Method and system for generating a new technical solution

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for generating a new technical solution, comprising: acquiring PLM data of an industrial product comprising at least two 3D objects; extracting attributes and rules of each 3D object from the PLM data; generating a knowledge graph of a tree relationship between the 3D objects; generating a topological attribute of each 3D object; merging the attribute and rule of each 3D object, the tree relationship and the topological attribute into at least one relational database in a voxel form; receiving a request from a user (102) related to a technical solution, the request comprising at least one 3D volume; evaluating whether the technical solution is present in the PLM, and if the technical solution is not present in the PLM: generating a new technical solution implementing at least one new 3D object in the 3D volume; generating a new voxel associated with the new 3D object; and reintroducing the new voxel into the relational database.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for generating new technology solutions, and more specifically to a method and system for proposing a technical solution for generating and merging new 3D objects in the form of voxels from PLM data of existing basic components. Background Technology

[0002] The management of the lifecycle of industrial products, such as airplanes, motor vehicles, and trains, also known as PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), is an internal process within a company that manages the entire lifecycle of an industrial product, from its concept formation, development, and trial operation to its disposal. It involves managing everything related to the product from the beginning to the end of its lifecycle.

[0003] In this context, 3D digital models (DMUs) are also fundamental tools for addressing competitiveness, industrial product quality, and safety. Their effectiveness has been proven in supporting the definition, manufacture, maintenance, and use of these industrial products. They are typically generated by computer-aided design (CAD) software. While useful to all departments within a company involved in the design, manufacture, maintenance, and use of industrial products, they are not usually used in their entirety because not all departments need the same tools and / or computing power as the department that generated the given 3D digital model. Furthermore, they often do not all use the same CAD software.

[0004] Each department generates and processes large amounts of data, and in most cases, this data is siloed, formatted, and optimized for processing performance, rather than standardized across departments. Therefore, when necessary, using data generated by other departments requires adjustments and manual intervention, and there is a lack of cross-functional services or “streamlined and / or simplified” (i.e., less computer-resource-intensive) versions of 3D digital models to facilitate user activities in operations related to industrial products, and particularly to retrieve 3D definition files in response to the customized needs of these other departments.

[0005] Furthermore, it is difficult to identify the function of a 3D object that forms a component of an industrial product based solely on its shape or size, because its identification in various 3D digital models involves technical parameters or features that differ from one 3D digital model to another.

[0006] The above comments apply, in whole or in part, to cases where the basic component is not a 3D object derived from a digital model but a standard component available on the market, which also forms part of the PLM and has corresponding PLM data.

[0007] Therefore, new developments are needed to link all existing databases within a company, including representations of 3D objects, throughout the entire lifecycle of industrial products (definition, manufacturing, maintenance, operation, disposal, and recycling) into a vast network comprised of interdependencies, information, and characteristics of each fundamental component of the industrial product that is managed or must be managed in any department of the company. These developments must be implemented to manage any computer environment, using 3D CAD objects and metadata in the databases, to link them into an organized, intelligent network capable of transitioning from one 3D environment to another, without compromising existing management of the industrial product lifecycle, allowing for the retrieval of all information related to fundamental components, and even enabling the design of new technical solutions for parts of the industrial product.

[0008] The techniques mentioned in this section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are mentioned. Similarly, the problems mentioned in this section should not be assumed to have been previously known in the prior art simply because they are mentioned. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Based on the developer's understanding of the drawbacks associated with existing technologies, embodiments of the present invention were developed. The present invention generally proposes a method and system for using one or more 3D digital models of any type of industrial product (tools, factories, operations, etc.) at any granularity level in the PBS (Product Breakdown Structure) tree decomposition that forms the basic components of an industrial product, and in the context:

[0010] - It satisfies the concept of "digital twin" (i.e., an exact digital copy of an industrial product that is continuously updated throughout the entire lifecycle of the industrial product and serves as a virtually indistinguishable digital counterpart for practical purposes such as simulation, integration, testing, monitoring, and maintenance);

[0011] - Streamlined 3D distribution (democratization of 3D access without computer / CAD software); and

[0012] - Industrial product management activities through 3D digital models, which locate the position of each basic component relative to other basic components that make up the industrial product in terms of geometric relationships (easy to calculate, lay out, organize, understand, and generate models).

[0013] More specifically, in various embodiments, the present invention includes a method for generating a new technology solution, the method comprising the following steps:

[0014] - Acquire PLM data for an industrial product that includes at least two basic components, at least one of which is a 3D object generated from a 3D digital model;

[0015] - Extract the attributes and rules of each basic component from the PLM data;

[0016] - Generate a knowledge graph of tree relationships and establish logical relationships between basic components at both the geometric and functional levels;

[0017] - Generate topology properties for each basic component;

[0018] - Merge the attributes and rules, tree relationships and topological attributes of each basic component into at least one relational database in the form of voxels;

[0019] - Receive requests from users related to technical solutions, which include at least one 3D volume;

[0020] - Assess whether the technical solution exists in the PLM, and if the technical solution does not exist in the PLM:

[0021] - In response to a user request, generate and provide at least one implementation in a 3D volume.

[0022] New technological solutions for new 3D objects;

[0023] - Generate new voxels associated with the new 3D object; and

[0024] - Reintroduce the new voxels into the relational database.

[0025] In one implementation of the method, the merging step includes selecting some attributes and rules from the attributes and rules of each basic component based on topology attributes.

[0026] In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of having the user correct all or some of the attributes and rules, tree relationships and topological attributes in the new voxels before the step of reintroducing the new voxels into the relational database.

[0027] In one implementation of this method, the knowledge of the tree relationships between the generated basic components includes:

[0028] - The basic positions between basic components and the first logical relationship between geometrically oriented components; and

[0029] - A second logical relationship based on all or some of the basic components in the attributes and rules selected by the user.

[0030] The present invention also includes a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the methods described above.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a system for generating new technology solutions, comprising:

[0032] - Attribute and rule extractor, which is configured to receive PLM data of industrial products and extract attributes and rules associated with each basic component in the basic components that form the industrial products, and classify and organize the attributes and rules associated with each basic component in the basic components that form the industrial products.

[0033] - A knowledge and relationship graph generator, which is configured to transform the PBS of industrial products that form part of the PLM into a tree decomposition and construct a knowledge graph of tree relationships, and establish logical relationships between basic components at the geometric and functional levels.

[0034] - A 3D topology generator and a 3D similarity analyzer, which are configured to generate topological properties associated with each of the basic components.

[0035] - A 3D machine learning system and a voxel and 3D object generator, configured to:

[0036] - For each basic component, voxels are merged into one or more relational databases in voxel form. Each voxel includes extracted attributes and rules, transformed tree relationships, and...

[0037] The generated topology attributes;

[0038] - Receive requests from users related to technical solutions, including at least

[0039] A 3D volume;

[0040] - Assess whether the technical solution exists in the PLM, and if the technical solution...

[0041] The case does not exist in PLM:

[0042] - In response to user requests, generate and provide new technical solutions for implementing at least one new 3D object in a 3D volume;

[0043] - Generate new voxels associated with the new 3D object; and

[0044] - Reintroduce the new voxels into the relational database.

[0045] In one implementation of the system, the voxel and 3D object generator are also configured to receive corrections from the user in the new voxels for all or some of the attributes and rules, tree relationships, and topological attributes before the step of reintroducing the new voxels into the relational database.

[0046] In another implementation of the system, the knowledge of the tree relationships between the generated basic components includes:

[0047] - The basic positions between basic components and the first logical relationship between geometrically oriented components; and

[0048] - A second logical relationship based on all or some of the basic components in the attributes and rules selected by the user.

[0049] Within the scope of this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, "processor" may refer to, but is not limited to, any type of "computer system," "electronic device," "computerized system," "control unit," "monitoring device," "server," and / or any combination thereof, suitable for related tasks relating to the receipt, storage, processing, and / or transmission of data.

[0050] Within the scope of this specification, the term "FPGA" is intended to include systems of the field-programmable gate array type that were commercially available at the time of filing of this patent application, such as references to Xilinx VU9P or Intel Stratix V, and all equivalent inventions that subsequently become available, regardless of their names, including computer system hardware that can be programmed by software.

[0051] Within the scope of this specification, "processor" may include a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple separate processors, some of which may be shared. A "processor" may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a purpose-specific processor, or a processor implemented in an FPGA. Other conventional and / or custom hardware and software may also be included in "processor".

[0052] Within the scope of this specification, "computer" also means one or more processors capable of reading instructions to perform functions, and / or performing functions by executing instructions by one or more processors.

[0053] Within the scope of this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "memory" includes random access memory systems commercially available at the time of filing of this patent application, and all equivalent inventions subsequently becoming available, regardless of their names, including computer system media for storing digital information. An example of such memory may be static random access memory (SRAM).

[0054] Within the scope of this specification, the functional steps shown in the accompanying drawings can be performed using dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing appropriate software.

[0055] Within the scope of this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, the words “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used as adjectives only for the purpose of distinguishing the names that accompany the adjectives, and not for the purpose of describing a specific relationship between these names.

[0056] Each embodiment of the present invention has at least one of the objectives and / or aspects mentioned above, but not necessarily all of them.

[0057] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0058] To better understand the present invention, reference is made to the following description, which should be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] [ Figure 1 [A schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;]

[0060] [ Figure 2 It provides a simplified representation of knowledge graphs;

[0061] [ Figure 3 This shows the basic components that form part of an industrial product;

[0062] [ Figure 4a The first component assembly of the basic components is shown;

[0063] [ Figure 4b This illustrates a second component assembly or design solution for the basic component;

[0064] [ Figure 5 Provided in Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b The simplified representation of the knowledge graph generated in specific cases of the basic components and component assemblies shown;

[0065] [ Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the method according to the present invention is provided; and

[0066] [ Figure 7 The diagram shows what can be used for implementation. Figure 1 The computer shown or Figure 6 The methods and steps of a computer system.

[0067] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the figures are not drawn to scale. Finally, the same elements from one figure to another use the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The examples and related conditions described herein are primarily intended to help the reader understand the principles of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these specific examples and conditions. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will conceive of various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or depicted herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope.

[0069] Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the following description illustrates a relatively simplified embodiment of the invention. As those skilled in the art will understand, other embodiments of the invention may be more complex.

[0070] In some cases, examples of modifications to the invention may also be presented. This is merely to aid understanding and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or to impose any restrictions on it. These modifications are not exhaustive, and those skilled in the art can make other modifications while still within the scope of the invention.

[0071] Furthermore, all statements below relating to the principles, aspects, and implementations of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to cover both structural and functional equivalents of the invention, whether they are currently known or will be developed in the future. Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will understand that all functional diagrams represent conceptual views of examples of circuits incorporating the principles of the invention. Similarly, it will be clearly understood that all flowcharts, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, etc., represent various processes that can be implemented on a computer-readable medium and therefore can be executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such a computer or processor is shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0072] The functions of the various components shown in the accompanying drawings (including any functional blocks) can be provided using dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing appropriate software. These functions can also be performed by a processor. Other conventional and / or custom hardware may also be used.

[0073] A software module, or a module considered to be software, may be shown herein as a combination of flowchart elements, or a combination of other elements indicating the execution of steps of processing, and / or as a textual description. Such a module can be executed by hardware, which may or may not be explicitly shown. Furthermore, it should be understood that "module" can include, for example, but not limited to, computer program logic, computer program instructions, software, software stack, firmware, hardware circuitry, or combinations of these various elements that provide the required capabilities.

[0074] Based on this, we will now consider some non-limiting examples to illustrate various embodiments of the invention.

[0075] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Data for a PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system used for industrial products, for example provided by administrator 101 (133), is formed; this data is referred to as PLM data. This data allows:

[0076] - By using the attribute and rule extractor 130, the data is classified and organized to identify the attributes and rules associated with each basic component that forms an industrial product;

[0077] -Utilizing this data through the Knowledge and Relationship Graph Generator 120, and employing dependencies from PBS; and

[0078] - By using the data with a 3D topology generator and a 3D similarity analyzer 110, the topological properties of 3D objects are classified and organized.

[0079] Those skilled in the art can design and implement other means for providing PLM data to system 100, particularly during system initialization.

[0080] The following is defined in this context:

[0081] - "Attributes", such as data associated with basic components, specify specific and significant characteristics of the basic components, such as: its material, its mass, its designation in the bill of materials, its part number (P / N), its cost, its diameter, its length, etc.

[0082] - "Rules", such as data associated with basic components, involve operational methods and processes (design, manufacturing, maintenance, operation, certification, disposal, recycling, etc.) depending on the context of the industrial product, such as assembly rules, and more generally, industry relationships between basic components and other basic components;

[0083] - "Topological properties," such as data associated with 3D objects, expressing geometric properties that remain unchanged under geometric deformation, such as wetting surface area, volume, length, 3D footprint, etc.; and

[0084] - "Tree relationships," such as the organization and configuration dependencies of industrial products or component parts in PBS. These dependencies can be of different types and can be used individually or in combination, for example:

[0085] -Parent / child relationship;

[0086] - The geometrical positioning of the basic components relative to each other (e.g., face to face);

[0087] - Functional electrical coupling relationships (e.g., comparison of material properties when basic components are in contact with each other); etc.

[0088] The attribute and rule extractor 130 uses PLM data related to attributes and rules associated with the basic components, categorizes and organizes the PLM data related to attributes and rules associated with the basic components, and stores it in a set of one or more databases (only one database is shown: 131). Therefore, database 131 contains at least:

[0089] - One or more attributes associated with each basic component; and

[0090] - One or more rules associated with each basic component.

[0091] The knowledge and relationship graph generator 120 transforms and structures the tree decomposition of the basic components (which form a given industrial product) into a knowledge graph, which can be depicted as a tree with nodes and structural relationships between nodes. Therefore, the generated knowledge graph establishes progressive intelligence between basic components at both the geometric and functional levels.

[0092] - For example, at the geometric level: using relative or absolute position matrices and position orientation matrices, geometric links such as face-to-face (with contact, distance, predefined gaps, etc. where applicable);

[0093] - For example, at the functional level: by using industry rules specific to the physical and / or functional aspects of each industrial product, such as "fastener" 3D objects linked to other 3D objects attached to that fastener.

[0094] This knowledge graph generation function can use existing software known to those skilled in the art, such as Neo4jGraphDatabase. TM Software implementation is possible, but other solutions are available to those skilled in the art.

[0095] The generated knowledge graph can be stored in a collection of one or more databases (only one database is shown: 121).

[0096] The 3D topology generator and 3D similarity analyzer 110 generate topological attributes derived from the PLM data of each 3D object to make the 3D object unique through the attributes.

[0097] Topological attributes are generated according to criteria selected by the company and adapted to the company's industrial products, thereby using topological representation to uniquely characterize each of the basic components. Calculations are performed on the geometry of the basic components using numerical and / or textual indicators to classify the basic components and link them to their identification number (e.g., part number ATA53—a unique identifier), which forms part of the attribute.

[0098] Therefore, the 3D topology generator and 3D similarity analyzer 110 utilize numerical representations of all the basic components of an industrial product and create digital fingerprints (one or more unique numerical values) that can then be used to identify the basic components.

[0099] Topology attributes can be stored in a collection of one or more databases (only one database is shown: 111).

[0100] The 3D machine learning system 140 incorporates the following into one or more relational databases (only one database is shown: 141) in the form of voxels for each basic component:

[0101] - Topological properties (111) derived from (112) 3D topology generator and 3D similarity analyzer 110;

[0102] - Relative positioning information (121) relative to other basic components of the industrial product, derived from (122) the knowledge and relationship graph generator 120; and

[0103] -Attributes and rules (131) derived from (132) attribute and rule extractor 130 for characterizing basic components.

[0104] A voxel stores physical information about points in a volume on a regular mesh in a known manner. The voxel has its own node and orientation coordinates in the accepted coordinate system, its own shape, its own state parameters indicating its membership in the object being modeled, and the properties of the modeling region.

[0105] In this invention, the voxel, serving as the container, is implemented to transmit a dataset relating to:

[0106] -Identity and geometric features (X, Y, Z coordinates, L, M, N orientation, direction, etc.);

[0107] - Attributes and other metadata (such as attributes, topological attributes, and tree relationships as defined above); and

[0108] - Related usage rules (such as the rules defined above).

[0109] The 3D machine learning system 140 identifies each basic component originating from the 3D topology generator and the 3D similarity analyzer 110 and links them to a knowledge graph generated by the knowledge and relationship graph generator 120, as well as to attributes and rules provided by the attribute and rule extractor 130. Thus, data (112, 122, 132) are cascaded according to predefined rules (geometry specific to 3D patterns, face-to-face connections, attribute identities, etc.).

[0110] Therefore, the 3D machine learning system 140 creates statistical, relational, and geometric models of the logical interdependencies between various basic components by representing the links of various basic components in a knowledge graph, and these models are enriched with industry rules, design rules, computational rules, manufacturing rules, etc.

[0111] The 3D machine learning system 140 can also discretize any 3D object into basic surfaces and 3D sub-objects to manage 3D objects and create 3D libraries.

[0112] The data (112, 122, 132) provided to the 3D machine learning system 140 may be in the form of a data table. This data is used to perform calculations on the results to be provided to the user 102 (who may be the same person as the administrator 101) who communicates with the 3D machine learning system 140 (142) and on the data to be provided (143) to the voxel and 3D object generator 150.

[0113] The 3D machine learning system 140 calculates, configures, and delivers (142) a technical solution for a part of an industrial product, which involves the assembly of one or more basic components, based on a request (142) from user 102. The calculation and configuration are performed based on attributes, rules, tree relationships, and topological properties learned by the 3D machine learning system 140. Therefore, the calculation takes into account all available 3D data related to the industrial product already manufactured by the company.

[0114] The technical solution may already exist (i.e., the technical solution already exists in the PLM), or it may even be a new technical solution based on all the criteria requested by user 102 (including all or some of the following: attributes and rules, tree relationships and topology attributes) to propose a new technical solution that is as close as possible to a physically feasible technical solution.

[0115] In the latter case (new technology solution), the 3D machine learning system 140 provides the voxel and 3D object generator 150 with the information needed to generate associated 3D objects and voxels describing the new technology solution.

[0116] The request (142) from user 102 includes, for example, a volume in a 3D region of a 3D digital model, or a topological family of 3D objects by one or more topological attributes (e.g., all 3D objects having a given volume and / or a given wetted surface area).

[0117] The voxel and 3D object generator 150 links the topological properties of each 3D object with the X, Y, Z coordinates of the 3D object's centroid to generate one or more voxels, which are enriched with properties and rules.

[0118] Then, these 3D objects and associated voxels are reintroduced (153) into the attribute and rule extractor 130. Before reintroducing them, the user 102 can examine (151) the calculations performed by the voxel and 3D object generator 150, and, if necessary, manually correct or enrich all or some of the 3D objects and associated voxels, as well as the proposed attributes and rules, tree relationships, and topological attributes.

[0119] In the case of new technology solutions, voxels and 3D object generators 150 can achieve, for example, the known pathfinding Unity. TM Software. Therefore, this function allows for the redesign of parts in a 3D volume, for example, based on a request from user 102, including decomposing the parts into existing or newly generated 3D objects and associated voxels.

[0120] Figure 2 A simplified representation of the knowledge graph generated by the knowledge and relationship graph generator 120 is provided. This knowledge graph is generated from the known industrial product structures in the PLM and transmitted via link 134. The structure of the industrial products is created during the design activity: each 3D object forming the industrial product is actually designed and positioned in digital space. The 3D objects have mutual position matrices and orientations, which are defined by CAD software during the design activity, forming part of the PLM data, and stored in PLM tables and database 131. Furthermore, "parent / child" relationship codes (product structure trees) are generated, which allows the identification of the parent and the position of the model within the product structure for each model.

[0121] Three 3D objects 201 to 203 are shown as examples. These 3D objects are defined by CAD tools and, with the aid of a 3D topology generator and a 3D similarity analyzer 110, are characterized by numerical properties of their topology (such as the topological attributes defined above). This allows them to be organized in this numerical format and stored in database 141. Therefore, each 3D object is associated with its part number (part of its attributes), its tree relationship, and its topological attributes, which are stored in databases 131, 121, and 111, respectively.

[0122] The first logical relationships 210 to 211 and 212 between 3D objects 201 / 202 and 201 / 203 are shown respectively. These logical relationships are linked to PBS data by creating a knowledge graph from the product structure implemented by the knowledge graph generator 120. Through these logical relationships, geometric position and orientation relationships exist between the 3D objects, which are defined and used to link these 3D objects together at the first relationship level.

[0123] For example, 3D object 201 represents a fastener that is positioned (matrix and orientation relation) at two geometric locations relative to 3D object 202 (logical relation 210 to 211) and at a single geometric location relative to 3D object 203 (logical relation 212).

[0124] Other initial logical relationships 213 and 214 between the component 204 of the industrial product and 3D objects 202 and 203, respectively, are shown. These logical relationships are also linked to PBS data by creating a knowledge graph from the product structure implemented by the knowledge graph generator 120. Thus, several 3D objects are merged into component 204, and then progressively merged into component 205, component 206, etc., until the complete industrial product is obtained. Therefore, the 3D model is organized into groups corresponding to the decomposition of the industrial product into component assemblies, following the structure of the industrial product.

[0125] The second logical relationships 220, 221, and 222 between 3D objects 201 / 202, 201 / 203, and 202 / 203 are shown respectively. These logical relationships link to PLM and PBS data: this is the second relationship hierarchy between 3D objects, which implements attributes and rules outside of the parent / child relationship.

[0126] For example:

[0127] - Within the context of assembling two 3D objects, "electrical coupling" constraint rules can exist between corresponding parts. By constructing a second-level logical relationship, it can be ensured that the "material" property correctly represents the 3D object, which enables the checking of material compatibility in electrical coupling;

[0128] - Using the above example of a fastener (3D object 201) used to assemble two parts (3D objects 202 and 203): Logical relationships 220 and 221 define the type of perforation for each of the two parts compatible with the fastener based on attributes (e.g., diameter, length, type of fastener, etc.) and information stored in database 131 based on rules (e.g., company-specific design and perforation rules).

[0129] Figures 3 to 5 A simplified embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0130] Figure 3 The basic components of an assembly that forms parts of an industrial product are shown:

[0131] - Angle bracket 301 with two holes;

[0132] - Floating nut 302 with two holes;

[0133] - Bolt 303;

[0134] - Rivets are made of 304 stainless steel; and

[0135] -Structural frame 305.

[0136] A general bounding box (BBOX) is shown under reference numeral 310: such a general bounding box is intended to represent each 3D object of each of the basic components 301 to 303 and 305 by means of a digital model. For example, such representation is performed using an orientation matrix M relative to a reference frame (e.g., a reference point consisting of a matrix M-Ref for industrial products), the 3D object contained within the bounding box, and the Xmin / Xmax, Ymin / Ymax, and Zmin / Zmax parameters defining the height (h), width (l), and length (L) of the 3D object. Another parameter could be thickness (e), as in the case of a corner bracket formed by folded metal sheets.

[0137] All these parameters in Figure 1 The 3D topology generator and 3D similarity analyzer 110 are generated in the 3D topology generator. For example, the general bounding box 310 applied to the basic component 301 is characterized by its height h1, width l1, length L1, thickness e1, and orientation matrix M1 to represent the corresponding 3D object.

[0138] Figure 4a The first component assembly of the basic components is shown. Its implementation is as follows:

[0139] -Angle bracket 301;

[0140] - Two floating nuts, 302a and 302b; and

[0141] - Four rivets, 304a to 304d.

[0142] Some of these basic components are 3D objects, while others are not.

[0143] Once each 3D object has been designed and positioned in digital space, the 3D objects have mutual matrix relationships, which are defined by CAD software during the design activity, form part of the PLM data, and are stored in PLM tables and database 131.

[0144] Rivets 304a to 304d represent examples that are not basic components of a 3D object. They form part of the PLM data as basic components (e.g., within the Bill of Materials (BOM)), but do not exist in the digital model. The rivets 304a to 304d, along with their associated properties, rules, and topological properties, form part of the PLM data. In particular, they therefore have an associated orientation matrix.

[0145] therefore:

[0146] M1 is the orientation matrix of the corner bracket 301;

[0147] M2a (and so on: M2b) is the orientation matrix of the floating nut 302a (and so on: 302b); and

[0148] M4a to M4d are the orientation matrices of rivets 304a to 304d, respectively.

[0149] The first component assembly is formed through the following operations:

[0150] - Based on the spacing of the four holes on the floating nuts 302a and 302b, perforate the corner brackets 301 at four locations; and

[0151] Position floating nuts 302a and 302b, and assemble them onto the corner bracket 301 using four rivets 304a to 304d.

[0152] Figure 4b A second component assembly or design scheme of the basic component is shown. In addition to the first component assembly, this second component assembly or design scheme achieves:

[0153] - Two bolts, 303a and 303b; and

[0154] -Structural frame 305.

[0155] M3a (and so on: M3b) is the orientation matrix of the floating nut 303a (and so on: 303b).

[0156] M5 is the orientation matrix of structural frame 305.

[0157] The second component assembly or design scheme is formed through the following operations:

[0158] - Based on the spacing between the two holes on the corner bracket 301, perforations are made in the structural frame 305 at the two locations; and

[0159] - Position the bracket 301 and assemble it onto the structural frame 305 using two bolts 303a and 303b.

[0160] Figure 5 Provided in Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b The basic components and component assemblies shown are simplified representations of the knowledge graph generated by the knowledge and relationship graph generator 120 in specific cases.

[0161] All 3D objects 301 through 303 and 305 are defined by CAD tools and characterized by numerical properties of topology (such as the topological attributes defined above) using a 3D topology generator and a 3D similarity analyzer 110. This allows them to be organized in this numerical format and stored in database 141. Therefore, each 3D object is associated with its part number (part of its attributes), its tree relationship, and its topological attributes, which are stored in databases 131, 121, and 111, respectively.

[0162] Rivets 304a to 304d are not shown as 3D objects, but are not considered as basic components of 3D objects.

[0163] Establish initial logical relationships:

[0164] -516 to 519, located in... Figure 4a Each of the four instances of rivet 304, corresponding to rivets 304a to 304d, is between the corner bracket 301 and the rivet 304.

[0165] -510 to 511, respectively located at and Figure 4a The two instances of floating nuts 302, corresponding to the two floating nuts 302a to 302b, are between the angle bracket 301;

[0166] -512, located between the corner bracket 301 and the structural frame 305;

[0167] -513 to 514, respectively located at and Figure 4b The two instances of bolt 303, corresponding to bolts 303a and 303b, are between the structural frame 305; and

[0168] -515, located between structural frame 305 and component assembly or design scheme 400b.

[0169] All these initial logical relationships 51x are linked to PBS data by creating a knowledge graph from the product structure implemented by the knowledge graph generator 120. Through these logical relationships, geometrical positional and orientational relationships exist between basic components, which are defined and utilized to link the basic components together at the first relationship level.

[0170] Therefore, it is worth noting that through these logical relationships 51x, the relationships between the orientation matrices are established:

[0171] -For component assembly 400a: M2a to M2b / M1 and M4a to M4d / M1; and

[0172] - For component assemblies or design schemes 400b: M1 / M5 and M3a to M3b / M5.

[0173] Establish a second logical relationship:

[0174] -520, 521, and 524 are located between the 3D objects and component assemblies or design schemes 400b of the structural frame 305, bolt 303, and corner bracket 301, respectively.

[0175] -522, located between the 3D objects of structural frame 305 and bolt 303;

[0176] -523, located between the 3D objects of structural frame 305 and corner bracket 301;

[0177] -525 and 527 are located between rivet 304 and angle bracket 301 and floating nut 302, respectively; and

[0178] -526, located between the floating nut 302 and the corner bracket 301.

[0179] All these second logical relationships 52x are linked to PLM and PBS data: this is the second relationship hierarchy between basic components, which implements attributes and rules outside of the parent / child relationship.

[0180] Therefore, as Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, several basic components are combined into component assemblies 400a and 400b, and then progressively combined into component assemblies 505, 506, etc., until a complete industrial product is obtained. Therefore, the basic components are organized into groups corresponding to the decomposition of the industrial product into component assemblies, thus following the structure of the industrial product.

[0181] Establish the relationships between the orientation matrices through other logical relationships (unnumbered) between component assemblies or design schemes 400b, 505, and 506:

[0182] -M5 / M-Ref.

[0183] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the example:

[0184] -Logical relationship 522 may include a linking rule between each instance of bolt 303 and structural frame 305, which includes, for example, the perforation diameter of two holes in structural frame 305, or the required fastening force between each instance of bolt 303 and structural frame 305;

[0185] -Logical relationship 523 may include the linking rules between corner bracket 301 and structural frame 305, for example, the sides of each of corner bracket 301 and structural frame 305 must face each other;

[0186] -Logical relation 525 may include attributes, such as a reference list of standard market components for the type of rivet 304.

[0187] Each company can choose which attributes and rules it wants to link for proper management of its industrial products.

[0188] Figure 6 A schematic representation of the steps of, for example, a method 600 implemented by a computer according to the invention is provided.

[0189] In step 601, the method involves: acquiring PLM data of an industrial product comprising at least two basic components, at least one of which is a 3D object generated from a 3D digital model.

[0190] In step 602, the method involves extracting PLM data from attributes and rules for each basic component.

[0191] In step 603, the method involves: generating a knowledge graph of tree relationships, which establishes logical relationships between basic components at the geometric and functional levels.

[0192] In step 604, the method involves generating topology properties for each basic component.

[0193] In step 605, the method involves merging the attributes and rules, tree relationships and topological attributes of each basic component in voxel form into at least one relational database.

[0194] In step 606, the method involves receiving a request from a user (102) relating to a technical solution, wherein the request includes at least one 3D volume.

[0195] In step 607, the method involves: assessing whether the technical solution exists in the PLM, and if the technical solution does not exist in the PLM: in response to a request from the user (102), generating and providing the new technical solution in the 3D volume, implementing at least one new 3D object, generating a new voxel associated with the new 3D object; and reintroducing the new voxel into the relational database.

[0196] Figure 7 A computer system is shown that can be used, for example, to implement an attribute and rule extractor 130, a knowledge and relationship graph generator 120, a 3D topology generator and a 3D similarity analyzer 110, a 3D machine learning system 140, and / or a voxel and 3D object generator 150, and / or based on... Figure 6The method steps may involve one or more computers. As those skilled in the art will understand, such a computer system may be implemented with any other suitable hardware, software and / or firmware or a combination thereof, and may be a single physical entity or multiple separate physical entities with distributed functionality.

[0197] Computer system 700 may include various hardware components, including one or more single-core or multi-core processors collectively represented by processor 701, memory 703, and input / output interface 704. In this context, processor 701 may or may not be included in an FPGA. Computer system 700 may be a general-purpose "out-of-the-box" computer system. Computer system 700 may also be distributed across multiple systems. Computer system 700 may also be specifically designed to implement this invention. As those skilled in the art will understand, various variations of computer system 700 can be envisioned.

[0198] Communication between various components of the computer system 700 can be achieved through one or more internal and / or external buses 705 (e.g., PCI bus, Universal Serial Bus, IEEE 1394 FireWire bus, SCSI bus, Serial ATA bus, ARINC bus, etc.) electrically coupled to various hardware components.

[0199] Input / output interface 704 can enable networking capabilities such as wired or wireless access. By way of example, input / output interface 704 may include a network interface, such as, but not limited to, a network port, a network socket, a network interface controller, etc. Several examples of how a networking interface can be implemented will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0200] Memory 703 may store code instructions 708, such as code instructions forming part of, for example, a library, an application, etc., which may be loaded into memory 703 and executed by processor 701 to, for example, implement the steps of the method according to the invention. Memory 703 may also store a database 709. Those skilled in the art will understand that database 709, code instructions 708, and ordinary memory 703 may also physically reside outside of computer system 700, which is still within the scope of the invention.

[0201] The input / output interface 704 enables the computer system 700 to communicate with other processors via the connection 710. This could be the case, for example, if the aforementioned calibration steps are implemented in the computer system 700, while the related steps are implemented in a processor outside the computer system 700 (e.g., on an aircraft).

[0202] Although the above embodiments have been described and depicted with reference to specific steps performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these steps may be combined, subdivided, or rearranged without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. At least some of the steps may be performed in parallel or sequentially. Therefore, the order and combination of steps do not constitute a limitation of the invention.

[0203] Modifications and improvements to the above embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The above description is illustrative by way of example and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for generating a technical solution involving the assembly of basic components, comprising the following preparatory steps: - Acquire (601) PLM data of an industrial product comprising at least two basic components, at least one of which is a 3D object generated from a 3D digital model; - Extract (602) the attributes and rules of each basic component from the PLM data; - Generate a knowledge graph of (603) tree relationships based on the PLM data, and establish logical relationships between the basic components at the geometric and functional levels; - Generate (604) topology attributes based on PLM data for each basic component; - Using a 3D machine learning system, the attributes and rules of each basic component, the tree relationships and the topological attributes are merged (605) into at least one relational database in the form of voxels; The method further includes the following steps: - Receive (606) a request from user (102) relating to the technical solution via the 3D machine learning system, the request including topological properties and at least one 3D volume characterizing the one or more basic components assembled in the technical solution; - Evaluate (607) whether the technical solution exists in the PLM via the 3D machine learning system, and if the technical solution does not exist in the PLM: - In response to the request from the user (102), generate and provide a new technology solution for implementing at least one new 3D object in the 3D volume; - Generate new voxels associated with the new 3D object; and - Reintroduce the new voxel into the relational database.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The merging step includes selecting some attributes and rules from the attributes and rules of each basic component based on the topology attributes.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of: prior to the step of reintroducing the new voxel into the relational database, having the user correct all or some of the attributes and rules, the tree relationships, and the topological attributes in the new voxel.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The knowledge of the tree relationships between the generated basic components includes: - The basic positions between the basic components and the first logical relationship (51x) between the geometrically oriented components; and -A second logical relationship (52x) between the basic components based on all or some of the attributes and rules selected by the user.

5. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method according to claims 1 to 4.

6. A system for generating technical solutions involving the assembly of basic components, comprising: - Attribute and rule extractor (130), the attribute and rule extractor being configured to receive PLM data of an industrial product comprising at least two basic components, and to extract attributes and rules associated with each of the basic components forming the industrial product, and to classify and organize the attributes and rules associated with each of the basic components forming the industrial product; - Knowledge and Relationship Graph Generator (120), the knowledge and relationship graph generator is configured to transform the PBS of the industrial products that form part of the PLM into a tree-based knowledge graph based on the PLM data and construct it into a tree-based knowledge graph, and establish logical relationships between the basic components at the geometric and functional levels; - 3D topology generator and 3D similarity analyzer (110), the 3D topology generator and 3D similarity analyzer being configured to generate topological attributes based on the PLM data and associated with each of the basic components; - A 3D machine learning system (140) and a voxel and 3D object generator (150), wherein the 3D machine learning system and the voxel and 3D object generator are configured to: - For each basic component, voxels are merged into one or more relational databases in the form of voxels, whereby the voxels include the extracted attributes and rules, the transformed tree relationships, and the generated topological attributes; - Receive (606) a request from user (102) relating to a technical solution, the request including topological properties and at least one 3D volume characterizing one or more basic components assembled in the technical solution; - Evaluate (607) whether the technical solution described herein exists in the PLM, and If the technical solution does not exist in the PLM: - In response to the request from the user (102), generate and provide a new technology solution for implementing at least one new 3D object in the 3D volume; - Generate new voxels associated with the new 3D object; as well as - Reintroduce the new voxel into the relational database.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The voxel and 3D object generator (150) is also configured to receive corrections from the user in the new voxel for all or some of the attributes and rules, the tree relationships and the topological attributes, prior to the step of reintroducing the new voxel into the relational database.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The knowledge of the tree relationships between the generated basic components includes: - The basic positions between the basic components and the first logical relationship (51x) between the geometrically oriented components; and -A second logical relationship (52x) between the basic components based on all or some of the attributes and rules selected by the user.

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