3D Defect Mapping in Aircraft Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for documenting and analyzing defects in complex systems, such as aircraft, are inefficient due to reliance on two-dimensional drawings, which require extensive time and resources to identify and document defects across multiple drawings, slowing down product completion and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for presenting defects in a three-dimensional model, where defect information is retrieved from a database and integrated into a three-dimensional model of the system, allowing for a graphical user interface to display defects in their correct locations, enhancing visualization and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If defects are documented using two-dimensional drawings, then defect information can be recorded, but the time and effort required to identify and document defects increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional drawings to three-dimensional visualizations to display defect locations. By mapping defect data onto 3D models of the system, engineers can visually locate defects in spatial context without manually searching through multiple 2D drawings, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining complete defect information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between defect data storage and human analysis. The system automatically retrieves defect information from databases, processes it, and generates 3D visualizations, eliminating the manual process of cross-referencing multiple 2D drawings and significantly reducing the time required to identify and document defects
2Loss of information
If multiple two-dimensional drawings are used to locate defects, then comprehensive defect coverage is achieved, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple defect location information from various 2D drawings into a single integrated 3D visualization. By combining defect data with the 3D system model, the patent presents comprehensive defect coverage in one unified view, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple separate drawings and reducing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the third dimension to defect visualization, allowing all defect locations to be displayed simultaneously in their spatial context. This dimensional transition consolidates information that would otherwise require multiple 2D drawings, maintaining accurate defect location information while simplifying the overall process
3Measurement precision
If engineers manually search through engineering definitions and drawings to locate defects, then precise defect location is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary that automatically retrieves defect information from databases and generates 3D visualizations with precise defect locations. This automated process maintains the precision of manual methods while dramatically increasing productivity by eliminating manual searching through engineering definitions and drawings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of searching through drawings with an automated computer-based system. The system automatically processes defect data, retrieves relevant information, and generates 3D visualizations, substituting human manual search efforts with automated computational processes that achieve the same precision faster
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for a three dimensional presentation of defects in a system. In response to a request to present a set of defects using a three dimensional presentation, information is retrieved for the set of defects from a database, wherein the information includes an identification of a defect and a location of the defect in the system. A three dimensional model of the system is retrieved in which the defects are located. The defects are placed in the three dimensional model of the system to generate a modified three dimensional model. The modified three dimensional model is presented on a graphical user interface.