Fleet Connectivity Modules for Obstructed Machine Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work equipment such as lifts and telehandlers face challenges in efficiently identifying, tracking, tasking, and servicing at a work site, requiring time-consuming manual processes to match machines with digital records and manage machine status.
Innovation Solution
A local fleet connectivity system with connectivity modules and user devices that enable machines to communicate via network connections, allowing for visual and audible identification of multiple machines based on user-defined criteria, and automatic machine movement to optimize work site operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used to identify and track machines, then operational control is maintained, but time consumption and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated electronic system. Connectivity modules equipped with sensors, transmitters, and processors automatically detect, identify, and track machines using electronic signals and digital communication, eliminating the need for manual record-matching and significantly reducing identification time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connectivity modules as intermediary devices between machines and the central system. These modules act as mediators that automatically capture machine data, transmit it via network connections, and enable digital matching without requiring direct manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining operational control
2Ease of operation
If multiple machines are identified simultaneously, then work site coordination improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the overall machine identification system into separate connectivity modules that can be individually attached to each machine. Each module operates independently to detect and transmit its own machine's data, allowing simultaneous tracking of multiple machines while keeping each individual module relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connectivity modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can be attached to different types of machines (lifts, telehandlers, etc.). Each module performs multiple functions including detection, identification, tracking, and communication, enabling the system to handle diverse machine types without requiring machine-specific complex systems
Data Source
AI summary
A local fleet connectivity system for identifying multiple machines includes a plurality of connectivity modules communicatively and physically coupled to one of a plurality of machines and configured to communicate with the other connectivity modules, a user device configured to communicate with the connectivity modules, and one or more processing circuits configured to receive, from each of the plurality of connectivity modules, a location of the associated machine, receive, from the user device, an indication of a selection of a first machine, determine a path from the location of the first machine to a destination location, identify at least one additional machine obstructing the path, and send signals to the first machine and to the at least one additional machine causing each of the first machine and the at least one additional machine to generate at least one of an audible signal or a visual signal.