LED Data Link Indicator for Machine Troubleshooting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data link monitoring devices in machines are inefficient as they only indicate activity and require an 'install and see' approach to identify available information, leading to time-consuming troubleshooting when data links become inoperative.
Innovation Solution
A device using a light source with a controller that transmits queries to machines for different types of information, providing indications through LED states based on response availability and content, and transmitting data on available information to other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current data link monitoring devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but information availability identification becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface that actively queries the machine for information availability and translates the responses into human-readable formats. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the complex machine data systems and the user, automatically identifying available information without requiring the user to manually explore system parameters.
2Ease of operation
If an 'install and see' approach is used, then ease of installation is improved, but troubleshooting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically querying the machine upon installation to identify what information is available on the data link. The communication interface proactively gathers information about available parameters, data links, and machine systems before the user needs to use them, so that when troubleshooting is needed, the information is already prepared and displayed.
3Reliability
If data link activity is merely indicated, then device complexity is minimized, but diagnostic capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface implements feedback by continuously monitoring the data link and providing real-time information about available data, active data links, and machine system status. The system queries the machine and feeds back this information to the user in a structured format, enabling accurate diagnostics while maintaining reasonable device complexity through automated information gathering.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient identification of available data link information, reducing troubleshooting time by providing clear indications of information availability and enabling data transmission for improved machine monitoring and maintenance scheduling.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a light source, wherein the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for communicating data link information associated with a machine is provided. The device includes a light source comprising a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The device includes a controller configured to transmit a query, to the machine, for different types of information related to the machine, the different types of information including a first type of information, a second type of information, and a third type of information. Upon receiving a response indicating the availability of one or more types of information among the different types of information, the controller is configured to provide a first indication, a second indication, a third indication, a fourth indication, or a fifth indication. The controller is further configured to transmit data regarding the one or more types of information that are available.