Telematic Microfluidic Analysis System for Remote Asset Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset management systems in industries like construction often rely on outdated methods, such as pen and paper or outdated computing systems, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in tracking assets, maintenance, and operation, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access locations, which can result in increased costs and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive asset management system that utilizes a network of disparate reporting sources, including GNSS receivers and microfluidic analyzers, to provide real-time location and operation monitoring, enabling integrated asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, and fluid analysis, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If modern technology (microfluidic analyzers, GNSS receivers) is integrated into the asset management system, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides asset management into separate functional modules: microfluidic analyzers for fluid analysis, GNSS receivers for location tracking, and a centralized server for data integration. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall system functionality, allowing high measurement precision without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized server acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple disparate sources (microfluidic analyzers, GNSS receivers, maintenance schedules) and integrates them into a unified asset management system. This mediator handles the complexity of data integration, allowing individual components to maintain high precision without directly interacting with each other.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring is implemented using microfluidic analyzers and GNSS receivers, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic sampling and monitoring rather than continuous operation. Microfluidic analyzers perform fluid analysis at scheduled intervals, and GNSS receivers update location data periodically, rather than operating continuously. This maintains high productivity through regular data collection while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic analyzers are designed to automatically perform fluid analysis without requiring external power or complex support systems. The devices self-contained and perform measurements autonomously when triggered, reducing the energy infrastructure required to support real-time monitoring across multiple assets.
3Loss of information
If integrated asset management is implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized server is designed as a universal platform that can integrate multiple types of data sources (microfluidic analyzer results, GNSS location data, maintenance schedules, operational parameters) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive information collection without requiring separate specialized systems for each data type, managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate asset management functions (fluid analysis, location tracking, maintenance scheduling) into a single integrated platform. By combining these disparate information sources into one unified system, the patent eliminates information loss that would occur with separate systems while managing complexity through integrated architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid analyzing system includes a handheld device and a management system. The handheld device includes a fluid analysis control module and a telematics device. The fluid analysis control module is configured for initiating acquisition of a sample of a fluid and providing the sample to a microfluidic analyzer for conduction of a microfluidic analysis. The telematics device is coupled with the fluid analysis control module and configured with a wireless transceiver. The management system is located remotely from the telematics device, and configured for wirelessly receiving results of the microfluidic analysis transmitted from the telematics device.