Aircraft Serial Number Control Visualization System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of aircraft is complex and time-consuming due to operators' inability to visualize the context of parts within the aircraft, leading to increased production time and costs, as they rely on coordinates and database research to locate assembly points, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an aircraft management system to identify and display serial number-controlled parts within a volume of the aircraft, providing a visualization that allows operators to locate these parts easily, thereby reducing assembly time and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators use coordinates and database research to locate assembly points, then they can identify part locations, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the aircraft structure with parts displayed in their actual spatial context. Instead of operators researching coordinates in databases, the system generates a visual model that replicates the physical layout, allowing operators to see part locations directly without time-consuming database queries while maintaining accurate location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visualization system between the coordinate data and the operator. This intermediary translates abstract coordinates into intuitive visual representations showing part locations, relationships, and contexts. The visualization acts as a mediator that converts complex spatial data into easily interpretable graphical information, eliminating the need for operators to manually research coordinates.
2Ease of operation
If operators cannot view the context of other parts in the aircraft, then they can focus on individual tasks, but they are unable to understand part relationships and dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested visualization approach where the aircraft structure contains multiple levels of part groupings. Operators can view individual parts within their immediate context, while also seeing how those parts relate to larger assemblies and the overall aircraft structure. This nested display allows operators to maintain focus on current tasks while simultaneously accessing contextual information about part relationships and dependencies at different hierarchical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of visual detail and information density in different regions of the display. Areas with complex part relationships show more detailed contextual information, while simpler areas maintain cleaner, less cluttered visuals. This allows operators to receive appropriate contextual information locally at each part location without overwhelming the entire display, balancing task simplicity with comprehensive information availability.
3Loss of information
If the system displays detailed information about all parts, then operators can see part contexts, but the display becomes complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system that adapts its complexity based on operator needs and context. The visualization can be interactively adjusted to show or hide different levels of detail, filter parts based on relevance, and reorganize information presentation. This dynamic nature allows the display to provide comprehensive part context information when needed while maintaining simplicity during routine operations, reducing perceived complexity without sacrificing information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display information into organized groups and categories based on part relationships, assemblies, and functional groupings. Instead of presenting all part information simultaneously in a single complex view, the system divides the visualization into manageable segments that can be independently explored. This segmentation reduces display complexity by organizing information hierarchically, allowing operators to access detailed part contexts through structured navigation rather than overwhelming simultaneous presentation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method and apparatus for visualizing a group of parts in an aircraft. A volume in the aircraft is identified. The group of parts that are serial number controlled within the volume are also identified. The group of parts within the volume are displayed on a display system to form a visualization. The visualization enables locating the group of parts within the aircraft.