WO2015035347A1

WO2015035347A1 - Heat exchanger with a unique product identifier and a method of accessing a database using the unique product identifier

Info

Publication number: WO2015035347A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/054642
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randall GARZA
Original assignee: Tranter, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-09-09
Filing date: 2014-09-09
Publication date: 2015-03-12

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes a barrier through which heat is transferred between a working fluid and a treatment fluid, an identification feature attached to the heat exchanger and an identifier on the identification feature. The identifier enables the particular heat exchanger to be identified and is associated with a database of information relating the type of heat exchanger on which the identifier is placed and also with regard to the specific heat exchanger unit on which the identifier is placed. The information may relate to manufacturing specifications, operating conditions or limits and service and maintenance history for both the type of heat exchanger (e.g.model) and the specific heat exchanger. The database may be updated as needed to maintain a complete and current history of a particular heat exchanger that may be readily accessed to facilitate use and maintenance of the heat exchanger.

Description

HEAT EXCHANGER WITH A UNIQUE PRODUCT

IDENTIFIER AND A METHOD OF ACCESSING A DATABASE USING THE UNIQUE PRODUCT IDENTIFIER

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a heat exchanger with a remote database link.

Background

Heat exchangers may be configured to transfer heat from a treatment fluid flowing on one side of a barrier to a working fluid flowing on another side of the barrier. Periodically, they may require maintenance and/or cleaning. In some instances, maintenance may include disassembly and replacement of heat exchanger components.

Summary A heat exchanger includes a barrier through which heat is transferred between a working fluid and a treatment fluid, an identification feature attached to the heat exchanger and an identifier on the identification feature. The identifier enables the particular heat exchanger to be identified and is associated with a database of information relating the type of heat exchanger on which the identifier is placed and also with regard to the specific heat exchanger unit on which the identifier is placed. The information may relate to manufacturing specifications, operating conditions or limits and service and maintenance history for both the type of heat exchanger (e.g. model) and the specific heat exchanger. The database may be updated as needed to maintain a complete and current history of a particular heat exchanger that may be readily accessed to facilitate use and maintenance of the heat exchanger.

A method of accessing a database also is disclosed, wherein the method includes providing an identifier on a heat exchanger, wherein the identifier is associated with information in a database relating to the heat exchanger on which the identifier is provided, remotely granting access to the database, and providing information relating to the heat exchanger from the database based on the remote access. The identifier may be provided on a nameplate or other identification feature associated with heat exchanger and may be recognized by photo or scan of the identifier for access to information in the database. Access to the information may be controlled as desired. For example, service personnel may have access to information only relating to service issues, manufacturing personnel may have access to information relating to manufacturing issues, operating personnel may have access to information relating to operation of the heat exchanger, etc.

A computer program product for a mobile device comprising a non- transitory computer readable medium that includes instructions to execute the following:

receive an image of an identifier located on a heat exchanger;

determine a value associated with the image; and

use the determined value to access product information associated with a heat exchanger stored in a remote database. This product permits rapid access to information relating to, for example, a heat exchanger by imaging an identifier that is linked to information relating to the heat exchanger.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments and best mode will be set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a remote database system according to one implementation of the method described herein; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an equipment plate.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present disclosure pertains to providing convenient access to information regarding a manufactured product, such as a heat exchanger. The access may be provided to a number of interested parties including engineers and developers of the product (e.g. a heat exchanger or parts therefor), service technicians, logistical representatives (e.g., of a manufacturer), and one or more customers of the product, just to name a few. The product information may be kept in a central repository or database, and access to the database may be feasible via computers, mobile devices, etc. According to at least one implementation described herein, product information may be retrieved and/or updated using a mobile device. In one implementation, the mobile device may scan or obtain an image of a unique identifier located on the heat exchanger and thereby access the database remotely.

Referring in more detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a remote database system 10 that includes computers 20, 22, 24, a database 26, a mobile device 28, and a heat exchanger product 30. As will be described below, the computers and the mobile device may access the database from remote locations using wired communications, wireless communications, or both. FIG. 1 also illustrates the mobile device 28 scanning a unique identifier 32 on an equipment identification feature such as a tag or plate attached to the heat exchanger (e.g. nameplate 34) on a heat exchanger product 30 (an image 32' on the device 28 illustrates one implementation of the identifier 32). As will be described below, by determining the unique identifier 32, the mobile device 28 may access the product information in the database 26 that is associated with the particular identifier.

As will be appreciated by skilled artisans, the computers 20, 22, 24 may be any general purpose device including a central processing unit and memory or accessing one or more private or public networks such as the Internet. The computers may be coupled to a land-based telecommunications network and/or one or more wireless carrier systems (not shown) (e.g., utilizing cellular towers, mobile switching centers, etc.). In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 1, computer 20 may be associated with or located at a development location 40 such as a manufacturer, a research and development facility, etc. Further, computer 22 may be associated with or located at a service center 42 such as a repair service, a part provider, etc. And computer 24 may be associated with or located at a consumer or customer location 44 such as an industrial facility using the product 30.

The database 26 includes any database or computer server for storing and exchanging electronic data. Electronic data includes a variety of data types, for example, data files and data programs, software, and/or executable applications (e.g., having computer program instructions). The electronic data may include any product information including account information, technical records, maintenance records, and the like. Account information may include data relevant to particular customers and/or clients (e.g., company name, point of contact, purchased products, unique identifiers associated for each product purchased, product applications, authentication information, etc.). Technical records may include engineering, manufacturing, and/or development data such as drawings, parts lists, part numbers, replacement parts list and compatibility information, maximum operational limits, maintenance schedules, warranty information, test procedures, test reports, inspection reports and/or records, and any other suitable technical information. Maintenance records may include any service or repair data pertaining to the product(s) purchased or otherwise acquired by the customer including modification(s) made to the product post-manufacturing. Thus, product information may include a compilation of any of the aforementioned data into a single customer record or any suitable collection of records; and furthermore any record may include sub-categories, links to other records, etc.

As described above, the database 26 also may include a computer operative according to computer program instructions, software, executable applications, etc., e.g., for interacting with computers 20, 22, 24 and devices such as the mobile device 28.

The mobile device 28 may be an electronic device capable of short range or wide range wireless communication (or both); e.g., the mobile device may communicate using the previously described wireless carrier system(s) and/or the land-based communication network. Thus, the mobile device may include: hardware, software, and/or firmware enabling telecommunication, as well as other mobile device applications. Such mobile device applications may include software applications, which may be preinstalled or installed by the user (or mobile device manufacturer) (e.g., having a graphical user interface or GUI). One example of a mobile device application may be an application allowing access to and interaction with the database 26. For example, the application may be configured to access, upload, download, store, erase, change, or modify product information stored on the database 26 (e.g., associated with the particular product 30).

The hardware of the mobile device 28 may comprise: a display, a keypad (e.g., push button and/or touch screen), a microphone, one or more speakers, motion- detection sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.), and a camera. The camera may include physical (or hard) optics and/or electronic imaging (optics) capability. In some implementations, the camera's functionality may be utilized as a scanner or to scan images and/or objects. This functionality may be supported by software or a software application within the mobile device, and this software may be a computer program product that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium for the mobile device 28. One or more software programs may be stored on the computer readable medium that include program instructions to receive a scanned image from the camera; furthermore, the instructions may determine a value(s) associated with the scanned image (such as a numeric, alphanumeric, hex, etc. value). The interpretation of the value will be discussed in greater detail below.

Non-limiting examples of the mobile device 28 include a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a Smart Phone, a personal laptop computer having two-way communication capabilities, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, or any other suitable device.

The product 30 is illustrated as a heat exchanger. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 30 may carry the nameplate 34 in any suitably accessible location. One example of the nameplate 34 is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this particular example, the nameplate includes the name of the manufacturer 50, a model number 52, various historical and/or technical information 54, and two unique identifiers 32a, 32b (here, a serial number and a QR code). The serial number 32a may be any combination of characters (e.g., alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc.).

In this implementation, the other unique identifier 32b (the QR code) is a scannable image or mark. Of course, the QR code is merely an example and the identifier 32b may be any suitable image or mark which using the mobile device 28 is scannable, readable, interpretable, etc. It may or may not be computer generated. The term unique identifier 32 should be construed broadly to include any QR code, barcode, etc. such as any linear (or one-dimensional) barcode, any two-dimensional barcode, or any combinations thereof (including, e.g., first, second, third, and any future generation barcodes) (such as but not limited to: UPC, Codabar, Code 25 series, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 series, Code 11, CPC Binary, DUN 14, EAN 2, EAN 5, EAN 8, EAN 13, GSI-128, GSI DataBar, MSI, Aztec Code, Codablock, Code 16k, Code 49, ColorCode, Color Construct Code, Compact Matrix Code, CP Code, CyberCode, DataGlyphs, Data Matrix, Datastrip Code, Dot Code A, EZcode, Grid Matrix Code, HD Barcode, High Capacity Color Barcode, HueCode, INTACTA.CODE, InterCode, JAGTAG, mCode, MiniCode, MicroPDF417, MMCC, Optar, PaperDisk, PDF417, PDMark, QR Code, QuickMark Code, SmartCode, Snowflake Code, ShotCode, SPARQCode, SuperCode, Trillcode, UltraCode, UnisCode, VeriCode, VSCode, WaterCode, just to name a few).

While the nameplate 34 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes two unique identifiers

32a, 32b, this is not necessary. For example, the nameplate 34 may have only one identifier, or for example, it may have several unique identifiers. In addition, the unique identifier 32a, 32b may or may not be located on the nameplate 34. For example, the product 30 may not even have a nameplate; thus, the identifier 32 may be located elsewhere on the heat exchanger 30. In at least one implementation, the value represented by, for example, the QR code may be equivalent to the serial number; e.g., it may be a character-for-character match. In other implementations, the value of the unique identifier (e.g., a QR code) may be an encoded or encrypted value; for example, the value may be proprietary to the manufacturer of the product. In still other implementations, the value of the QR code 32b may be a website address or website portal - e.g., a web portal associated with the customer record that is associated with the particular heat exchanger 30.

The described remote database system 10 may provide computer and mobile device users remote access to information pertaining to the particular heat exchanger. For example, prior to or at the time of the product's manufacture or assembly, at least some technical data may be stored at the database 26 and be accessible. And for example, at the time the heat exchanger 30 is conveyed from the manufacturer 40 to an owner and/or user location 44, at least some account information may be available. Similarly, prior to the death of the heat exchanger 30, maintenance data may be stored in the database 26. Several implementations utilizing the remote database system 10 are described below.

In one exemplary method, one step may include the manufacturer 40 providing at least one unique identifier 32 on the heat exchanger 30. The identifier 32 may be located directly on the heat exchanger, or for example, on the nameplate 34 (as shown in FIG. 2). In at least some implementations, the manufacturer 40 may create and store product information associated with the unique identifier 32 at the database 26 (e.g., technical records).

The heat exchanger 30 may then be conveyed or issued to a consumer who then may relocate the heat exchanger to its location 44. At various times during the life of the heat exchanger 30, an agent of the customer, a service person, or any other suitable person may attempt to obtain information regarding the heat exchanger using a suitably configured mobile device 28. The mobile device may be used to scan the identifier 32b. And an application on the mobile device may determine a value associated with the identifier 32b.

After the mobile device 28 has determined the value, the mobile device may telecommunicate with the database 26. Using the determined value, the mobile device may be granted access to the database 26; this may occur in a variety of ways.

For example, in one implementation, the value may function as a password granting access to the associated account - i.e., the customer record. Or the value may launch the mobile device 28 to a webpage or portal. The granted access may or may not require additional information (e.g., provided by the mobile device user), and it may or may not require use of a software application on the mobile device 28. In addition, the granted access may or may not require encryption authentication. Other techniques of granting of access to a remote database using the value of the QR code 32b will be apparent to skilled artisans.

Once access is granted, the mobile device 28 and database 26 may continue to communicate and the mobile device may be used to access the customer record associated with the heat exchanger 30 (e.g., downloading product information) or to alter the customer record (e.g., by uploading and/or storing new product information, modifying and/or storing existing product information, etc.). For example, downloaded product information may include any historical account data, technical data, and/or maintenance data; the user in some examples may be a service technician performing maintenance. Or for example, uploaded product information may include newly performed maintenance, repairs, and/or modification made to the product. Any uploaded product information may update the existing record associated with the particular product; thus, the uploaded information may add to and/or modify the previously existing record.

It should be appreciated that the above implementation was described with respect to a single heat exchanger 30; however, the manufacturer 40 may make multiple heat exchangers (of the same or different type, model, etc.), and each of these heat exchangers 30 may have the unique identifier 32a, 32b, or both thereon.

In another implementation, the manufacturer 40 may desire to obtain information from the database 26 pertaining to the particular heat exchanger 30 and thus access that information via computer 20. The customer record of a specific heat exchanger (e.g., model number) may be downloaded from the database 26, or in some instances, it may be desirable to acquire specific product information regarding heat exchanger models having similar features (or e.g., that are the same model number). For example, the manufacturer 40 may download all service or repair data (maintenance records) for all heat exchangers 30 at various customer locations in order to analyze a recurring problem or issue.

Similarly, in another implementation, the service center 42 may desire to obtain information from the database 26 pertaining to a particular heat exchanger 30 and thus access that information via computer 22. The service center may also be capable of downloading customer records pertaining to a particular model heat exchanger located at different customer locations. For example, it may be desirable to determine which components or parts are most likely going to need to be manufactured - e.g., to manage supply and demand of after-market components. In some implementations, the manufacturer 40 and service center 42 may be the same or at the same location. And remote access may be provided to the customer without scanning the identifier 32 with the mobile device 28. For example, the customer may remotely access at least the customer's own record via computer 24.

Thus, there has been described a remote database system 10 that includes at least a database, a product having a scannable identifier, and a mobile device capable of scanning and interpreting the identifier. The mobile device may retrieve and/or upload information from/to the database based on a value associated with the identifier related to the heat exchanger. In addition, the heat exchanger information in the database may be accessible by a manufacturer, a service center, or the like (e.g., using a computer located thereat).

Thus, the method described herein may use a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes instructions to perform or execute the following: validate that a communication from a mobile device is associated with product information stored in a database using information associated with a unique identifier provided by the mobile device; and perform at least one of the following: permit the mobile device to access the product information, or update the product information based on data provided by the mobile device.

In addition, the method described herein may use on a mobile device a non- transitory computer readable medium that includes instructions to execute the following: receive a scanned image of an identifier located on a product; determine a value associated with the scanned image; and use the determined value to access product information associated with a product stored in a remote database.

While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A heat exchanger, comprising:

a barrier through which heat is transferred between a working fluid and a treatment fluid;

an identification feature attached to the heat exchanger;

an identifier on the identification feature that enables the particular heat exchanger to be identified, the identifier is associated with a database of information relating the type of heat exchanger on which the identifier is placed and also with regard to the specific heat exchanger unit on which the identifier is placed.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the identifier includes one of: a QR code, a bar code, or a serial number, and the identifier is discernible by a mobile device to permit database access without manual entry of information relating to the identifier.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the identification feature is a nameplate attached to the heat exchanger.

4. A method of accessing a database, comprising the steps of:

providing an identifier on a heat exchanger, wherein the identifier is associated with information in a database relating to the heat exchanger on which the identifier is provided;

remotely granting access to the database; and providing information relating to the heat exchanger from the database based on the remote access.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the remote access is granted to at least one of a remote computer or a mobile device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the providing heat exchanger information step further includes at least one of:

providing data associated with the heat exchanger from the database to the at least one of the remote computer or the mobile device, or

providing data associated with the heat exchanger from the at least one of the remote computer or the mobile device to the database.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein data provided to the database by the at least one of the remote computer or the mobile device includes updated information associated with a customer record.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the identifier includes one of: a QR code, a bar code, or a serial number.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the granting remote access step includes: receiving at a mobile device an image of the identifier representing a QR code; and interpreting a value of the identifier.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein the providing an identifier step further includes providing a plurality of unique scannable identifiers on a plurality of heat exchangers, each heat exchanger of the plurality having at least one associated identifier.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein the providing step further comprises manufacturing the heat exchanger.

12. A computer program product for a mobile device comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes instructions to execute the following:

receive an image of an identifier located on a heat exchanger;

determine a value associated with the scanned image; and

use the determined value to access product information associated with a heat exchanger stored in a remote database.

13. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes instructions to execute the following:

validate that a communication from a mobile device is associated with product information stored in a database using information associated with a unique identifier provided by the mobile device; and

perform at least one of the following:

permit the mobile device to access the product information, or update the product information based on data provided by the mobile device.