Exchangeable Unit Memory for Prognostic Data Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current prognostic systems for vehicle components face challenges in maintaining accurate data synchronization between exchangeable units and central systems, leading to potential errors and high costs due to intermittent issues and data separation during maintenance, repair, and service processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a memory module on exchangeable units to store operational data and integrate a built-in self-test, allowing for continuous data collection and updates, which enhances the prognostic function's reliability and accuracy by separating it from the central system, enabling updates without recertification and facilitating efficient maintenance reporting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If operational data is stored externally separate from exchangeable units, then data storage is simplified, but data and unit separation occurs during maintenance leading to errors and high costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage systemVSAvoiddata synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data storage function directly into the exchangeable unit by integrating a memory component. This ensures that operational data and the unit itself remain together during maintenance, repair, and service processes, eliminating the risk of data-unit separation while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the data storage capability within each exchangeable unit. Instead of relying on a separate external storage system, each unit carries its own operational data, ensuring data availability and synchronization regardless of the unit's physical location or service status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If data is manually updated during service checks, then maintenance tracking is possible, but time consumption increases and data accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidoperational data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service data recording by integrating operational data collection and storage directly into the exchangeable unit. The unit automatically records its own operational parameters without requiring manual intervention during service checks, thereby improving both efficiency and data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual data updating processes with an automated electronic data storage system. The memory component within the exchangeable unit automatically captures and stores operational data, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing both time consumption and human error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If intermittent errors are investigated by repeatedly mounting and dismounting units, then error identification may be achieved, but costs and downtime increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermittent error detectionVSAvoidmaintenance downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary data collection and error detection by continuously monitoring and storing operational parameters within the exchangeable unit before removal. This preliminary action captures intermittent errors in their natural operating context, eliminating the need for repeated mounting and dismounting cycles for investigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the integrated memory component as an intermediary that captures and preserves error states. This intermediary stores operational data and error conditions locally, allowing thorough error analysis without requiring the physical unit to be repeatedly mounted and dismounted for testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If prognostic function is integrated with central system, then centralized control is maintained, but system complexity and recertification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the prognostic function into a self-contained unit within each exchangeable component. Each unit independently performs data collection, storage, and basic analysis, reducing the complexity of centralized system integration while maintaining automated functionality at the component level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1898361B1Arrangement, method and computer program product for enhanced prognostics
Publication Date: 2010.08.25 SAAB AB
  • EP1898361B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1898361B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1898361B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention discloses a method, a computer program product, a device and a monitoring arrangement (20) for monitoring operation of an exchangeable unit in a machine, wherein the monitoring arrangement (20) comprises at least one sensor (21), a control unit (22,10) and a memory (23), that is arranged on the exchangeable unit.