Work Cycle Management via Real-Time Asset Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Asset management in construction and similar industries faces challenges due to unreliable communication and tracking of asset location and operational status, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing mobile tracking devices and a network of reporting sources to capture and analyze work cycle events, learn benchmark schedules, and monitor deviations in real-time, enabling improved asset tracking and scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operators are contacted via phone to manage asset operations, then communication with operators is established, but reliability of location and job information is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of operator location and job informationVSAvoidinformation errors and omissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual phone-based reporting system with an automated electronic system. GPS receivers automatically track asset location, and job information is captured through electronic data collection from asset sensors and operator inputs, eliminating manual reporting errors. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated electronic systems directly addresses the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where asset location, job status, and operational data are continuously monitored and reported back to the management system. This automated feedback mechanism ensures accurate, up-to-date information without relying on operator memory or manual phone reports, thereby improving information reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual phone-based monitoring is used, then asset operations can be directed, but time consumption and operational efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset operational efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent on breaks and non-productive activities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous monitoring and tracking of asset operations without interruption. GPS tracking operates continuously, and the electronic monitoring system runs constantly, ensuring that productive actions are maintained without the breaks and delays inherent in manual phone-based management. This continuous operation directly improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The asset management system operates autonomously, with assets automatically reporting their location, status, and operational data through embedded sensors and GPS receivers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention and phone-based direction, allowing operations to proceed efficiently without time loss to administrative tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If phone-based command and control is implemented, then operators can be directed, but measurement accuracy of location and job status is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of location and job status dataVSAvoidcomplexity of tracking and monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual phone reporting with precise electronic measurement systems. GPS receivers provide accurate location coordinates, and electronic sensors capture precise job status data automatically. This substitution of manual estimation with electronic measurement directly improves measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If automated tracking systems are deployed, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of asset tracking informationVSAvoidcomplexity of mobile tracking and reporting system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multi-functional devices that perform multiple roles. Mobile devices serve as GPS receivers, job information collectors, communication tools, and data transmission devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high reliability through integrated electronic tracking and reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10671948B2Work cycle management

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 TRIMBLE INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for asset and work flow management are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for work cycle management includes creating one or more work zones, creating a work cycle of events between the created work zones, creating an operating schedule for the events of work cycle at the zones, monitoring activity at the work zones and comparing the activity to the operating schedule and identifying schedule violations.