Automated Testing Maintenance Scheduling via MILP Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing maintenance for a large number of automated testing apparatus and ancillary test processing equipment in a lab is inefficient, making it difficult to schedule maintenance effectively and prevent breakdowns.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for scheduling maintenance using a processor to input identification, maintenance requirement, and demand constraint data, applying optimization programs to generate an optimized maintenance schedule that includes specific instructions for each piece of equipment, considering personnel availability and certification levels, to minimize downtime and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual maintenance scheduling is used for multiple automated testing apparatus, then personnel can perform maintenance tasks, but the scheduling efficiency is low and breakdowns cannot be prevented effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance scheduling efficiencyVSAvoidequipment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual maintenance scheduling with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to optimize maintenance schedules. The system automatically processes equipment data, determines maintenance needs, and generates schedules without manual intervention, thereby improving both scheduling efficiency and equipment reliability through consistent, data-driven decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The maintenance scheduling system enables the organization to perform its own maintenance planning independently without relying on external service providers. The system uses internally collected equipment data and operational constraints to generate optimized maintenance schedules, allowing the organization to self-manage its maintenance activities effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If routine maintenance is performed on all equipment, then breakdowns are prevented, but downtime and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs maintenance only on equipment that actually needs it, rather than applying routine maintenance to all equipment uniformly. By analyzing individual equipment data, operational patterns, and failure probabilities, the system identifies which pieces of equipment require maintenance and schedules appropriate interventions, avoiding unnecessary maintenance on equipment that is still functioning reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The maintenance scheduling is dynamically adjusted based on changing equipment parameters, operational conditions, and priority levels. The system modifies maintenance intervals, timing, and resource allocation according to real-time data about equipment status and organizational needs, allowing flexible optimization of the balance between reliability and downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If maintenance is scheduled without considering personnel availability and certification, then scheduling is simplified, but compliance requirements cannot be met and qualified personnel may not be available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling simplicityVSAvoidpersonnel constraint adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The maintenance scheduling system incorporates multiple functions within a single integrated platform: it manages equipment data, analyzes maintenance needs, schedules maintenance tasks, assigns personnel based on certification and availability, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. This multi-functional approach maintains scheduling simplicity while adapting to complex personnel constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11715559B2Methods and apparatus of maintenance scheduling in automated testing over a planning period

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

Methods of scheduling maintenance on a plurality of automated testing apparatus and possibly also on ancillary test processing apparatus are provided. The methods include inputting identification data on the plurality of automated testing apparatus to be maintained, inputting maintenance requirement data for the maintenance of each of the apparatus, inputting demand constraint data, operating on the identification data, maintenance requirement data, and demand constraint data using an optimization program, such as mixed integer linear programming (MILP), subject to demand constraints and at least one objective, and outputting an optimized maintenance schedule for a planning period. Systems and apparatus configured to carry out the methods are also provided, as are other aspects.