Physical components using data element mapping and analysis
Inventors
Ledford, Allison Brown • Harris, Gregory Allen • Patterson, Haley • Farrington, Phillip
Assignees
Auburn University • United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-12131134-B1
Publication Date
2024-10-29
Expiration Date
2042-12-19
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Abstract
A system for improving a physical component may include a processor configured to (1) access a first data storage that may include a plurality of function data objects or a plurality of data vessel data objects that may include references to each other; (2) iterate over the plurality of data vessel data objects, and for each data vessel data object, generate one or more data element instance data objects; (3) select a subset of the plurality of data element instance data objects that include the same data element identifier; (4) order the subset of the data element instance data objects based their respective one or more references to one or more other data element instance data objects; and (5) store the ordered subset of the data element instance data objects in a second data storage as a digital thread.
Core Innovation
The invention is a system for improving a physical component by using data element mapping and analysis. The system includes a processor configured to access a first data storage that contains a plurality of function data objects and data vessel data objects, each referencing each other. It iterates over the data vessel data objects to generate data element instance data objects, selects a subset of these instances with the same data element identifier, orders the subset based on their references to others, and then stores this ordered subset in a second data storage as a digital thread.
The system aims to improve the physical component or the process of designing, fabricating, and testing the component by digitally connecting data element instances. This digital connectivity makes data elements less siloed, more trackable, faster in transfer, and less prone to human error. The system can also remove unneeded data element instances, add needed ones, and connect later data element instances to earlier ones to update the data element and manufacture new iterations of the component.
The problem solved is that, in physical component lifecycles, information is often transmitted or stored in non-digital or unstructured formats, making it difficult to access across different lifecycle functions. This leads to inefficiencies, human errors, and missed opportunities for improvement. Existing systems do not digitize such information or improve the lifecycle beyond inefficient human examination and trial and error. Thus, a need exists for systems and methods that improve physical components using data element mapping and analysis to enhance data flows digitally and efficiently.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims directed to systems and methods for improving physical components using data element mapping and analysis. The inventive features focus on data object referencing, data element instance generation, digital threading, and dynamic modification of data element instances.
Data object referencing and iteration
The system accesses a first data storage containing function data objects referencing data vessel data objects and vice versa, and iterates over data vessel data objects to generate multiple data element instance data objects each including a data element identifier, function and data vessel references, actor data, and references to other data element instances.
Ordering and storing data element instances as a digital thread
The system selects subsets of data element instances sharing the same data element identifier, orders them based on their references to one another, and stores this ordered subset in a second data storage forming a digital thread representing the data element's lifecycle flow.
Dynamic modification of data element instances
The system can remove or add data element instance data objects from/to the subset and reorder the subset accordingly, updating the stored ordered subset to reflect changes in data flow needs, including making the data connections more digital or changing their flow to improve efficiency.
Visual representation based on data vessel type
The system displays a visual representation of the ordered subset where each data element instance data object is visually indicated based on whether it is stored in a digital or non-digital data vessel, showing connections to subsequent instances and allowing user interaction.
Method of manufacturing based on data element instance subset
The system supports manufacturing the physical component based on the ordered subset of data element instances, including adding references from later to earlier instances to update design elements for a new manufactured version.
The claims cover a system and method that digitize, map, and analyze data element flows through function and data vessel objects to create ordered digital threads representing physical component lifecycle data flows. The system also allows for modification of these flows and supports visualization and manufacturing based thereon.
Stated Advantages
Digitally connecting data elements unsilos data, making it more trackable, speeding transfer between functions, and reducing human error.
Removing unnecessary data element transmissions improves process efficiency in designing, testing, and fabricating the physical component.
Adding needed data element transmissions enables better data flow to functions that require it, supporting improved lifecycle management.
Modifying data elements based on subsequent lifecycle activities enables iterative improvement of the physical component.
Documented Applications
Improving physical components through enhanced design, testing, and manufacturing lifecycle processes via data element mapping and analysis.
Mapping and managing data flows across lifecycle functions and data vessels including digital and non-digital formats.
Supporting additive manufacturing components as an example physical component type.
Application in supply chain management by representing entities as function data objects, locations as data vessel data objects, and material or product instances as data element instance data objects.
Use in systems engineering to define and manage data relationships across cross-disciplinary functional activities and interfaces.
Enabling model-based definition enterprises by uncovering product-definition elements and their relationships for manufacturing and inspection.
Use of visual mapping for lean manufacturing applications to identify and eliminate waste in data and information flows.
Potential use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for real-time optimization of data and information flows during physical component development.
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