Virtual Drive Support for Real-Time Electric Drive Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote support systems for electric drive apparatuses lack efficient methods for real-time, remote maintenance and troubleshooting, particularly in industrial settings, where direct access and virtual simulation capabilities are limited.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing live remote support through a virtual drive simulation environment, enabling remote service operators to connect with user devices and electric drive apparatuses via networks, allowing for real-time parameter adjustments, diagnostics, and virtual testing without physical presence, using a remote support tool unit, live support unit, and live feed unit for seamless communication and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remote support is provided without virtual simulation capability, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and troubleshooting efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the electric drive apparatus that replicates its operational parameters, diagnostic data, and control functions. This virtual simulation environment allows remote service operators to troubleshoot and test solutions without physically accessing the actual device, significantly improving troubleshooting efficiency while the complexity is managed through software-based virtualization rather than physical duplication
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual simulation environment acts as an intermediary between the remote service operator and the actual electric drive apparatus. It translates complex device states into comprehensible virtual representations and enables remote interaction without requiring direct connection to the physical device, thereby improving productivity while keeping the actual device architecture unchanged
2Loss of time
If real-time remote access is implemented, then response time is reduced, but loss of time for system setup and connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual simulation environment is pre-configured with the electric drive apparatus's operational parameters, diagnostic routines, and control interfaces before remote support is needed. This preliminary setup allows immediate connection and troubleshooting without time-consuming on-site configuration, reducing response time while the connection infrastructure complexity is managed through automated provisioning
3Ease of operation
If virtual simulation environment is used, then ease of operation for remote support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical presence and manual device manipulation with a virtual simulation environment that replicates device functionality through software. Remote service operators interact with virtual representations of the electric drive apparatus, eliminating the need for physical travel and on-site setup while improving ease of operation. The complexity is shifted from mechanical/physical systems to software-based virtualization infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to electric drive apparatuses used in different industries for different applications more particularly to a method for remote support of an electric drive apparatus. The method comprises: establishing a live support session with virtual drive assistance between a first apparatus and a third apparatus in the remote support site, said first apparatus having a connection with a local electric drive apparatus in a local site, and said third apparatus having a connection to a virtual drive tool for virtual drive assistance; downloading by said third apparatus from said first apparatus parameter settings and other relevant process information of the local electric drive apparatus to said third apparatus; and controlling and/or operating said virtual drive tool by said third apparatus to provide assistance to a user of said first apparatus.