Aircraft Shop Order Visualization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of aircraft is hindered by operators' inability to visualize the context of other parts in relation to the part being assembled, leading to increased time and cost due to the need for manual research using coordinates and CAD models, which complicates the identification of part locations and dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a graphical user interface to display the current state of aircraft assembly, showing parts and their status through a model, with graphical indicators, allowing operators to visualize the location and status of parts and tasks without needing to interpret coordinates, thereby streamlining the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If operators use coordinates and CAD models to identify part locations, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the aircraft assembly structure that operators can interact with directly. Instead of interpreting coordinates and searching through CAD models, the system provides a graphical interface that mirrors the actual assembly layout, allowing operators to visually locate parts and understand dependencies without manual research.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual interface between the operators and the complex CAD model system. This intermediary layer translates coordinate data into intuitive graphical representations, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction while maintaining accuracy. The interface acts as a bridge that preserves precision requirements while eliminating time-consuming manual interpretation.
2Measurement precision
If operators manually research part locations using coordinates, then location accuracy is achieved, but operator efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the aircraft assembly structure that operators can interact with directly. Instead of interpreting coordinates and searching through CAD models, the system provides a graphical interface that mirrors the actual assembly layout, allowing operators to visually locate parts and understand dependencies without manual research.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual interface system allows operators to self-identify part locations and dependencies through intuitive graphical displays. The system automatically provides location information and contextual data about other parts, eliminating the need for operators to manually research coordinates and interpret technical drawings.
3Loss of information
If operators view detailed CAD models to understand part context, then information completeness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex aircraft assembly information into manageable visual components. Instead of presenting a single overwhelming CAD model, the system divides the information into discrete visual elements that can be explored individually, allowing operators to understand part context without being overwhelmed by system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional CAD drawings to a three-dimensional visual representation of the aircraft assembly. This dimensional change allows operators to perceive spatial relationships and part contexts more intuitively, providing complete information in a more comprehensible format that reduces perceived complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing shop order instances for an aircraft. The shop order instances for the aircraft are identified. A current state of assembly of the aircraft is identified. A status of the shop order instances is identified. Parts present in the aircraft are identified for the current state of assembly of the aircraft. Graphical representations of the parts present for the current state of assembly for the aircraft for a group of shop order instances in a graphical user interface are displayed on a display device using a model of the aircraft. A set of graphical indicators in association with the graphical representations of the parts displayed in the graphical user interface are displayed. The set of graphical indicators indicates the status of the shop order instances.