Over-the-horizon logistics system for deployed asset maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current logistics systems face delays in servicing vehicles and assets due to manual reporting of maintenance needs and consumable usage, which are only initiated upon return to a servicing depot, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and extended downtime.

Innovation Solution

A real-time logistics management system that includes a reporting system within deployed assets, an over-the-horizon communication system using satellite transceivers, and a logistics control system to monitor and allocate resources before the asset's return, enabling proactive staging of resources and re-supplying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual reporting and database input are used for maintenance and re-supply, then resource allocation can be performed, but time delays occur between consumable usage and re-supplying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime delay between consumable usage and re-supplyingVSAvoidmanual database input process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically transmitting maintenance fault and consumable status data from deployed assets to the logistics control system via OTH communication before the asset returns to base. This allows resource allocation and re-supply preparation to be initiated in advance, eliminating the time delay associated with manual reporting and enabling proactive rather than reactive logistics support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of database input with an automated electronic data transmission system. Sensors and reporting systems on deployed assets automatically generate and transmit maintenance and consumable status data through OTH communication channels, substituting manual operator actions with automated electronic processes that eliminate reporting delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If vehicles return to servicing depot before maintenance, then maintenance activities can be performed, but operational downtime is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance servicing speedVSAvoidoperational downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables preliminary maintenance preparation by transmitting asset status and fault data to the logistics control system before the vehicle returns to base. This allows the service depot to pre-stage required parts, tools, and technician resources, so that maintenance activities can begin immediately upon arrival, minimizing operational downtime and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reporting system provides continuous feedback on asset status, maintenance needs, and consumable levels to the logistics control system. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and proactive resource allocation, allowing the service depot to prepare appropriately based on actual asset conditions rather than waiting for manual reports after return.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If mechanical faults are reported after return from field, then diagnostic analysis can be performed, but fault identification is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault diagnostic accuracyVSAvoidfault identification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary fault reporting by automatically transmitting maintenance fault data from the deployed asset to the logistics control system via OTH communication while the asset is still in the field. This preliminary action allows diagnostic teams to begin analysis before the asset returns to base, significantly reducing fault identification time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through detailed automated fault data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system significantly reduces turnaround time for servicing by allowing resource allocation and re-supplying before the asset's arrival, minimizing downtime and enhancing operational readiness.

Implementation Method 1

deployed satellite communication (SATCOM) transceivers operable to wirelessly couple to a reporting system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7487013B2Logistics system to support deployed assets with over the horizon connectivity

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A logistic systems to support deployed platforms that includes a reporting system located within deployed assets, an over-the-horizon (OTH) communication system, an information distribution node, a logistics control system, and a servicing activity. The reporting system located within deployable assets monitors and reports deployed asset status information using the OTH communication system. Thus, the reporting system passes deployed asset status information to the logistics controller via the information distribution node. The logistics controller receives deployed asset status information and allocates the necessary resources to service the deployed asset based on received deployed asset status information. This allocation of resources is coordinated at the servicing activity or service depot in communication with the logistics controller prior to the arrival of the deployed asset saving valuable time.