Implement Utilization Monitoring for Work Machine Service Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managers and operators of work equipment face challenges in efficiently tracking, monitoring, and servicing machines, especially in large work sites, due to the need for physical inspections and difficulties in determining historical utilization, which affects maintenance scheduling and contractual enforcement.
Innovation Solution
A utilization monitoring system integrated into work machines, including processors, memory devices, and user interfaces, that tracks operational ranges, positions, and loads to determine real-time and historical utilization, providing data for improved resource allocation and maintenance strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical inspection of machines is used to determine state and status, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical inspection with electronic sensors and automated monitoring systems. Sensors continuously collect data on equipment position, operational parameters, and status, eliminating the need for operators to physically inspect each machine while providing more accurate and consistent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment monitors its own status through integrated sensors and reporting systems. Each machine automatically tracks and reports its position, operational state, and utilization metrics, enabling self-reporting that eliminates manual inspection requirements and provides continuous real-time data.
2Measurement precision
If discrete systems are used for each piece of equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple discrete monitoring functions into a single integrated fleet management system. The system combines position tracking, utilization monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and reporting capabilities into one unified platform that manages multiple pieces of equipment through a common interface and centralized database.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of tracking various types of work equipment (lifts, telehandlers, forklifts) using the same hardware and software platform. The system performs multiple functions including position tracking, utilization measurement, maintenance scheduling, and contractual compliance monitoring within a single system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If manual tracking methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor equipment status and position, automatically update the central database, and provide real-time information to users through the interface. This automated feedback mechanism maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual data collection and enabling instant access to utilization information for better decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a chassis, a wheel, an implement, a user interface, and a utilization monitoring system. The wheel is rotatably coupled to the chassis. The implement is movable relative to the chassis. The user interface is configured to receive a user input. The utilization monitoring system includes one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to obtain one or more values representing an operational range of the implement; receive the user input; determine a value representing a position of the implement; and determine a value representing a utilization of the implement by comparing the position of the implement to the one or more values representing the operational range of the implement.