Methods for Asset Health Management and systems Thereof

Synopsis

Patent 7,925,472 B2 describes advanced methods and systems for asset health management (AHM). This invention provides a comprehensive, proactive, and data-driven framework for optimizing the utilization and lifespan of various assets, fundamentally shifting from reactive maintenance to predictive, efficiency-driven operations.

A core novel aspect of this invention is its integrated approach to asset management, which combines real-time physical condition monitoring with robust diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. The system actively obtains physical condition data from one or more elements of an asset, which can include sensor data, operational parameters, and even images for visual assessment. This collected data is then fed into an advanced processing system that conducts comprehensive diagnostics to determine the current operational status and prognostics to predict future performance degradation or potential failures. Crucially, this system incorporates and analyzes extensive historical maintenance data and life-cycle data specific to the assets and their individual components. Based on this rich dataset and the predictive insights, the system generates one or more precise optimization instructions. These instructions aim to enhance asset utilization, prevent unexpected downtime, and extend the asset's operational life, fundamentally improving efficiency and reducing costs. The system's ability to integrate location-related data further enhances its contextual awareness, while its capacity to manage a plurality of assets simultaneously underscores its scalability and utility for large-scale operations.

The commercial potential for this asset health management technology is substantial, promising to revolutionize maintenance practices and operational efficiencies across a wide array of industries by ensuring optimal performance and extended lifespan of critical equipment. Possible applications include:

• Manufacturing and Industrial Operations: For continuous monitoring and optimization of production lines, heavy machinery, robotic systems, and other critical manufacturing assets. This leads to minimized unplanned downtime, reduced maintenance costs, improved productivity, and enhanced worker safety.

• Transportation and Logistics: Applicable to managing large fleets of vehicles (e.g., trucks, trains, aircraft, marine vessels) by predicting maintenance needs, optimizing routes based on asset health, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing overall operational safety and reliability.

• Energy and Utilities: For comprehensive health monitoring of critical infrastructure such as power generation turbines, grid components, pipelines, and renewable energy installations. This enables predictive maintenance to prevent outages, optimize energy production, and ensure grid stability.

• Smart City Infrastructure: For proactive management of public infrastructure, including bridges, roadways, water and wastewater systems, and public transit networks. This facilitates predictive repairs, efficient resource allocation, and improved public safety and service continuity.

• Healthcare Facilities: For ensuring the continuous operational readiness and optimizing the maintenance schedules of complex medical equipment, imaging devices, and laboratory instruments, which is critical for uninterrupted patient care and regulatory compliance.

• Military and Defense: For maximizing the operational readiness, extending the lifespan, and reducing the logistical burden of complex military vehicles, aircraft, and advanced weapon systems operating in demanding environments.

• Commercial and Residential Facility Management: For optimizing the maintenance and performance of building systems such as HVAC, elevators, and security infrastructure in large commercial complexes, residential buildings, and data centers, leading to energy savings and improved occupant comfort.

This patent offers a powerful, data-driven solution for achieving superior asset performance and longevity, representing a compelling opportunity for licensees to deliver significant operational advantages and cost savings to their clients.