Automated Network Device Repair System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual intervention for repairing, replacing, and configuring network devices in communications networks is disruptive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, leading to service interruptions and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An automatic repair system that identifies problematic network devices, determines their status, and initiates repair or replacement procedures using a processor and database, minimizing human intervention by employing modules for monitoring, diagnosis, and repair execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual intervention is used for repairing and replacing network devices, then the repair process can be performed with simple procedures, but the service downtime increases and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of repair procedureVSAvoidservice downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically monitoring network devices for failures, identifying problematic devices, and initiating repair procedures before manual intervention is required. This includes automatically detecting device status, comparing against known good configurations, and executing repair actions without waiting for human operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The repair system enables self-service by allowing the network management system to automatically diagnose and repair failed devices without human intervention. The system autonomously identifies failures, retrieves appropriate repair procedures, executes them, and verifies restoration, making the repair process self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If manual intervention is used for monitoring and repairing network devices, then the repair procedures can be simplified, but the labor intensity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of repair procedureVSAvoidlabor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically performing monitoring, diagnosis, and repair operations without requiring human labor. The network management system independently executes all repair tasks including device identification, status determination, procedure selection, and verification, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes. Instead of technicians physically monitoring devices and manually executing repair steps, the system uses automated software modules to perform these functions through electronic communication with network devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If automated repair procedures are implemented, then service downtime is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice downtimeVSAvoidcomplexity of repair system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated repair system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a monitoring module for detecting device status, a diagnosis module for identifying failures and determining device status, and a repair module for executing repair procedures. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, managing complexity through functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary database that stores profiles of network devices and their configurations. This database acts as a mediator between the diagnosis module and the repair module, providing standardized access to device information and repair procedures, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If manual monitoring and repair is performed, then the system operation can be kept simple, but the productivity and response time decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of system operationVSAvoidrepair efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring module continuously monitors network devices without interruption, maintaining constant awareness of device status. This continuous operation eliminates the gaps inherent in manual monitoring, ensuring immediate detection of failures and enabling continuous productivity without idle time between manual checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves high productivity through self-service automation, where the network management system independently performs all repair operations without human intervention. This eliminates the time required for manual task execution and coordination, maximizing repair efficiency and system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10592330B2Systems and methods for automatic replacement and repair of communications network devices
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 SANDPIPER CDN LLC
  • US10592330B2 patent drawing
  • US10592330B2 patent drawing
  • US10592330B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for automatic repair, replacement, and/or configuration of various network devices within a communications network are disclosed. The system may receive indication of a failed network device and automatically perform diagnostic on the network device to determine any problems associated with the hardware and/or software components within the network device. Subsequently one or more repair, replacement, and/or configuration procedures may be automatically initiated in an attempt to resolve the problems and restore the failed network device.