Aircraft Parts Management System Using Universal Identification Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for tracking aircraft parts across different manufacturers and airlines are inefficient due to the use of various identification systems, leading to increased time and effort in inventory management and maintenance, and potential inaccuracies in part histories and information.

Innovation Solution

A parts management system comprising a storage system, database of codes, and computer system that associates each code with a plurality of identifiers for part identification, allowing the system to receive and match identifiers to access related information from a repository, thereby streamlining the identification and tracking of parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different identification systems are used by manufacturers, airlines, and maintenance organizations, then each entity can track parts according to its own requirements, but the time and effort needed to identify and match parts across entities increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different identification systemsVSAvoidtime to identify and match parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal identification code structure that can represent multiple different identification systems (manufacturer part numbers, airline designators, maintenance organization codes) within a single standardized format. This allows the system to handle diverse identification requirements while enabling automated matching and reducing manual intervention time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized identification code acts as an intermediary layer between different entity-specific identification systems. Rather than requiring direct mapping between each pair of systems, the standardized code serves as a common reference point that facilitates automated part identification and matching across all entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive inventory reviews are performed to ensure accurate part information, then part tracking accuracy improves, but the time and effort required for these reviews increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of part informationVSAvoidtime for inventory reviews

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and validation of part information at the point of data entry, using the standardized code structure to automatically verify part details against the database. This preliminary checking ensures accuracy early in the process, reducing the need for time-consuming comprehensive inventory reviews later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized identification system provides immediate feedback when part information is entered or matched, automatically validating codes and flagging discrepancies. This continuous feedback mechanism maintains data accuracy without requiring manual inventory reviews, as errors are detected and corrected in real-time during normal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual methods are used to review and verify part information across different entities, then flexibility in handling various identification systems is maintained, but maintenance costs and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various identification systemsVSAvoidefficiency of part identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical methods of part identification and matching with an automated computer-based system that processes standardized identification codes. This substitution maintains the ability to handle various identification systems through software configuration while dramatically improving processing efficiency and reducing manual labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8935286B1Interactive system for managing parts and information for parts

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method and apparatus for managing parts. A number of identifiers is received for an unidentified part. A determination is made as to whether the number of identifiers sufficiently matches a number of corresponding identifiers in a plurality of identifiers in a code stored in a database of codes associated with parts. The code is associated with the part. In response to the number of identifiers matching the number of corresponding identifiers in the plurality of identifiers in the code, a repository storing related information for the parts is accessed to obtain the related information for the part using a code identified for the part.