Work Tool Usage Logging Across Interchangeable Machine Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for monitoring usage of interchangeable work tools on machines lack comprehensive data logging and analysis, particularly in tracking tool usage over time and across multiple machines, which hinders efficient maintenance and performance evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A data system comprising a data transmission device on the work tool attachment and an electronic machine controller that logs and transmits data sets before and after attachment/detachment, generating first and second data log entries to track usage and machine interactions, enabling continuous monitoring and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a data storage device is located on the interchangeable work tool to collect and store usage data, then measurement precision and data availability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components on the tool attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage data tracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides data storage functionality into two segments: a data storage device on the work tool attachment for local data collection, and a processing device on the machine for data retrieval and analysis. This segmentation allows the tool to maintain minimal complexity while still achieving accurate usage tracking through distributed data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The data storage device acts as an intermediary between the work tool attachment and the machine's processing device. It temporarily stores usage data locally on the tool and exchanges information with the machine controller, enabling accurate tracking without requiring complex real-time communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If comprehensive usage data is collected and stored for each tool attachment, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time increases due to data management overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage data completenessVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The data storage device on the tool attachment continuously collects and pre-processes usage data in the background during normal operation. This preliminary action ensures that comprehensive data is already organized and ready when needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming data collection during maintenance or analysis phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service data logging where the tool attachment automatically monitors its own usage parameters and stores data locally without requiring external intervention. This autonomous operation maintains complete usage records while minimizing time loss by eliminating manual data collection processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the data storage device periodically exchanges information with the processing device, then data accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases due to repeated communication cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage data accuracyVSAvoidcommunication energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The data exchange between the storage device on the tool and the processing device on the machine occurs periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic communication maintains data accuracy by regularly synchronizing information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If the system monitors usage of work tools over time across multiple machines, then productivity improvement is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to multi-machine compatibility requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data storage device and communication protocol are designed to be universal and compatible with multiple different machine types and tool attachments. This multi-functionality allows the same system architecture to track usage data across diverse equipment without requiring machine-specific configurations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11314223B2Work tool data system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A data system for tracking use of a work tool attachment that may be interchangeably attached to a machine includes a data transmission device located on the work tool attachment and an electronic machine controller that may be located on the machine. When an event occurs with respect to the work tool attachment, the data system collects a first tool data set from the data transmission device and a first set of machine data associated with the machine. When another event occurs with respect to the work tool attachment, the data system collects a second tool data set from the data transmission device and a second set of machine data. The first and second tool data sets and the first and second sets of machine data may be entered in one or more data logs for analytics.