Interactive Procedure Guidance for Non-Linear Maintenance Steps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper-based maintenance checklists fail to adapt to non-linear procedures, provide insufficient guidance, and lack flexibility to accommodate changing conditions or engine-specific requirements, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in complex maintenance tasks.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a display, input device, and processing unit that delivers graphical outputs and accepts inputs to guide and confirm the execution of procedures, allowing for adaptive, interactive scripts that branch and loop based on real-time conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a paper checklist is used for maintenance procedures, then the guidance structure is simple and easy to follow, but the system cannot adapt to non-linear procedures or changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of following procedureVSAvoidadaptability to non-linear procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static paper checklists into dynamic electronic procedures that can adapt in real-time. The system allows procedures to branch, loop, and reorganize based on actual engine conditions, operator inputs, and maintenance history, while maintaining a structured format through electronic guidance and confirmation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a static paper checklist is used, then the documentation is simple to create and maintain, but it becomes obsolete when engine conditions or best practices change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of creating checklistVSAvoidadaptability to changing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures procedures with multiple branching paths, decision points, and conditional logic in advance. This allows the electronic procedure to automatically adapt to changing conditions without requiring complete redesign, as the flexibility is built into the procedure structure beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic system allows procedures to be dynamically updated and modified based on new engine conditions, maintenance history, and best practices, while maintaining version control and audit trails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If detailed guidance is provided for complex engine maintenance, then the completeness of procedure coverage is improved, but the complexity of the guidance system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of procedure coverageVSAvoidcomplexity of guidance system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides complex maintenance procedures into discrete, manageable steps or events, each with specific guidance and confirmation requirements. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of complex tasks while maintaining simplicity at each individual step through electronic guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic system acts as an intermediary between the operator and complex procedures, providing step-by-step guidance, contextual information, and automated tracking. This intermediary role simplifies the operator's task while ensuring complete procedure coverage through structured electronic confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If linear paper checklists are used, then the procedure flow is straightforward to follow, but they cannot accommodate non-linear maintenance paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of following procedure flowVSAvoidability to branch and loop

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic system implements dynamic procedure flow that can branch, loop, and reorganize based on actual engine conditions and operator inputs, while maintaining clear guidance through electronic presentation and confirmation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where operator inputs and engine condition assessments dynamically influence the procedure flow, enabling non-linear paths while maintaining ease of operation through electronic guidance and automated navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12524066B2Methods and apparatuses for providing procedure guidance

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 WEST TEXAS TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLC

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.