Assembly Model Display States for Hidden Component Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current display systems for assembly models require users to have specific knowledge about aircraft components to visualize and manipulate inner components, limiting accessibility for personnel without engineering expertise.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to change the display state of assembly model items from a solid view to a transparent view and eventually a hidden view within a graphical user interface, enabling the visualization of hidden components without requiring detailed knowledge, and track these changes in an assembly hierarchy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users are provided with detailed information about aircraft components to locate and visualize inner components, then the precision of component identification is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and accessibility for non-engineering personnel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the computer-based display system with automated component location features) that mediates between the user and the complex aircraft assembly. This intermediary handles the complexity of component identification internally while presenting a simplified interface to users, allowing them to locate inner components without needing detailed engineering knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing component information and relationships. The computer system autonomously stores, retrieves, and presents component data, assembly sequences, and visualizations without requiring users to manually organize or understand the underlying complex data structures.
2Measurement precision
If users are provided with detailed information about aircraft components to locate and visualize inner components, then the precision of component identification is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for personnel without engineering expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-based display system acts as an intermediary that translates complex component relationships into user-friendly visual representations. It automatically manages the connection between component identifiers, 3D model data, and visual displays, allowing users to locate inner components through simplified interactions rather than requiring deep engineering knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages digital copies of aircraft components and their relationships. By storing component information, assembly sequences, and visual data in digital form within the computer system, users can interact with these copies through the display interface without needing to physically access or understand the actual aircraft structure.
3Device complexity
If the display system shows all components in a solid view, then the simplicity of the display is maintained, but the ability to visualize inner components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts its presentation based on user needs and context. It can transition between different visualization modes (solid view, transparent view, exploded view) and automatically manage the display state of components during assembly sequence presentations, allowing inner components to be visualized when needed while maintaining simplicity otherwise.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing a display of an assembly model (112). The assembly model (112) is displayed in an initial state (124) within a first display area (108) in a graphical user interface (106). A first display state (140) of an item (138) of the assembly model (112) is changed to a second display state (141) within the first display area (108) in response to receiving a first type of input (131). The second display state (141) of the item (138) of the assembly model (112) is changed to a third display state (142) within the first display area (108) in response to receiving a second type of input (132). An entry (156) is added to an assembly hierarchy (114) within a second display area (110) in the graphical user interface (106) in response to the second display state (141) of the item (138) changing to the third display state (142).