Unique ID Chip for Machine Component Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine maintenance tracking systems, such as those using radio frequency identification, are less than optimal due to limitations and requirements, making it challenging to effectively monitor and manage the usage and maintenance of machine components.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates an electronic chip with a unique identifier into machine components, allowing for monitoring of installation time, operational time, and usage patterns, which includes a control module and transmitter to send data for maintenance scheduling and replacement ordering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency identification devices are used to track vehicle maintenance, then component tracking capability is provided, but system limitations and requirements reduce monitoring effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable stickers with unique identifiers that are applied to components rather than complex RFID devices. These stickers are simple, inexpensive, and sufficient for tracking purposes, eliminating the need for expensive and complex RFID hardware while maintaining reliable component identification and monitoring capabilities.
2Loss of time
If manual maintenance scheduling is used, then flexibility in maintenance decisions is maintained, but timely maintenance and replacement cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors component usage data through sensors and communication modules, providing real-time feedback on component condition and usage hours. This feedback enables automatic comparison against maintenance thresholds, triggering timely maintenance notifications and ensuring maintenance is performed at the optimal time without excessive automation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes maintenance thresholds and criteria before components are installed. By setting these parameters in advance and automatically monitoring against them, the system ensures maintenance is scheduled at the precise moment it becomes necessary, eliminating delays associated with manual assessment while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If comprehensive component monitoring is implemented, then machine reliability and safety are improved, but data collection and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most critical data elements needed for maintenance decisions, such as usage hours, operational status, and key performance parameters. By filtering and selecting only essential data points rather than collecting all possible component information, the system maintains high reliability monitoring while minimizing data storage and processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for monitoring machine components are disclosed. A method may include detecting, by an electronic chip having a globally unique identifier and being integrated within the component of the machine, installation of the component in the machine. The method may include determining, by a monitoring module operatively connected to the electronic chip via a communication bus, a date or time of the installation based on receiving information regarding the installation from the electronic chip. The method may include monitoring, by the monitoring module, the component to determine an amount of time that the component has been operating. The method may include transmitting, by a transmitter module operatively connected to the monitoring module, information that identities the globally unique identifier, the date or time of the installation of the component in the machine, and the amount of time that the component has been operating.