Microserver for Real-Time Product Assembly Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing complex product assembly or repair lack real-time data accessibility and integration, requiring users to navigate multiple databases and networks, limiting their ability to track product status effectively across different work cells and locations.
Innovation Solution
A microserver system is integrated into a support structure for complex products, enabling local and remote data collection, storage, and communication, creating a network-centric architecture that centralizes all relevant information and allows two-way communication with various computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a factory network with multiple databases and tracking systems is used to manage assembly, then comprehensive tracking capability is provided, but system complexity and difficulty of accessing information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate databases and tracking systems into a single integrated microserver platform. The microserver consolidates assembly information, inventory tracking, quality control data, and communication functions into one unified system, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple separate systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The microserver is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: storing assembly data, tracking inventory, managing quality control checklists, providing communication between work cells, and enabling both local and remote access. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized systems with one versatile platform.
2Loss of information
If users access information from multiple work cells through the factory network, then comprehensive data access is enabled, but real-time updates and data availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microserver implements dynamic data access where information is continuously updated and immediately available to users. The system provides real-time status updates on assembly progress, inventory levels, and quality control checks, allowing data to change dynamically as work progresses rather than requiring manual updates or having stale information.
Solution Approach 2:
The microserver acts as an intermediary between all work cells, databases, and users. It serves as a central communication hub that receives data from various sources, processes it, and makes it immediately available to users through multiple access points, ensuring real-time information flow without requiring direct connections to multiple separate systems.
3Measurement precision
If separate databases are used for tracking parts and inventory, then detailed tracking is provided, but ease of operation and information integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microserver merges parts tracking and inventory management into a single integrated database structure. Users can access both parts information and inventory status through the same interface, and the system automatically maintains relationships between parts and inventory records, eliminating the need to switch between separate tracking systems while preserving detailed tracking capabilities.
4Loss of information
If users must physically be present in work cells to access information, then direct data access is enabled, but remote access and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microserver provides universal access to all assembly information, inventory data, and tracking details through multiple interfaces and communication protocols. Users can access the system remotely via network connections, wireless devices, or other computing platforms, making the system adaptable to various user locations and preferences without sacrificing data access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing a product during assembly or repair of the product includes use of a microserver configured to function as a local computing workstation and collect, store and process data for the product throughout the assembly or repair process. The microserver may be carried by a support structure that supports the product through the assembly or repair process. The product data and other information relevant to the assembly or repair process are stored on the microserver and may be accessed by other computing devices, both local and remote to the product. The information is updated on the microserver as it happens. Thus, users are able to track a status of the product in real-time. The microserver enables two-way communication such that the other computing devices may also send information to the microserver.