GRIPS Diagnostics
Most of the technological advances of the last 20 years have been based on the integration of software into mechanical components. This has increased product diversity.
Statically produced documentation that is not situation-related – however extensive it might be – can only answer a fraction of the possible questions about problems, symptoms, faults or defects that may occur. Due to the increasing use of black-box technology, even the electro-mechanical engineer can no longer master the complexity of fault isolation with the aid of conventional technical documentation.
Diagnostic systems assist users with the process of fault identification and fault cause elimination. Rapid and precisely targeted location of the causes of faults is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the case of complex products in which mechanical components interact with software.
Diagnostic concepts – fault isolation trees
Weakness analyses are used to produce possible fault scenarios. The cause-and-effect relationships are represented by tree diagrams.
The point of entry into the diagnosis is a symptom or a fault code. Subsequently, a fault isolation tree is systematically worked through until a fault cause is identified and the fault can be eliminated.
Usually, the diagnosis tree then refers the user to descriptive technical documentation such as a repair manual. The information required then normally has to be sought out in various media or systems. The reason for that is the way in which the information is produced: document-orientated rather than information-orientated.
Diagnostic with GRIPS
GRIPS doesn't simply offer fault isolation trees, it brings together all the available information about a product that would otherwise be distributed throughout a variety of documents such as operating instructions, repair manuals, setting-up guides, spare parts lists, maintenance schedules and training materials.
Such single-sourcing not only reduces production and management complexity, it also assists users by providing an all-in-one system, from where ultimately any fault isolation trees can be generated dynamically.
The time required for fault diagnosis is reduced because the diagnosis trees are optimized with software assistance and taking account of e.g. labor units. Furthermore, an interactive search strategy is made possible. Cause probability and necessary testing time are statistically analyzed according to the situation and the optimum testing sequence is dynamically generated. The situation-based testing sequences are called up interactively and conveniently using a palmtop or a Web-enabled mobile phone.
If an interactive feedback system is implemented, the search strategy can be continuously improved and the information detail adapted to requirements.
Advantages of structured diagnostic concepts with GRIPS
Diagnosis production times are reduced.
The most efficient diagnosis path is computed interactively.
Fault codes and symptoms are analyzed according to situation and taking into account set-up times.
Interactive user guidance is provided.
Printed and electronic documentation are generated from one and the same data source.
Data "interfaceability" enables e.g. user-operated diagnosis on the instrument panel of a vehicle or a machine control panel.
Feedback engine integration improves engineering's prognostics results.
GRIPS speeds diagnostic routines, reduces warranty costs, increases customer experience quality and satisfaction, while automatically capturing diagnostic experience from the field and making it available to all of the technicians, as well as to the company's Research & Development division and warranty department.
