Remote Maintenance Display for Mobile Machine Downtime Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile machines face challenges in on-site fault correction and repair due to hardware restrictions of existing controllers and user interfaces, which limit the information storage and require expert support, leading to delays and prolonged downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system enabling remote analysis, training, and maintenance through a programmable electronic controller with a user interface and communication device that allows bidirectional wireless or cable connection to a data network, enabling real-time communication between the machine operator and a remote service adviser for visual guidance and instruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expert support is provided for fault correction and repair, then problem-solving reliability is improved, but response time increases and machine downtime is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary between the machine operator and remote expert. This device includes a display unit connected to the controller, which can show machine data, fault information, and expert instructions in real-time. The communication device enables direct visual interaction with the expert without requiring physical presence or traditional telephone communication, thus resolving the contradiction by providing reliable expert support while minimizing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical information transfer methods (printed manuals, telephone communication) with an electronic display system. The display unit can show graphical user interfaces, machine parameters, and expert instructions directly on the machine's display, eliminating the need for physical manuals and enabling faster information exchange. This substitution reduces the time needed to access and understand expert guidance while maintaining problem-solving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If detailed information is stored in the controller, then ease of operation is improved, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts detailed information storage and processing functions from the controller's limited hardware and relocates them to an external server or cloud-based system. The controller retains only essential functions, while the display unit communicates with external systems to retrieve and display detailed fault information, operating procedures, and diagnostic data. This extraction resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive information without increasing controller hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the display unit multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a machine operation interface and as a remote communication terminal. The display unit can show machine parameters, fault diagnostics, expert instructions, and training materials, replacing multiple separate devices (manuals, computers, communication tools). This multi-functionality provides detailed information for ease of operation without requiring additional hardware components in the controller.
3Productivity
If remote communication capability is added to the machine, then productivity is improved through faster problem resolution, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication functions with the existing display unit and controller infrastructure. Rather than adding separate communication hardware, the system utilizes the existing display unit to show communication interfaces and integrates communication protocols into the controller's software. This merging approach enables remote communication capability for faster problem resolution while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remote analysis, remote training and/or remote maintenance on a mobile machine comprises a first display unit (10), command input means and a communication device which can be connected as required to the first display unit (10) and to a data network (15). The first communication device can be activated by a command input for bidirectional communication with a second communication device of a data network subscriber, wherein the first and second communication devices are designed to transmit the data displayed by the first display unit (10) to a second display unit (19) connected to the second communication device, and wherein the subscriber can transmit an instruction data sequence to the first display unit (10) via the data network (15) and said sequence can be displayed by said first display unit, wherein the reception and the storing of the instruction data sequence are designed such that an instruction of the instruction data sequence can only be carried out by actuating the command input means.