Asset Configuration System Using Link Hotspots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing asset configurations are inefficient, often relying on non-digital attributes that lack contextual information, leading to interpretation errors and limited access, making it difficult to organize and share component data across organizations, especially for assets like aircraft and maritime vessels.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system and method for recording configuration records of asset components using a user interface device with link hotspots that couple attributes and aspects, allowing for the comparison and storage of attributes, and facilitating maintenance and evaluation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If non-digital attributes are used to document configurations, then accessibility and sharing of data are limited, but organization and management become more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of attribute dataVSAvoidtime to organize and manage attributes
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical filing systems (mechanical organization methods like folders and binders) with a digital database system that stores attributes electronically. This substitution enables widespread access to attribute data while automating organization and management processes, thereby improving accessibility without increasing time requirements for data management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of attribute data stored in a database, allowing multiple users to access and share the same information simultaneously. This eliminates the limitation of physical documents being accessible to only one person at a time, significantly improving data accessibility and collaboration while reducing the time needed to retrieve and share information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If attributes are stored without contextual information, then data storage is simpler, but interpretation errors increase and effectiveness is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of data storageVSAvoidaccuracy of attribute interpretation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested data structure where attributes are stored within a hierarchical framework that includes contextual information. Each attribute can contain nested elements such as component identification, position data, and descriptive information. This nested organization maintains data simplicity at the access level while embedding rich contextual information within the structure, thereby improving interpretation accuracy without significantly increasing storage complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If administrative control is used to manage attribute associations, then organization is maintained, but errors in associating aspect information occur and uncertainty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of managing attribute associationsVSAvoidaccuracy of aspect information association
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated association mechanisms where the system automatically links aspect information to attributes based on predefined rules and data relationships. This self-service approach eliminates manual administrative control for associations, reducing human error while maintaining organizational structure through automated consistency checks and validation protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates validation and verification mechanisms that provide feedback on the accuracy of attribute associations. The system checks whether aspect information is correctly linked to attributes and alerts users to potential errors, thereby improving the reliability of associations while maintaining ease of operation through guided processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2660740B1Component configuration system and methods of operating same
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2660740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2660740B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2660740B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and methods to record a configuration record for components of an asset is provided. The system includes a user interface device comprising a screen having a plurality of attributes and a plurality of link hotspots coupled to the plurality of attributes. A database is coupled to the user interface device, wherein the database includes an aspect associated with each of the plurality of attributes. The system includes a processor coupled to the user interface device and the database, wherein the processor configured to couple the aspect to the plurality of link hotspots.