Aircraft Repair Knowledge Framework for Composite Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repair of aircraft structural components, particularly those made of composite materials, is complex and time-consuming due to the lack of comprehensive damage and repair scenarios in Structural Repair Manuals (SRMs), leading to high costs and long repair cycle times, and the industry faces challenges in utilizing specialized knowledge stored in databases effectively.
Innovation Solution
A framework and method that automatically generates knowledge interpretation systems and query systems based on user inputs, utilizing SRMs and damage/repair history to provide fast, effective, and consistent repair solutions for both metallic and composite structures, supporting various aircraft configurations and SRM versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Structural Repair Manuals (SRMs) are used to provide repair solutions for aircraft structural components, then comprehensive repair information is available, but the repair process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voluminous SRM documents into structured, machine-readable formats with defined schemas. Repair information is divided into discrete data elements that can be independently queried and processed, transforming the monolithic SRM into manageable modular components that enable rapid information retrieval without manual document navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary framework consisting of structured data schemas, validation rules, and interpretation systems that mediate between the raw SRM content and the repair engineer. This intermediary layer automatically processes and validates repair information, eliminating the need for engineers to manually interpret complex SRM documents while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2Reliability
If specialized knowledge is stored in databases for repair processes, then expertise is preserved, but the knowledge is not effectively utilized in providing repair solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the structured knowledge base automatically validates repair solutions against stored expertise and guidelines. The system performs self-validation by checking proposed repairs against predefined schemas, constraints, and best practices embedded in the framework, eliminating the need for manual expert review while ensuring knowledge adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where the structured knowledge base provides real-time validation and guidance to repair engineers. The system continuously checks proposed repair solutions against stored specialized knowledge, providing immediate feedback on compliance and suggesting corrections, thereby effectively utilizing preserved expertise throughout the repair process.
3Reliability
If repair processes rely on expert interpretation of SRMs, then accurate repair solutions are provided, but dependency on experts increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of expert human interpretation with an automated computational framework. Structured schemas, validation rules, and algorithmic processing substitute for expert cognitive processes, automatically ensuring repair solution accuracy through systematic validation against predefined criteria while eliminating dependency on individual expert availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the qualitative, experience-based expert interpretation process into quantitative, rule-based automated validation. By changing the parameters from subjective expert judgment to objective structured data validation with defined schemas and constraints, the system maintains accuracy while removing expert dependency.
4Reliability
If SRMs are updated periodically with new guidelines, then repair information remains current, but repair engineers must continuously study and adapt to new versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-structuring all SRM content into machine-readable formats with validated schemas before updates occur. When SRM updates are released, the structured framework automatically incorporates new guidelines through schema updates and validation rule modifications, eliminating the need for engineers to manually study changes since the system proactively adapts to current versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal structured framework that can accommodate multiple SRM versions and different aircraft configurations through parameterized schemas. This multi-functional system handles various SRM editions and aircraft types within a single unified structure, automatically adapting to updates without requiring separate study processes for each version or configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A framework for supporting one or more repair processes of one or more aircraft. The repair processes are based on repair information or repair solution corresponding to the damages to one or more structural components of the aircraft. The framework includes a knowledge engine, and a deployment engine. The knowledge engine automatically generates one or more knowledge interpretation systems based on the user inputs. The knowledge interpretation systems provide the repair information corresponding to the various structural components of the aircraft based on the user inputs. The deployment engine fulfills the deployment requirements corresponding to the one or more knowledge interpretation systems.