Excavator Part Code Tracking for Accurate Maintenance Records

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for maintaining construction machinery, such as excavators, require manual input of maintenance information, which is cumbersome and prone to human error.

Innovation Solution

An excavator management system that uses two-dimensional codes affixed to the machinery and replacement parts, allowing an assisting device to read and associate machine and part identification information, which is then transmitted to a management device for easier maintenance recordkeeping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual input of maintenance information is used, then maintenance records can be kept, but the process is cumbersome and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of maintenance recordsVSAvoidease of maintenance input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical input process with an automated optical recognition system. Image reading devices capture images of identification codes (barcodes or QR codes) affixed to the excavator and parts, automatically converting visual information into digital maintenance records without manual data entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service maintenance recording where the identification codes on the equipment and parts automatically provide the necessary information. The image reading device and processing unit work autonomously to capture, recognize, and store maintenance data without requiring operator intervention for data input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual input methods are used, then maintenance information can be recorded, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of maintenance recordingVSAvoidtime for maintenance input

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual data entry with rapid automated image recognition. The image reading device captures identification codes and the processing unit instantly converts them into structured maintenance records, dramatically reducing the time required for maintenance documentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Identification codes are pre-affixed to the excavator and parts before maintenance activities. This preliminary preparation of visual identifiers enables rapid automatic data capture during maintenance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual information gathering and entry during the maintenance process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250019940A1Excavator management system, excavator management method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

An excavator management system includes: an excavator on which a first predetermined image is affixed; an assisting device for the excavator; and a management device for the excavator. In this excavator management system, the assisting device includes a communication control part configured to transmit machine identification information of the excavator and part identification information of a part of the excavator in association with each other, to the management device, the machine identification information being read from the first predetermined image and the part identification information being read from a second predetermined image affixed to the part, and the management device includes a storage part configured to store the machine identification information and the part identification information in association with each other.