Worksite Equipment Grouping via Automatic LAN Joining
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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
1Reliability
If discrete systems are used for tracking and monitoring each piece of equipment, then individual equipment can be monitored, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete tracking and monitoring systems into a single unified local area network that connects multiple work machines. Each machine equips with a connectivity module that enables them to join the same network, allowing centralized monitoring and management of all equipment through one system rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The local area network serves multiple functions simultaneously: tracking machine locations, monitoring operational status, managing check-in/check-out procedures, and enabling communication between machines. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require several separate specialized systems.
2Reliability
If manual tracking and management methods are used, then individual equipment can be managed, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-registration where work machines automatically connect to the local area network and register themselves when they arrive at a work site. The connectivity modules handle network joining and data transmission autonomously without requiring manual intervention from operators or managers for each connection event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through the local area network, where machines continuously transmit their status, location, and operational data to the network. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual checking and provides up-to-date information without consuming operator time.
3Ease of operation
If no automated network formation is implemented, then individual machines operate independently, but connection establishment and group management become manual and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity modules are pre-configured with the capability to automatically discover and join the local area network without manual setup. The network is designed to be ready to accept connections, and machines are prepared in advance with the necessary communication protocols and authentication mechanisms to join automatically upon arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
Work machines autonomously perform the connection establishment process by automatically detecting the local area network, authenticating themselves, and joining the network without human intervention. The system self-manages the grouping of machines based on their automatic connections, eliminating manual grouping operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A work site equipment grouping system includes a plurality of work machines including a first work machine and a second work machine. Each work machine is configured to wirelessly communicate with other work machines. The system further includes a local area network including a plurality of communicatively connected nodes, the nodes including the first work machine and the second work machine. The system further includes a third work machine configured to detect one of the first work machine or the second work machine within a signal range of the third work machine and, upon detecting one of the first work machine or the second work machine, automatically join the local area network.