Method of tracking machine breakdown

• US 6,836,749 B1
• Filed: 05/05/2000
• Issued: 12/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Sampson, Jeffrey R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hoff, Marc S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TSAI, CAROL S W
• Application Number:
  US09/565,952
• Time in Patent Office: 1,698 Days
• Field of Search: 702/113, 702/122, 702/125, 702/180, 702/182-185, 702/187, 702/188, 702/196, 702/FOR-134, 702/FOR-154, 702/FOR.162, 714/2, 714/201, 714/25, 714/301, 714/31, 714/37, 714/40, 714/45-48, 714/30, 340/3.1, 342/57, 342/58, 760/78, 760/79, 760/21, 760/110, 700/174, 700/115-117, 700/177, 700/78, 700/79, 700/21, 700/110, 705/8-9
• US Class Current: 702/184
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 23/0286 Modifications to the monitored process, e.g. stopping operation or adapting control
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling

Abstract

A method of tracking machine breakdown (10) comprising, listing each breakdown relative to a first machine (20) and listing the corrective action taken on the first machine relative to each of the breakdowns (30).

Claims

1. A method of tracking machine breakdown comprising:

listing each breakdown relative to a first machine;

listing the corrective action taken on said first machine relative to each of said breakdowns;

developing a matrix of related machines prior to said breakdowns, said matrix including similar characteristics between said related machines;

determining a second machine related to said first machine by way of at least one characteristic using matrix, said at least one characteristic related to said breakdown, said second machine physically distinct and not identical to said first machine; and

taking said corrective action on said second machine prior to said second machine breaking down.

2. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said breakdowns include part failure.

3. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said breakdowns include said first machine operating out of tolerances.

4. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said breakdowns include said first machine malfunctioning.

5. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said corrective action includes replacing a part on said first machine.

6. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said corrective action includes adjustments to controls on said first machine.

7. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said corrective action includes modification of said first machine.

8. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said second machine and said first machine are related by contain similar parts.

9. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said second machine and said first machine are related by having similar functions.

10. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 1, wherein said second machine and said first machine are related by having similar controls.

11. A method of tracking machine breakdown comprising:

listing each breakdown relative to a first machine;

listing the corrective action taken on said first machine relative to each of said breakdowns;

developing a matrix of related machines prior to said breakdowns, said matrix including similar characteristics between said related machines; and

matching said corrective action, taken on said first machine, to said related machines with said similar characteristics.

12. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 11, wherein said related machines include machines with similar parts as said first machine.

13. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 11, wherein said related machines include machines with similar functions as said first machine.

14. A method of tracking machine breakdown as described in claim 11, wherein said related machines include machines with similar controls as said first machine.