Work Machine Maintenance Timing Using Virtual Operation Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machine maintenance timing settings based on hour meter values are inaccurate due to variations in wear and tear caused by different work environments and operation methods, even for the same operation time.

Innovation Solution

A system that calculates a virtual operation time for each management unit of a work machine, allowing for more precise maintenance timing by considering actual operation times and operation conditions, using a virtual operation time calculation device that adjusts maintenance schedules based on specific wear patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If maintenance timing is set based on hour meter values assuming average driving and work, then the maintenance scheduling is simple and standardized, but the maintenance timing becomes inaccurate when work environment or operation method differs from average conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance scheduling simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the single hour meter value into multiple virtual operation time parameters (first virtual operation time, second virtual operation time, third virtual operation time) that reflect different operational conditions. Each virtual operation time is calculated by applying specific coefficients to the actual operation time based on detected work conditions, thereby changing the parameter representation to capture variability in maintenance needs while maintaining a systematic scheduling approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The maintenance timing system transitions from a static hour meter-based approach to a dynamic system that continuously detects work conditions and adjusts virtual operation times accordingly. The system adapts maintenance schedules in real-time based on actual operational patterns, making the maintenance timing responsive to changing work environments and operation methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a single hour meter value is used for all management units, then the maintenance management system is simple to operate, but it cannot accurately reflect the different wear and tear of individual management units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance management simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance timing accuracy for each management unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the maintenance management approach by creating separate virtual operation time parameters for different management units (first management unit, second management unit, third management unit). Each management unit has its own virtual operation time calculated based on its specific operational characteristics, allowing individualized maintenance scheduling while maintaining a unified system structure that remains relatively simple to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different coefficients and calculation methods to different management units based on their specific roles and operational conditions. Each management unit receives customized virtual operation time calculation that reflects its local characteristics and wear patterns, enabling accurate maintenance timing for each component without requiring completely separate management systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20220343291A1Work machine maintenance management system, work machine maintenance management method, and work machine maintenance management program

Publication Date: 2022.10.27 YANMAR POWER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

According to the present invention, a maintenance management system includes an acquisition unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires an actual operation time of a target work machine including a plurality of management units. The output unit outputs maintenance information regarding the maintenance time for at least one management unit among the plurality of management units, by using a virtual operation time, for each management unit, derived from the actual operation time.