Predictive Vehicle Service Scheduling With Component Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators face inefficiencies in finding and scheduling vehicle service facilities due to manual contact methods, potential missed cost savings, and supply chain issues leading to delays in obtaining replacement components.
Innovation Solution
A predictive service presentation engine and predictive component provision engine that utilize vehicle sensors to gather data, analyze component needs, and provide users with service information and component availability through a user interface, allowing for informed facility selection and streamlined component procurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vehicle operators manually contact service facilities to schedule service, then they can obtain service information, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated service scheduling. The service scheduling system automatically matches vehicle service needs with appropriate service facilities, eliminates manual contact requirements, and provides automated appointment scheduling. This resolves the contradiction by making the process easier to operate while reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service scheduling system as an intermediary between vehicle operators and service facilities. This intermediary automatically processes service requests, matches them with appropriate facilities, and coordinates scheduling without requiring manual operator intervention. This resolves the contradiction by streamlining the process through automation while reducing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle operators manually search for service facilities, then they can find service options, but they may miss cost-saving opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The service scheduling system provides feedback to operators about cost-effective service options by analyzing service facility data, pricing information, and vehicle needs. The system automatically identifies and presents cost-saving opportunities that operators would otherwise miss through manual searching. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing adaptability through comprehensive information while preventing information loss about cost savings.
3Productivity
If service facilities operate without integrated component provisioning, then they can provide basic service, but component availability is delayed due to supply chain issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring component inventory levels and supply chain status before service appointments. When components are predicted to be needed, the system automatically places orders or alerts facilities to prepare components in advance. This resolves the contradiction by increasing productivity through advance preparation while reducing the time loss associated with component unavailability.
4Productivity
If manual service scheduling processes are used, then service facilities can operate with simple systems, but service efficiency and operator experience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The service scheduling system is designed as a multi-functional platform that handles service scheduling, component inventory management, supply chain coordination, and cost analysis simultaneously. By consolidating these functions into a single universal system, the patent achieves high service efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity. This resolves the contradiction by improving productivity through automation while managing complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system accesses service facility information relating to a plurality of vehicle service facilities, and determines, based on the vehicle component information and the service facility information, at least one vehicle service facility of the plurality of vehicle service facilities that is able to perform servicing of the one or more vehicle components. The system causes presentation, in a user interface, of service information relating to vehicle component servicing to be provided by the at least one vehicle service facility.