Guided Lock-Tag-Try Workflow for LOTO Tracking Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) process in industrial settings is prone to human error and non-compliance, posing safety risks due to the lack of a practical method for tracking and recording the process, which is crucial for ensuring employee safety during maintenance or repair operations.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising indicators affixed to machinery components, a user device, and a server that guides users through the lock-tag-try process by scanning indicators, requesting and displaying content items, and transmitting notifications, thereby ensuring proper execution and recording of the LOTO process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detailed Lockout/Tagout procedures are provided to ensure proper process following, then safety standards can be met, but the process becomes complex and difficult to track and record

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety standard complianceVSAvoidprocess tracking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable computing device serves as an intermediary between the complex LOTO procedures and the employee. It automatically retrieves the detailed procedures from the server, presents them in a simplified step-by-step format, and tracks completion status. This intermediary handles the complexity of procedure management while providing a simple interface to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal functionality by using a single portable computing device that can access and guide through LOTO procedures for any type of equipment. The device performs multiple functions including displaying procedures, tracking completion, capturing photos, and communicating with the server, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems for different equipment types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual Lockout/Tagout processes are used without tracking methods, then the process can be completed, but there is no practical method for tracking and recording to ensure employee safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess completion simplicityVSAvoidprocess recording capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures continuous tracking of the LOTO process from initiation to completion. The portable computing device continuously monitors each step, automatically records completion status, and maintains a complete audit trail. This continuous recording eliminates gaps in information that would occur with manual tracking methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of the LOTO process documentation and completion records. The portable computing device captures photos of locked-out equipment and stores electronic records of each step completed, replacing manual paper-based tracking with durable digital copies that can be easily stored, retrieved, and analyzed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11281877B2Methods and systems for guided lock-tag-try process

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 COLUMBIA INSURANCE CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for performing a Lock-Tag-Try (LTT) process. A computing device may scan an indicator and request a content item associated with the indicator. The computing device may receive the one or more content items associated with the indicator. The one or more content items are configured to guide a user through the LTT process. A server may be configured to receive the request and transmit the content item to the user device. The server may be further configured to store information related to the LTT process.