System for accessing information for maintaining and repairing industrial vehicles

Abstract

A database, contained in a computer system onboard the industrial vehicle, stores repair information and as built information about the specific optional features incorporated into that particular industrial vehicle. For example, the database contains one or more of a repair manual, a parts manual, an operating manual, and service bulletins. Upon occurrence of an operating problem, the industrial vehicle generates a fault code designating the operating problem. The computer system uses the fault code to access the database and obtain the as built information and the repair information associated with the operating problem. The repair information may describe a process for diagnosing a cause of the operating problem, a process for identifying a defective component, and a process for replacing the defective component. The computer system also may place an order for a replacement component.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 423,877 filed on Apr. 15, 2009, and claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61 / 046,247 filed on Apr. 18, 2008.STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks; and more particularly to a system for sensing performance characteristics of an industrial vehicle and using those characteristics to manage the operation of the vehicle.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Industrial vehicles of various types, including material handling vehicles, are used to move items inside a factory, a warehouse, a freight transfer station, a store, or other type of facility. In order to effectively and efficiently operate a warehouse, for example, it is important to ensure that the equipment an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an industrial vehicle that has a computerized controller that receives data from sensors monitoring different operating parameters of the vehicle. This data is used to control the operation of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate wirelessly with a computer system at a facility where it operates. The controller can detect the presence of a load on the vehicle and limit its operation to protect the load from damage. The vehicle can also collect data on the load, such as the weight and time of transportation, and transmit this data to the computer system for analysis. The computer system can compare the load data from multiple vehicles to evaluate operational efficiency. The vehicle can also operate to conserve battery power and can be serviced based on repair information stored in a database. The technical effects of this invention include improved operational efficiency, reduced likelihood of damage to fragile loads, and improved battery life."

Problems solved by technology

If that is the case, operation of the industrial vehicle is limited to provide such delicate handling.

For example, the speed and / or rate of acceleration of the vehicle may be limited to lower than normal levels.

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