Work Machine Grouping via Local Network Auto-Join
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing and tracking work equipment at construction sites require multiple discrete systems and methods, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the lack of a unified platform for tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing.
Innovation Solution
A system for automatic generation of work site equipment grouping, where work machines are wirelessly networked to form a local area network, allowing for the exchange of machine-specific data and enabling easy identification, access, and grouping of equipment, with features like notifications for check-in/check-out and integration with cloud-based data processing for fleet management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple discrete systems are used for tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing work equipment, then each function can be performed independently, but the overall system complexity increases and management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete equipment management functions (tracking, tasking, monitoring, servicing) into a single unified networked system. Work machines are equipped with network interfaces that enable them to communicate with each other and with central management systems, consolidating what were previously separate discrete systems into an integrated platform that reduces overall complexity while improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The networked work machine system provides multi-functional capabilities through a universal platform. The same network infrastructure and communication protocols support multiple functions including location tracking, task assignment, real-time monitoring, and service management, allowing a single system to perform roles that previously required multiple separate systems.
2Productivity
If work machines are manually connected and managed individually, then each machine can be controlled separately, but time and labor resources are consumed for connection and grouping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The work machines automatically perform network connection and grouping operations without requiring manual intervention. Each machine is equipped with network interfaces and communication protocols that enable them to self-connect to the network, automatically discover other machines, and form groups based on predefined criteria or user selections, eliminating the need for operators to manually connect and manage each machine individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary network configuration and grouping setup in advance. Network interfaces are pre-configured on work machines, and grouping criteria are pre-established, enabling machines to automatically join networks and form groups as soon as they are deployed to the worksite, significantly reducing setup time compared to manual connection processes.
3Reliability
If equipment tracking and monitoring are performed using separate discrete systems, then each system can focus on its specific function, but the cost of implementing and maintaining multiple systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tracking and monitoring functions into a unified networked system. Work machines use common network infrastructure and communication protocols to enable location tracking, operational monitoring, and service management simultaneously, reducing the number of separate systems that need to be implemented and maintained while preserving all necessary tracking and monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The networked system provides universal multi-functional capabilities for equipment management. A single network infrastructure supports multiple functions including GPS tracking, telematics monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and service management, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and reducing overall system complexity and maintenance costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatic generation of a work site equipment grouping is provided. The system includes a plurality of work machines, each work machine configured to wirelessly communicate with other work machines. The system also includes a local area network including a plurality of communicatively connected nodes. The nodes include the work machines. The work machines are configured to create and join the local area network when the work machines are within a signal range of one or more of the plurality of nodes.