Integrated Lift Connectivity Beacon for Real-Time Fleet Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing and tracking work equipment, such as lifts and telehandlers, require multiple discrete systems and physical inspections, making it time-consuming to determine the status of multiple machines, especially in large work sites.
Innovation Solution
A fleet connectivity system with integrated connectivity modules and beacons that communicate machine criteria to various components, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of work machines, enabling efficient tracking, tasking, and servicing through a unified platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete systems and physical inspections are used to monitor work equipment, then comprehensive tracking and monitoring capability is achieved, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete monitoring systems into a single integrated connectivity module that consolidates tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing functions. This unified system communicates with all work equipment through a common platform, eliminating the need for separate discrete systems and reducing the time required to monitor multiple machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical inspections with wireless communication systems. The connectivity module uses electronic data transmission to provide real-time machine status information, eliminating the need for operators or technicians to physically inspect each piece of equipment, thereby significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If physical inspection methods are used to determine machine state and status, then accurate information is obtained, but operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity module replaces physical inspection methods with electronic sensing and wireless communication systems. Sensors and onboard computer systems continuously monitor machine state, status, and condition parameters, transmitting this data automatically to the centralized platform. This substitution maintains measurement precision while eliminating the time loss associated with manual physical inspections, thereby improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The work equipment performs self-monitoring through onboard sensors and computer systems that automatically track their own state, status, and condition. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external physical inspections by operators or technicians, providing accurate information continuously without impacting operational efficiency or equipment assignment speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete systems are used to manage work equipment, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but system complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple discrete control systems into a single connectivity module that provides comprehensive tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing functionality. This unified system consolidates what were previously separate discrete systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adaptability and versatility through a centralized platform that can manage diverse work equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectivity module is designed as a universal platform capable of managing multiple types of work equipment through a single interface. It provides multi-functional capabilities including tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing across different equipment types, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems and thereby reducing complexity while preserving comprehensive control functionality.
4Loss of information
If physical inspection and manual monitoring are used, then detailed machine condition information is obtained, but time consumption and effort required deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity module replaces manual physical inspection with automated electronic monitoring systems. Sensors and onboard computer systems continuously collect detailed machine condition information including state, status, and diagnostic data, transmitting this information automatically to the centralized platform. This substitution maintains complete information availability while eliminating the time and effort previously required for manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system operates continuously without interruption, with sensors and communication systems constantly collecting and transmitting machine condition data. This continuous operation ensures that detailed and up-to-date information is always available, eliminating the gaps inherent in periodic manual inspections while requiring no additional time or effort from operators, as the system operates autonomously.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift device, the lift device including an implement, a prime mover configured to drive the implement, and a connectivity module with a beacon communicably coupled with the lift device. The connectivity module is configured to receive an input relating to a criteria of the lift device, and communicate an output, the output including the criteria of the lift device, to one or more components of the lift device.