3D Model-Based Inspection Plan Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In parts manufacturing, especially during assembly processes, the reliance on outdated or incorrect paper-based visual assets for visual inspections leads to inefficiencies and quality control issues, as product revisions are not effectively reflected in inspection plans.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a 3D model-based approach to create and manage assembly and inspection plans, allowing for the association of 3D models with inspection tasks, enabling precise location and viewing of parts for inspection, and facilitating the creation, editing, and execution of inspection operations within the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper-based visual assets are used for visual inspection planning, then the inspection process can be performed with simple tools, but the visual assets can be outdated or incorrect as products are revised and updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of visual inspection assets directly from the 3D CAD model. These digital copies are stored in the PDM system and automatically updated when the CAD model changes, replacing outdated paper-based assets with accurate, version-controlled digital representations of the product geometry and inspection features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the PDM system monitors changes to the 3D CAD model and automatically triggers updates to the inspection plan assets. This ensures that the visual inspection assets always reflect the current product design without manual intervention to identify and correct outdated information.
2Loss of information
If 3D model data is integrated into inspection plans, then inspection accuracy and up-to-date information are improved, but the complexity of the inspection plan management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PDM system serves multiple functions: it stores the 3D CAD model, manages the inspection plan, and automatically generates and updates visual inspection assets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for CAD management and inspection planning, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extracting inspection-relevant geometry and features from the 3D CAD model before the inspection plan is executed. This pre-processing creates ready-to-use visual assets that are automatically updated when the model changes, eliminating manual updates and ensuring information accuracy.
3Productivity
If manual updates of visual assets are performed when products are revised, then the inspection plan can be kept current, but this process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting changes to the 3D CAD model and triggering the regeneration of visual inspection assets without human intervention. The PDM system manages the entire update process autonomously, from detecting model changes to updating the inspection plan assets, eliminating manual update efforts and associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous accuracy of visual inspection assets by maintaining an automatic update mechanism that operates continuously alongside product design changes. Rather than periodic manual updates, the system provides continuous synchronization between the CAD model and inspection assets, ensuring they are always current without interrupting production workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a non-transitory machine-readable medium that stores a program. The program retrieves an assembly and inspection plan for a product. The assembly and inspection plan includes a three-dimensional (3D) model of the product to be assembled. The program further creates an inspection task for an inspection operation in the assembly and inspection plan for the product. The program also associates the 3D model with the inspection task for the inspection operation.