Sensor Duration Tracking for Remote Construction Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring and managing remote construction equipment is challenging, particularly for mobile equipment, as current systems lack automated methods for tracking operational data such as work durations, which are crucial for accurate job costing, productivity improvements, and maintenance scheduling.
Innovation Solution
The system modifies the GlobalTRACS web platform to enable users to set duration measurements for sensors, auto-acknowledge alerts, and provide summarized reports on cumulative duration and percentage usage, allowing remote monitoring and management of equipment performance without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual methods are used to track operational data from construction equipment, then physical monitoring can be performed, but automation is lacking and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation by having the monitoring system automatically collect, process, and report operational data without requiring manual intervention. Sensors continuously monitor equipment parameters and the system automatically generates reports, eliminating the need for manual data collection while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical monitoring methods are replaced with electronic sensor-based systems. The patent substitutes human-operated physical monitoring with automated electronic sensors and digital communication systems that continuously track equipment operational data
2Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of remote equipment is implemented, then operational data can be obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various sensor types, communication protocols, and data formats through a unified platform. The system can monitor multiple equipment parameters simultaneously and adapt to different equipment types, reducing overall system complexity despite comprehensive monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized processing server acts as an intermediary between remote sensors and users. This intermediary consolidates complex data processing, communication management, and report generation functions, simplifying the interface for end users while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities
3Measurement precision
If duration measurement features are added to the GlobalTRACS system, then operational data tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duration measurement functionality is merged with the existing GlobalTRACS sensor monitoring system. The patent combines duration tracking with alert mechanisms and reporting features into a unified system, allowing comprehensive operational data collection without requiring separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of duration measurement parameters and thresholds before actual monitoring begins. Users can pre-set measurement intervals, alert thresholds, and reporting preferences, which simplifies ongoing operation and reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless equipment management system that is configured to track sensors for work measurement for predetermined events. The sensors are configured to measure event durations of a specific piece of equipment as defined by a user and sent to a Network Management Center. This enables the user to measure work times by configuring work events as sensor input events. The event durations can be displayed and reports can be produced at the Network Management Center.