Interactive Routing Diagram for Accessory Drive Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current routing diagrams for accessory drive systems lack the ability to display part numbers and detailed information about components, making maintenance and repair challenging for users.
Innovation Solution
An interactive system and method that generates a routing diagram with hyperlinked characters, allowing users to hover over components to access a floating window with associated data, including part numbers and images, using a server and remote user device with a processor to communicate data through a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a static routing diagram is displayed, then the visual representation of the accessory drive system is simple and clear, but the user cannot view part numbers or detailed information about components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested information display by placing hyperlinked characters directly on top of component graphics in the routing diagram. When users interact with these nested elements, detailed information including part numbers, descriptions, and specifications is revealed in popup windows or side panels. This nested structure allows the diagram to remain visually simple while containing rich interactive information layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hyperlinked characters as intermediary elements between the visual diagram and detailed component information. These hyperlinked characters act as mediators that users can select to access additional data without cluttering the main diagram. The intermediary layer enables information access while maintaining the clarity of the base routing diagram.
2Loss of information
If detailed information is provided for all components, then users have complete maintenance information, but the routing diagram becomes cluttered and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments component information into multiple hierarchical levels: the base routing diagram shows only component locations and basic identification, while detailed information such as part numbers, descriptions, and specifications is separated into interactive elements that users can access on-demand. This segmentation prevents information overload in the main diagram while ensuring complete information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static routing diagram into a dynamic interactive system where information display adapts based on user interaction. Details are hidden initially to maintain readability, then revealed dynamically when users hover over or select hyperlinked characters. This dynamic behavior allows the diagram to remain clean while providing comprehensive information when needed.
3Loss of information
If part numbers are displayed directly on the routing diagram, then users can easily identify components, but the diagram becomes crowded and less visually clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves part numbers and detailed component information from the two-dimensional plane of the routing diagram into a third dimension through popup windows and side panels. Hyperlinked characters serve as anchors on the 2D diagram, but the actual part number displays occur in 3D space above or beside the diagram. This dimensional transition preserves diagram clarity while providing easy access to part numbers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for generating an interactive routing diagram for an endless belt is disclosed. The routing diagram illustrates a plurality of components associated with an accessory drive system. The system includes a display, a routing database, and a processor. The routing database stores a routing table associated with the routing diagram. The routing table stores routing information indicating a location of at least one hyperlinked character displayed on the routing diagram. The hyperlinked character is associated with a specific component of the accessory drive system. The processor is in communication with the display and the routing database. The processor executes an instruction for generating an image of the routing diagram on the display. The processor also executes an instruction for generating an image of the hyperlinked character upon the routing diagram, where the hyperlinked character is linked to data associated with the specific component.