Interactive Procedure Guidance for Adaptive Engine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional paper checklists are inadequate for guiding complex, non-linear maintenance procedures, as they fail to adapt to changing conditions and do not provide sufficient feedback or accommodate variations in engine age or maintenance history.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display, input device, and processing device that executes a script for guiding and confirming the execution of maintenance procedures, allowing for interactive and adaptive guidance through graphical outputs and inputs, enabling branching and looping based on real-time conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a paper checklist is used for maintenance procedures, then the procedure guidance is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot adapt to non-linear procedures or changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static paper checklists into dynamic electronic procedures that can adapt to changing conditions. The system allows branching logic where the procedure flow changes based on real-time engine conditions, sensor data, and maintenance history, enabling the checklist to dynamically reconfigure itself during execution rather than following a fixed linear path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the traditional paper checklist that inherits its simplicity while adding adaptive capabilities. The electronic procedure guide replicates the checklist format and basic functionality but enhances it with computer-based adaptability, allowing operators to interact with a familiar interface that now responds dynamically to changing maintenance conditions
2Device complexity
If a paper checklist is used for maintenance procedures, then the device complexity is low, but it lacks detailed guidance and feedback capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources and functions into a single integrated electronic procedure guide. It combines step-by-step instructions, real-time sensor data, engine maintenance history, technical manuals, and feedback mechanisms into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate paper documents and improving information completeness without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where the system continuously monitors engine conditions, operator actions, and procedure completion status. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust the procedure guidance, provide real-time confirmations, alert operators to anomalies, and update maintenance records automatically, ensuring complete and accurate information flow throughout the maintenance process
3Stability of the object's composition
If a static paper checklist is used, then the procedure guidance is consistent, but it becomes obsolete when engine conditions or best practices change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the procedure guide dynamic by enabling real-time updates and version control. When engine designs, maintenance best practices, or regulatory requirements change, the electronic procedure can be updated and pushed to operators immediately, ensuring they always receive current guidance while maintaining consistency through centralized control of the procedure content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows procedure parameters such as maintenance intervals, torque values, and inspection criteria to be dynamically adjusted based on engine age, operating history, and real-time sensor data. This enables the same base procedure to adapt to different engine conditions and configurations while maintaining a consistent structured approach to maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. An apparatus including a display, an input device, and a processing device coupled to the display and the input device. The processing device may send an output to the display. The output may include a graphical object associated with a first step of a user-implemented procedure. The processing device may receive an input from the input device. The input may indicate a progress on an execution of the first step by an operator. The processing device may determine whether the input indicates that the operator has completed the first step. The processing device may determine whether the first step is a final step in the user-implemented procedure. The processing device may identify a second step in the user-implemented procedure when the input indicates that the operator has completed the first step and the first step is not a final step.