Autonomous Generator Usage Tracking Without Electrical Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable generator sets lack effective tracking mechanisms for usage time and maintenance, leading to irregular upkeep and potential risks due to their compactness and low production costs, resulting in shorter service life and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous device with sensors to measure operational parameters such as magnetic fields and vibrations, processing means to calculate usage time, and transmission capabilities to external terminals or servers, allowing for reliable tracking and maintenance scheduling without electrical connection to the generator set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated tracking means are installed in high-capacity generator sets, then usage time tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from the generator set itself by using an autonomous device that independently measures usage time through sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope) and processes data locally, then transmits results externally. This separates the measurement function from the generator's electrical system, avoiding integration complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous tracking device acts as an intermediary between the generator set and the tracking system. It uses sensors to detect mechanical movements and electromagnetic fields, processes this data to calculate usage time, and transmits results to external systems. This intermediary approach avoids direct integration with the generator's electrical components while achieving accurate tracking.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual estimation of operating times is used in portable generator sets, then production cost is reduced, but maintenance reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous tracking device performs self-service by automatically detecting usage time through sensors, processing the data locally, and transmitting results without requiring user intervention or manual estimation. This automated approach maintains low production costs while significantly improving maintenance reliability compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual estimation (mechanical/human system) with an automated sensor-based system. The accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope detect physical and electromagnetic parameters, and the processor automatically calculates usage time, eliminating the need for manual tracking while improving reliability at minimal cost increase.
3Ease of operation
If portable generator sets are made compact for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but integration of tracking means becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous tracking device uses multi-functional sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope) that can detect various physical and electromagnetic parameters. This universal approach allows the same sensor suite to track usage time while requiring minimal space, maintaining portability without sacrificing tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from electrical-based tracking (two-dimensional integration within the generator's electrical system) to physical-field-based tracking (three-dimensional space utilizing magnetic fields, vibrations, and movements). This dimensional change allows tracking functionality to be added without increasing electrical integration complexity, preserving portability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and reliable tracking of generator set usage, ensuring timely maintenance, reducing the risk of incorrect detection, and extending the service life while maintaining safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first sensor capable of measuring a first parameter representing a state of operation of said generator set
Implementation Method 2
at least one first sensor capable of measuring a first parameter representing a state of operation of said generator set
Implementation Method 3
processing means furnishing said characteristic information for an operating time, as a function of said first parameter
Implementation Method 4
transmission means capable of transmitting said characteristic information for an operating time to a terminal or an external server
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an autonomous device for tracking the usage time of a generator set, capable of providing an operating time of the generator set. The module includes at least one first sensor (101) capable of measuring a first parameter representing a state of operation of said generator set (9), a data processor furnishing the characteristic information for an operating time, as a function of the first parameter, storage of the characteristic information for an operating time, and a transmitter capable of transmitting the characteristic information for an operating time to a terminal or an external server.