Machine Maintenance Unlock via Mobile Code and Server Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-propelled construction machines, such as road construction and refuse compactors, face challenges in efficiently expanding or modifying their functional capabilities and maintenance processes, which are often cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to the need for manual communication with manufacturers and outdated on-board software.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a control device to generate a short-distance identifiable code that includes machine status information, allowing for wireless transmission between the machine and a mobile device, which then communicates with a central server to activate functional expansions or maintenance intervals, eliminating the need for direct internet connection and manual data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual communication with manufacturer service hotline is used for machine configuration changes, then configuration changes can be made, but the process becomes tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual telephone communication with automated optical code recognition. The control device generates an optoelectronically readable code containing machine identification information, which is scanned by a mobile device. This substitutes the mechanical/manual process of telephone communication with an automated optical-electronic system, eliminating the need for verbal communication of serial numbers and configuration details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optoelectronically readable code as a mediator between the machine and the mobile device. This code serves as a compact information carrier that bridges the gap between the machine's control device and the external mobile device, enabling automatic data transfer without direct manual intervention or telephone communication.
2Reliability
If on-board computer is not connected online to Internet, then machine can operate independently, but maintenance information and software updates become outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the control device automatically generate and display an optoelectronically readable code containing current machine status and identification information before any maintenance or configuration change is needed. This pre-prepared code ensures that up-to-date information is always available for scanning, even when the machine is not connected to the Internet, eliminating the need for online connectivity during maintenance operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is retrofitted to expand machine functions, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but the process becomes complex and requires software activation/deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual hardware modification and software configuration processes with automated optical code recognition. When hardware is retrofitted, the control device automatically detects the change and generates an updated optoelectronically readable code. This code contains information about the modified configuration, which is automatically recognized by the mobile device and transmitted to the server, eliminating the need for manual software activation or deactivation.
4Ease of operation
If telephone communication is used for maintenance queries, then maintenance information can be obtained, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces telephone-based maintenance queries with automated optical code scanning. The control device generates an optoelectronically readable code containing machine identification and status information. A service technician or operator simply scans this code with a mobile device, and the server automatically retrieves and displays the required maintenance information, eliminating the need for tedious telephone communication and manual information lookup.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (21) for the maintenance or functional expansion of a self-propelled machine (1), in particular a tandem roller, roller compactor, pneumatic tire roller, waste compactor, asphalt paver, road milling machine, recycler or stabilizer, comprising the steps of: generating a short-range identifiable code (18) by a control unit (14) of the machine (1), either automatically by the control unit (14) after the expiry of a maintenance interval or after a request by an operator for a functional expansion, wherein the code (18) contains information about at least one machine state that changes during the operation of the machine (1); identifying the code (18) by a mobile terminal (44); transmitting (25) the information contained in the code (18) to a central server (45); and transmitting (35) a release code from the server (45) to the mobile terminal (44).Transmitting the release code to the control unit (14) of the machine (1), unlocking (37) the maintenance interval or the functional scope extension. Furthermore, the invention relates to a functional or maintenance management system (51) for carrying out the method (21).