data in the same digital memory, and the display presents both types of information together, eliminating the need for separate physical checklist systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A digital checklist system includes an electronic calibration and measurement device and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, if executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform actions for managing a digital checklist. The actions include creating a digital checklist having at least one unique prompt, selecting the digital checklist for uploading onto the electronic calibration and measurement device, and downloading data input into the electronic calibration and measurement device in response to the at least one unique prompt. The system further includes a network location for facilitating communication between the electronic calibration and measurement device and the computing device.