Unified Data Framework for Aircraft Part Lifecycle Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft design, manufacture, and maintenance lack a unified framework for data collection and sharing, resulting in data silos and minimal automatic feedback between stages, hindering the effective lifecycle management of aircraft parts.

Innovation Solution

A software platform that enables automatic feedback of digital data throughout the aircraft part lifecycle, integrating design, test, build, and in-service modules to collect, transmit, and utilize data for continuous validation and improvement, including structural health monitoring and performance analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data collection and sharing is performed without a common framework, then each stage can maintain its own data formats and processes, but data silos are created and automatic feedback between stages is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata feedbackVSAvoidframework complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously separate data collection and management systems into a unified common framework that enables automated data feedback across all lifecycle stages. This integration consolidates data flows from design, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance into a single coherent system, eliminating data silos while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common framework is designed with universal data collection capabilities that can handle multiple data types and formats across different lifecycle stages. The framework provides multi-functional data management services including collection, validation, storage, and automated feedback distribution to various stakeholders, making it adaptable to diverse requirements without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data comes in different formats without standardization, then each department can use its preferred format, but data silos are created and data cannot be effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata format flexibilityVSAvoiddata usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The framework implements parameter changes by establishing standardized data formats and schemas that transform diverse incoming data into a unified structure. The system automatically converts data from various sources into standardized parameters while preserving essential information, enabling effective data utilization across all lifecycle stages without sacrificing adaptability to different data sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The common framework acts as an intermediary layer between diverse data sources and end-users. It receives data in various formats, processes and standardizes it through intermediate transformation layers, and then distributes the standardized data to appropriate stakeholders, thereby maintaining data flexibility while ensuring usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If there is no automatic feedback mechanism, then data can be collected at each stage independently, but data cannot be used to impact the lifecycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifecycle efficiencyVSAvoidautomatic feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The framework implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously transmit data and insights back to relevant lifecycle stages. Data collected from manufacturing, testing, and maintenance automatically feeds into design and planning processes, enabling continuous improvement and informed decision-making without manual intervention, thereby enhancing lifecycle efficiency through automated information circulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining constant automated data flow and feedback loops throughout the lifecycle. Data collection, processing, and distribution occur continuously rather than in discrete batches, enabling real-time or near-real-time utilization of data across all stages, thereby maximizing productivity through uninterrupted information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11738886B2Automatic digital data feedback and utilization in aircraft part lifecycle
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 THE BOEING CO
  • US11738886B2 patent drawing
  • US11738886B2 patent drawing
  • US11738886B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An aircraft lifecycle in which digital data for an aircraft part is automatically collected, retained, and utilized to individualize aircraft inspection and maintenance is described. Several types of data, including non-destructive evaluation and measurement data and structural health monitoring data, are used in a feedback loop having various phases which may automatically receive data in digital format from other phases. In this manner the part being designed, fabricated, tested, and maintained for the aircraft is optimized and processes involved in the lifecycle of the part is made more efficient.