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Simplify construction telematics installations
Challenge Type: engineering
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$1,600
top 50%
29
submissions
DONE
86 months ago

Telematics systems combine GPS technology, on-board diagnostics and monitoring sensors to track, log and report data via cellular networks on the performance and operation of construction equipment. Ideally, customers could quickly install a cellular telematics radio on their construction equipment. Unfortunately installation can be intimidating and time consuming.

We want to improve the ease of installing the telematics device (3”X6”X1”, the size of a thick cell phone) on equipment. Most importantly, we need to make sure that installing the devices seems simple to prevent customers from being afraid to purchase and install in the first place.

Deliverables

Part I: Review these telematics installation difficulties & already employed tactics:

- Read the quick Telematics Hardware Datasheet.

- Current systems require splicing of wires and drilling of holes to route wires thru the machine.

- We offer kits with wiring “pigtails” that can be spliced into equipment but still requires 2-3 hours of intimidating wiring work to install (improving this idea is an option for a solution!).

- We have tried using a standard serviceport connector (similar in concept to an OBDII port in cars) but there is a lack of standardization across machine manufacturers on connector type, location, & availability.

- Sending professionals to complete installs is not an option as this is too expensive

Part II: Propose a new, more simple way to install the telematics device:

1. What is your new technique to install and connect cellular telematics radios on construction equipment?

2. How is your technique more simple to accomplish than existing practices?

3. Why will customers perceive your technique as more simple?

4. (Optional but strongly encouraged) Provide any visuals, CAD renderings, mock ups, videos, user guides or anything else that helps us better understand your solution.

We already use a common service connection (similar to OBDII) and Bluetooth. We're looking to you for NEW ideas on how to approach these installations and make them simpler in any way.

Things to consider:

- Seems simple... Your solution should not only be simple but seem simple to prevent intimidation. This is a key factor in our selection of winners.

- Learn more! Check out this sheet to learn more about our devices and construction telematics in general.

See attached PL641 Installation document. The primary differences between the PL641 and the PL542 are as follows. 1) The PL542 is designed to be adhesive mounted in the cab. 2) The PL542 is designed to plug into the existing machine service port. Note that service ports are similar but not standardized across Caterpillar and Competitors construction equipment.

    Submissions will be graded on the following criteria:
  • Meets Deliverables
  • Creativity
  • Clarity
Additional Materials:
Reward Tiers
Top 10%
will share $1,000
Next 15%
will share $400
Next 25%
will share $200
Actual individual rewards will be based on the total number of eligible solutions.
Leaderboard
$333.30 Eric Lee Washington University in St. Louis
$333.30 Noah Schaich Georgia Institute of Technology
$333.30 Pedro M University of Providence
$80.00 Matthew Steinlauf University of Illinois
$80.00 A Vidyesh Rao
$80.00 Codin Moldovanu
$80.00 Sinjin Jones University of Cincinnati
$80.00 Dr. Janelle Christine Simmons Liberty University
$28.60 Jamie Stanton University of Dayton
$28.60 Ion Dumitriu Royal Institute of technology/Stockholm/Sweden
$28.60 Praveen Venkatesan Anna University, India
$28.60 Mohanraj P M P Anna university ,Chennai
$28.60 Matthew Gaiser Queen's University
$28.60 Dallas DeBruin University of Dayton
$28.60 Atolo Tuinukuafe Valparaiso University
Submission questions


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