Wireless Equipment Management System for Adaptive Maintenance Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring and managing maintenance schedules for remote construction equipment is challenging due to the difficulty in generating and distributing schedules, and there is a lack of wireless systems for automatic spare parts ordering for mobile equipment in the field.
Innovation Solution
A wireless equipment management system that uses sensors to collect data on equipment usage and operating characteristics, enabling adaptive maintenance scheduling and automatic spare parts ordering through a data processing center connected via wireless communications, including satellite, cellular, and internet links, allowing for multiple maintenance schedules and just-in-time parts delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single maintenance schedule is generated for the entire machine, then the maintenance scheduling process is simplified, but the schedule cannot be easily distributed and followed for remote equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single maintenance schedule into multiple component schedules (e.g., engine maintenance, transmission maintenance, hydraulic system maintenance). Each component schedule can be independently generated, distributed, and followed, making the overall maintenance process more manageable for remote equipment while maintaining comprehensive coverage of all maintenance needs.
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring and management of remote equipment is used, then system complexity is reduced, but maintenance efficiency and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic monitoring systems on remote equipment that self-report status data and trigger maintenance alerts without human intervention. The system automatically tracks usage parameters, detects maintenance needs, and can even initiate parts ordering, significantly improving maintenance efficiency while keeping the added complexity manageable through standardized protocols.
3Reliability
If spare parts are ordered manually prior to maintenance, then parts availability is ensured, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic parts ordering systems that proactively order spare parts based on predicted maintenance needs. The system analyzes equipment usage data, maintenance history, and part lifecycle to automatically place orders before parts are needed, ensuring availability while eliminating manual ordering time and labor.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive equipment monitoring is implemented, then maintenance accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal monitoring modules that can track multiple equipment parameters (temperature, pressure, usage hours, vibration) using the same hardware platform. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive monitoring accuracy while reducing overall system complexity through standardized, reusable components rather than specialized devices for each parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless equipment management system is provided which automatically orders parts in connection with equipment maintenance schedules generated using sensors remotely located with the equipment. The system additionally uses diagnostic software to analyze fault conditions within the equipment using the sensors, and parts are automatically ordered in conjunction with equipment service needs as determined by the system.